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Weekend partiers will need to find another late-night stop to relieve the munchies.

The Frontier Restaurant is no longer open 24/7.

Drunken brawls have forced the owners of the popular Central Avenue eatery to close for several hours on weekend mornings.

The Frontier, which has been operating across from the University of New Mexico for 35 years, will close its doors from 1:30 to 4 a.m. Fridays through Sundays, starting this weekend.

The restaurant remains open 24 hours a day Monday through Thursday, said graveyard shift Manager Gabriela Fernandez.

The problem is weekend drunks, she said. In spite of heightened security over the years, fights break out on the sidewalk, in the parking lot, even inside.

"People are out after the bars close. Sometimes it looks like a bar in here," Fernandez said. "It's better to just close it down before somebody gets hurt."

Since it opened in 1971, the Frontier has been a Duke City fixture known far and wide for its New Mexican fare and cinnamon rolls.

Beginning in November 1991, it has been open 24 hours a day.

Owners Larry and Dorothy Rainosek have boosted security over the years, Fernandez said. On weekend nights, nine security officers patrol inside or out, she said. Patrons are "wanded" when they enter the restaurant to check for weapons.

But with late-night lines stretching out the door and around the corner, fights still erupt, Fernandez said. Most are outside, but there was a big one Saturday between the tables inside, she said.

"I have no idea" what it was about, she said. "We're behind the counter. All we know is there's stuff flying everywhere."

The violence is a weekend phenomenon, Fernandez said. When drinkers leave the bars, many head to the Frontier for a snack. Breakfast burritos and the gooey rolls are the top-sellers, she said.

And sales are good during those hours, she acknowledged. "But we've had all the other problems that come along with them."

The owners "have done everything in their power to make sure we're safe," Fernandez said. "It's just not working anymore."

The cafe will remain open from 4 a.m. Sunday through 1:30 a.m. Friday, so midweek night owls won't lose their perch, Fernandez said.