Southern Last Call (Every Wednesday) tells the story of Southern restaurants that once buzzed with conversation, comfort food, and familiar faces. From family-run kitchens to beloved neighborhood institutions, this Wednesday edition focuses on places that meant more than just a meal. It’s a final toast to hospitality, tradition, and the routines that made these spots feel like home.
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- 🌵 Southwest Stories — Monday
Texas · New Mexico · Arizona · Oklahoma - 🌾 Midwest Farewell — Tuesday
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California · Oregon · Washington · Alaska · Hawaii - 🏔 Mountain West Report — Friday
Idaho · Montana · Wyoming · Colorado · Utah · Nevada - 🍁 New England Notes — Saturday
Maine · Vermont · New Hampshire · Massachusetts · Rhode Island · Connecticut - 🏙 Mid-Atlantic Memo — Sunday Morning
New York · New Jersey · Pennsylvania · Delaware · Maryland · Washington, D.C.
Southern Last Call: Historic Icons and Local Staples Say Goodbye
The restaurant landscape is taking some heavy hits this season. In this roundup, we are saying goodbye to several decades-old establishments across the South, including a 119-year-old Nashville legend and the iconic Athens eatery that inspired an R.E.M. album.
Here is the latest breakdown of what is closing its doors for good.
⏳ Upcoming Closures (Get There While You Can)
Updated March 2nd, 2026
If you are in the area, you still have a little time to pay your final respects to these establishments before they lock up.
- Bristol Bar & Grille (Louisville, KY) – Closing March 15, 2026: After nearly 48 years of service, the flagship location at 1321 Bardstown Rd is preparing to serve its final meal.
- Hard Rock Cafe (Key West, FL) – Closing Late April 2026: A staple for tourists and locals alike, this location is shutting down after decades on the island.
- Luna Rotisserie (Carrboro, NC) – Closing March 8, 2026: The final service will be early this month, though their catering operations will continue in Durham.
- Wendy’s (Springfield, KY) – Closing Early March 2026: Shutting down shortly, with management directing local customers to the nearby Lebanon location.
🚪 Recent Closings (Saying Goodbye)
Updated March 2nd, 2026
From franchisee bankruptcies to soaring food costs, these spots have officially served their last meals.
- Varallo’s (Nashville, TN): The end of an absolute era. After an astounding 119 years in business, Nashville’s oldest restaurant closed in late February. The owners cited rising costs as the ultimate factor.
- Weaver D’s Fine Foods (Athens, GA): The famous 1016 Broad St. landmark—known for its “Automatic for the People” slogan that inspired the legendary R.E.M. album—has closed. A Baddies burger chain is taking over the space.
- DePalma’s Italian Cafe (Athens, GA): Another major loss for Athens. The Broad Street location shuttered on February 27th after 38 years so the owner can spend more time with family.
- Del Taco (Statewide, GA): A massive franchisee bankruptcy has resulted in the sudden closure of all 11 remaining Del Taco locations across the state of Georgia on February 17th.
- The Village Restaurant (Charlotte, NC): After 42 years at Graham & Atando, this beloved local spot closed on March 1st so the owner can focus on family.
- Columbia Steak Express (Lexington, KY): Famous for the “Nighthawk” special, this Southland Drive staple closed on February 21st after operating since 1994.
- Chik’n & Mi (Louisville, KY): The Mellwood Avenue spot closed on February 28th, citing a combination of soaring food costs and lingering pandemic financial strain.
- Joyland (Charleston, SC): Sean Brock’s concept at 145 Calhoun St. closed on February 19th, exactly one year after it opened.
- Brixx Wood Fired (Greensboro, NC): Both the Greensboro (Westover Terrace) and Winston-Salem locations abruptly closed on February 16th.
- By the Brewery (Memphis, TN): After five years on Tennessee St., significant winter storm damage forced the spot to close its doors permanently on February 16th.
- Barrentine’s Fish Market (Dothan, AL): Following a devastating fire, this historic fish market was officially demolished in late February.
- Cartwright Foodhall (Greer, SC): The foodhall officially closed its doors for good in late February.
- Fazoli’s (Lexington, KY): The Richmond Rd location posted permanent closure notices in late February.
- Fin & Flame Grill (Palm City, FL): Closed on February 15th after the property was sold to the owner of Fantini’s Apizza. The previous owners are stepping away to focus on family.
- Joella’s Hot Chicken (Lexington, KY): The Sir Barton Way (Hamburg) location shuttered on February 17th, though the Cochran Rd location remains open.
- Moe’s Southwest Grill (Gainesville, FL): A notice was posted confirming the permanent closure of the W Newberry Rd location on February 16th.
- Sam’s Hot Dog Stand (Lexington, KY): This casual staple for hot dogs and shakes at Lex Green Cir exited the market on February 18th.
- Thai Taco Sushi (Summerville, SC): Closed on February 20th due to landlord issues, though ownership is currently seeking a new location.
A Quick Note on Gary’s BBQ (China Grove, NC): While they did close on February 15th for a leadership transition, don’t panic! They are scheduled to reopen their doors tomorrow, March 3rd.