A BELOVED health-inspired taco restaurant is shutting down – and its owner has given a bizarre reason for its sudden closure.
The popular backyard bistro is closing its doors after two years of bustling service – and social media users have been mourning the painful loss online.
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Hound & Harvest is set to close on Sunday with its last ever orders coming in at 4pm on July 13.
And its owner has explained how the Huntsville site had been “priced out” of the market.
Bobby Jordan told AL.com: “We have made the tough decision to close because of the physical building and parking lot were not sizable enough to sustain or scale our business model.”
The owner explained that its small size was part of the issue.
The beloved and intimate restaurant only has parking for about a dozen vehicles.
And this limited space has hampered the restaurant’s ability to stay afloat.
Before making the final call to close for good, Hound & Harvest looked at relocating to areas including Madison, Jones Valley, Hampton Cove, Five Points, South Huntsville, and Athens.
Jordan explained: “They all either priced us out of the market rent-wise, as many mentioned they were looking for a national brand that would sign a 15-year lease, were not a conveniently accessible location for our ideal clientele, or would be a 12 to 24 month build process.”
He added that these factors were “not ideal in our current economic environment”.
An emotional social media post on June 8 announced the tragic closing.
The restaurant said: “It’s with full hearts and deep gratitude that we share the news that our last day of service will be Sunday, July 13th. We will close at 4:00 PM.”
It also included a heartfelt thank you to their customers.
The post read: “Over the years, Hound & Harvest has been more than just a restaurant, it’s been a place where laughter was shared, memories were made, and love was served with every plate.
“But what made this place truly special… was you.
“To our loyal customers, neighbors, friends, and of course, your four-legged family members; thank you.”
The post continued: “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for letting us be a part of your lives and for allowing us to serve this beautiful community, humans and hounds alike.”
Scores of grieving fans poured on in the replies, with many even urging the owner to reconsider closing.
One user said: “I really hate to read this… Hound and Harvest is such a light in our community. You will be greatly missed.”
Another said: “This is disappointing. This place is excellent and staffed by some wonderful people. We don’t have many local restaurants of this caliber.”
While a third pleaded: “What can we do to keep your doors open!?”
One user begged the store to stay open, saying: “This is our favorite restaurant.
“I even got my non vegan hunny eating vegan there… We will be by this week.
“We loooove the chorizo tacos. I hope there is a chance to reconsider!”
Another chimed in with an emotional comment.
They said: “Oh nooooo!!! I love this little place. I’m sad now. I do understand business decisions are often hard to make.
“Thank you for being the quaint, fun, delicious, laid back, healthy, friendliest place. We will miss you all.”
The restaurant opened in summer 2023 in Huntsville’s medical district, Alabama, and was built into a 2358 Whitesburg Drive space that was formerly a doctor’s office.
The popular store serves up fresh tacos, vegan options and breakfast.
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