I don’t know what’s going on this year, but the 757 has been heavy lately. And I mean heavy.
We’re barely into February and it feels like every week we’re hearing about another spot closing. Not random places either. The places we grew up with. The “everybody knows that spot” spots.
The latest one to hit hard is The French Bakery in Norfolk. One hundred and fourteen years. Generations of families grabbed subs there, stopped in for donuts, or had their “this is my spot” moment. The comments online say it all. People saying no sub has ever compared, people reminiscing about being customers for decades, etc.
Then there’s Roger Brown’s Restaurant and Sports Bar, closing after 25 years. If you’re from P-Town or ever crossed the tunnel for a game, you already know the vibe. Their last day being Super Bowl Sunday feels bittersweet. Owner Curtis Lyons said changing business conditions, COVID, tolls, and competition all caught up. Translation: it just got too hard to keep going.
Downtown Norfolk has been feeling quieter too with Regal MacArthur Center shutting down. That theater was a go-to for dates, late movies, and killing time downtown. It was the last big tenant in the mall, and even though there are long-term plans for redevelopment, right now it just feels like another light turned off.
And you've likely already heard this one, but if you grew up on Ballentine, hearing about Pollard’s Chicken & Catering closing that location hurt. Sweet puffs, after-church runs.. That spot was part of Norfolk’s fabric. Some locations are still open, but losing that one felt personal.
Then there’s Feather ‘n’ Fin Chicken & Seafood. While the owner says they’re restructuring and not completely gone, seeing those doors closed still hit. Especially for a spot that’s been embraced by the culture and even chosen by hometown names like Pharrell Williams and Pusha T.
All of this, and it’s only February. If anything, let this be a reminder to pull up to your favorite spots and support local.