For many in Ozark, the news doesn’t feel like just another restaurant closing—it feels personal.
OZARK , Ala. - After more than 60 years of serving the community, El Palacio is preparing to close its doors at the end of April, marking the end of an era for generations of families who grew up inside its walls.
On any given day, the sounds inside El Palacio are familiar—chips crunching, fajitas sizzling, servers calling out orders like “spicy cheese dip” as they move from table to table. But now, those everyday moments carry a new weight, as customers come in not just for a meal, but for one last memory. For longtime customer Phyllis Brighton, El Palacio has been part of her family’s routine for years. She remembers the traditions that turned into lifelong memories. “Every week we’d come here on Friday night,” Brighton said. “We brought our little girl when she was just eight months old, sitting in a highchair.”
That kind of connection is exactly what owners say made El Palacio special. While many know it for its food, those behind the restaurant say it was always about something more. Owner Ben Brown still remembers the day he and his business partner Kevin Smith took over the restaurant in March 2011. But even then, he understood they were stepping into something much bigger than themselves. El Palacio had already been a staple in the Ozark community since the late 1960s, with roots that stretch back even further through its original ownership.
Over the years, that “flame” became less about the menu and more about the people who walked through the doors. Brown said the relationships built over time are what he will carry with him the most. “My heart runneth over… these people are so important to me,” he said. “The compassion, the care—that’s what I’m going to miss. My heart’s gotten bigger over the last 15 years.”
Customers say the restaurant has been there for life’s biggest and smallest moments. From first dates to after-school meals and celebrations, El Palacio became a place woven into everyday life. Danny Wilson said the staff always went above and beyond for his family. “They always took care of us—really catered to our needs,” he said.“We live in Troy, and it was always special to come down here,” she said. For Sonya Davis, El Palacio holds an even deeper meaning. She now comes with her husband quite often. “This was my first Mexican restaurant—our first official date,” Davis said. “I’ll never forget that.”
The Ozark location holds a unique place in the restaurant’s history. It was the original El Palacio before additional locations opened in Enterprise and Dothan. Now, it stands as the last remaining location, making its closing even more significant.“This has nothing to do with failure,” he said. “It’s just closing one chapter and starting another.”
That next chapter will focus on the restaurant’s Sombrero Salsa brand, which the owners began packaging and distributing in recent years. Brown said it’s a way to carry El Palacio forward, even after the doors close.
In the final days leading up to closing, the focus isn’t on saying goodbye—but on celebrating everything the restaurant has been. Brown hopes customers will stop by one last time to share stories, laughter, and a meal.
Even so, the reality of the final day is beginning to set in. Brown admits it won’t be easy.Customers feel that same emotion. Gina Etheredge said the news hit her hard.
As the end of the month approaches, El Palacio remains full—not just of customers, but of stories. Stories of families who grew up together, couples who built their lives together, and a community that found a second home inside a restaurant. While the doors may soon close, for many in Ozark, El Palacio will always be more than a place to eat. It will be a place where memories were made—and where they will continue to live on long after the last plate is served.
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