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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – Three longtime staples of Montevallo’s dining scene are closing their doors this month, marking the end of an era for local residents and visitors alike.

El Agave Bar and Grill, a Mexican restaurant that operated in downtown Montevallo for 16 years, has permanently closed. Meanwhile, Montevallo’s KFC location will close on Wednesday, Oct. 15, and the city’s Papa John’s restaurant has also recently closed its doors.

Courtney Bennett, executive director of Montevallo Main Street, said the community is feeling the loss of all three restaurants.

“I was very sad to hear about both El Agave and KFC closing,” Bennett said. “Both restaurants have been part of the fabric of downtown Montevallo for a couple of decades. I am always sad when businesses close, but this one especially hurts.”

Bennett said that while the closures are disappointing, they also open the door for new opportunities.

“Although we are sad to see both of these businesses go, it opens opportunities for new businesses to come in,” she said. “El Agave, for example, has been open for 16 years. I frequented it during my time as a student at UM and even ate there last weekend. I was shocked to hear on Monday morning that we were going to lose both restaurants.”

Bennett noted that when business owners make the difficult decision to close, it’s rarely due to a single cause.

“Usually when a business owner decides to close, it is a difficult decision that they have come to over a period of many months,” she said. “It’s never any one thing—it’s usually a multitude of factors.”

Despite the recent closures, Bennett said Montevallo’s business climate remains strong.

“I would say our overall business climate is good, but increasing costs and other challenges that are facing the world economy trickle down to our small businesses right here at home,” she said. “As always, it’s important that we support our small businesses as much as we can, keeping our dollars in our own community.”

Bennett also pointed to several positive developments downtown. Sophie’s Kitchen, a “meat and three” restaurant that started as a food truck, recently opened a brick-and-mortar location. In addition, downtown Montevallo will welcome its first hotel, Cobblestone, within the next year or two.

“I think this will help our small downtown businesses tremendously because people will be staying and dining downtown more than ever,” Bennett said.

Montevallo Main Street continues to focus on retaining and supporting local businesses while working with partners like 58 INC and Main Street Alabama to attract new ones.

“Our doors are always open when any business owner wants to talk to anyone with Main Street, the city or the Chamber of Commerce,” Bennett said. “We want to hear and help address their concerns. We also focus on making sure downtown as a whole is attractive, and that we bring people in with special events that give business owners the opportunity to convert visitors into customers.”

Bennett said both local restaurants and national chains serve a role in Montevallo’s dining landscape.

“Both independent restaurants and chain restaurants serve as important pieces of our dining landscape,” she said.

El Agave’s owners shared their gratitude to the community in a farewell statement.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of El Agave Bar and Grill after 16 wonderful years of serving our community,” the restaurant’s statement read. “Due to economic reasons, we are sadly unable to continue operations and will be closing our doors.”

“On behalf of all the families who have worked at El Agave over the years, we extend our deepest gratitude for your loyalty, support and friendship. You have not only been our customers but a part of our family, and we will truly miss you all.”

Even amid the losses, Bennett expressed confidence in Montevallo’s future.

“Montevallo is a wonderful, tight-knit community that is truly an amazing place to live,” she said. “From our anchor attractions like the University of Montevallo, American Village and National Cemetery, to upcoming opportunities like the new hotel—not to mention numerous special events throughout the year—people will keep coming here to explore, dine and shop. While we mourn the loss of El Agave and KFC, we know more good things are coming.”