By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK—A beloved fixture of the local dining scene will close its doors sooner than expected, as El Palacio announced an updated final day of operation on Sunday, April 26.
The restaurant had previously shared plans to remain open through April 30, but in an update, ownership informed the Dale County Chronicle that the timeline has been moved up after further consideration.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share that we will need to close earlier than expected,” the statement read. “Our updated last day of operation will be Sunday, 4/26. This decision comes after careful consideration and for many reasons. Unfortunately, it was not feasible for us to remain open through the 30th as originally planned.”
The decision comes after the local favorite had to close early after running out of food
Owners Ben Brown and Kevin Smith did not specify the exact reasons behind the earlier closure but emphasized their desire to give the community one final opportunity to visit.
“We are doing our best to allow everyone to come eat with us, visit one more time, and share a few more memories before we close,” the statement continued. “Thank you again for your love, support, and understanding during this time. It means more to us than words can say.”
The announcement adds a sudden sense of urgency for longtime customers who had planned to stop by in the restaurant’s final days next week.
The Dale County Chronicle reached out to the restaurant to confirm their schedule and they informed us they will be open from 11:00 until they sell out of food on Saturday and Sunday.
The new owners of the building have already started painting it in preparation for opening an authentic Mexican-style restaurant.
For decades, El Palacio has been more than just a restaurant in Ozark. Since opening in the 1960s, it has served as a gathering place for generations of families, hosting everything from casual weeknight dinners to milestone celebrations. Its familiar atmosphere and longtime staff helped make it a cornerstone of the community.
My family has decades of cherished memories dining at El Palacio, which has become an institution in the Wiregrass area. My first visit I can recall to the Americanized-style Mexican restaurant was when I was five or six years old, and our family continued to celebrate birthdays, special events, and just special time dining with loved ones. These memories are echoed by thousands of people who share a similar place in their hearts for the beloved restaurant.
In their initial announcement, Brown and Smith reflected on that legacy, describing El Palacio as “a place of friendship, tradition, and unforgettable moments,” and expressing gratitude to customers, employees, and supporters who have been part of its story over the years.
The closure marks the end of an era for Wiregrass residents, many of whom have deep personal ties to the restaurant. With the revised timeline, community members now have only a short window remaining to visit one last time before the doors close for good.
