An elderly couple was killed crossing a busy street to have dinner at a popular Brevard County restaurant Thursday.

It happened just after 6 p.m. as the couple crossed U.S. Highway 1 to eat at the Yellow Dog Cafe in Malabar.

It’s a crossing even the restaurant's owners, Nancy and Stuart Borton, say is dangerous.

It was a somber day for the Bortons and staff there, especially for those who saw the horrific scene last night.

They are adamant they've tried everything to make it safer to get from the parking lot across the street to the restaurant.

"Somebody's mom and dad died last night coming to my restaurant to dine. It's just so wrong," said Nancy.

The Florida Highway Patrol identified the victims as Carl and Mary Burch, ages 77 and 70, of Palm Bay.

They were both were hit and killed by a car while walking across U.S. Highway 1.

"They do have the valet, but not everyone will use the valet. So people park and take their chances going across the road," said Juliette McCarthy, who witnessed the crash.

"It's just a dangerous road, and horrific thing that happened last night," Stuart said.

The Borton’s have run a successful business there for 15 years.

So popular, the 15 spaces next to the building always fill up.

Years ago, they opened a 60-car parking lot across the four-lane highway and began offering free valet service.

“It's been an uphill battle, and I'm afraid for our customers. That's one of the reasons we put the valet out there,” said Stuart.

They installed large lights for the overflow parking lot, lobbied the Department of Transportation for more street lights and for the speed limit to be reduced from 55 to 45 mph.

Friday, the couple prayed by the side of the road where the victims were struck and put a wreath in the median.

“I want to send my condolences to the family. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry,” Nancy said.

The Bortons said they are looking at other options, like a crosswalk to link the two sides of the roadway.

They offered to pay for any lighting improvements the DOT signs off on.

So far no charges have been filed against the driver.

The DOT said it's reviewing the situation and will determine appropriate action once they get all the facts.

Malabar’s town council just announced they will discuss the issue at an upcoming meeting in January.