Jackson’s Highway 80 landmark sets a February closing as other Southern favorites say goodbye
This week’s Southern Last Call highlights a season of significant farewells, anchored by the closure of Mississippi’s 70-year-old Crechale’s Cafe. The Jackson institution, known for its knotty pine interior, antique jukebox, and decades of family celebrations, announced its final service for February 15, 2026, following the passing of longtime owner Bob Crechale. The wave of closures extends across the region, claiming historic spots like Kentucky’s Nettie’s Restaurant and Tolly-Ho, Indiana’s 50-year-old Back 40 Junction, and Missouri’s 80-year-old Sugar Creek landmark, marking the end of an era for dining rooms that defined their communities for generations. This email was originally sent out on Jan 7th, 2026.
Welcome to this week’s Southern Last Call. Down here, the best restaurants have never been just about the food—they’re about the “hey, how’s your mama?” greetings, the worn-in booths, and the recipes passed down through generations. On Wednesdays, we’re paying tribute to the latest institutions closing their doors across the South. From the Gulf to the Appalachians, these are the kitchens that fed our communities, the landmarks that defined our towns, and the stories that deserve one final toast before the lights go out. Read more here.
