ARLINGTON, Ga. (WALB) — El Leon Mexican Restaurant closes its doors Friday, May 1, after 15 years of serving Calhoun County and surrounding communities.

The owners announced the closure Monday on Facebook, citing personal family matters. Manager Travis Lavatte said the decision was not easy, but family had to come first.

“At this point, we can keep going, but we choose to take this time to take a break to take care of family,” Lavatte said.

But the door isn’t necessarily closed forever.

“If we can get everything in order and everything can get together, maybe something down the road may open back up,” he said.

For many in the small southwest Georgia community, El Leon was more than a place to eat. Lavatte it brought together customers from every walk of life.

“It brought family together. It brought farmers together, brought doctors together, brought teachers together,” Lavatte said. “Everybody came here at a certain time, and when they came here, everybody became family. They laughed, they joked. When they came in on bad days, they left on good days.”

One customer said the closure is a reminder of the role small businesses play in rural communities, where local establishments often serve as social anchors.

“Whenever we had football games, the entire team and people in the stands would come in here,” Austin Richard, a Calhoun County resident, said. “It would be packed and not one seat open.”

Another frequent visitor said El Leon was one of few dining options in the area, and the service is what made him return.

“It’s sad,” Manuel Alonso said. “Whenever you came through the door there was a smile waiting for you. That made it worth it.”

Lavatte said the closing day is bittersweet but he hopes the restaurant can return again.

The restaurant will stay open until 10:30 p.m. Friday to give the community one final night together.

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