The Quiet End of a Sheffield Staple: The Closing of Sergio's

 

In the heart of Sheffield, Alabama, a town known for its rich musical history and tight-knit community, the sudden closure of a beloved local restaurant has left a noticeable void. Sergio's Authentic Mexican Restaurant & Bar Grill, located at 500 South Montgomery Avenue, was more than just a place to eat; it was a gathering spot, a source of authentic cuisine, and for many, a taste of home. Its abrupt shuttering in early September 2025, however, was not the result of declining business or a planned retirement, but a stark reminder of the harsh realities of running a small business.

Sergio's had carved out a niche for itself in the Shoals area, earning a reputation for its vibrant and flavorful dishes that went beyond the standard Tex-Mex fare. Patrons lauded the restaurant for its birria tacos, a traditional Mexican stewed meat dish that had become a local favorite. The warm and inviting atmosphere, often credited to the friendly demeanor of the owner and staff, transformed a simple meal into a memorable experience. It was the kind of place where regulars were known by name and newcomers were welcomed like old friends. For many in Sheffield and the surrounding communities, a trip to Sergio's was a weekly tradition, a place to celebrate milestones, or simply to enjoy a comforting and authentic meal.

The end came without warning for the restaurant's loyal customers. On September 3, 2025, the doors of Sergio's were padlocked by the Colbert County Sheriff's Department, the result of a court order stemming from months of unpaid state sales tax. According to court documents, the restaurant had been delinquent on its tax payments from March 1 to September 30, 2024. The final injunction was the culmination of a legal process that began earlier in the year, with the State of Alabama filing a complaint against the restaurant and its registered agent, Luis Ramirez of Muscle Shoals. The business, however, failed to respond to the complaint or appear at the final hearing, leading to the permanent closure of the establishment.

Authorities who padlocked the eatery found mattresses and mouse droppings in the back of the building - illegals or a brothel?

Shoalanda

New Krispy Kreme Donuts

 

110 Cox Creek Parkway - Florence

Available Now:

• Gryffindor Doughnut – An unglazed shell doughnut filled with cookie butter flavored Kreme, dipped in red icing and Biscoff cookie crumble, topped with golden icing drizzles and the Gryffindor crest.
• Slytherin Doughnut – An original glazed doughnut topped with chocolate and green buttercream flavored swirls, chocolate cookie sugar blend, and the Slytherin crest.
• Hufflepuff Doughnut – An unglazed shell doughnut filled with brown butter toffee flavored custard, dipped in golden yellow icing, and topped with black chocolate drizzle, cookie crunch, and the Hufflepuff crest.
• Ravenclaw Doughnut – an original glazed doughnut dipped in blueberry-flavored icing, topped with the Ravenclaw crest.

Rio Grande Grill Cantina

 

The Rio Grande Grill Cantina is located at 213 North Montgomery Avenue in Sheffield.

No one will argue the fact that 'authentic Mexican' restaurants are literally 'everywhere' in The Shoals. Some have progressed to the 'chain/franchise' level. In doing so, most of these have sacrificed the 'authenticity' for convenience and 'bottom dollar'. But not all.

Enter 'Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant', located on Montgomery Ave. in downtown Sheffield. It is a 'mom and pop'...and USMC...veteran owned and operated business worthy of your patronage.

They offer several items not found in other area restaurants, and are in the process of totally revamping their menu to reflect their ancient cultural roots.

Give them a try. As always, if you don't like it, send me the bill.

Esther's Eatery to Close

Esther's is an American style casual restaurant located on Huntsville Road near the NAMC complex. With some off the street parking located nearby, one would think this eatery would be bustling each day.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case. If you want to try Esther's, you'll need to stop by within the next three weeks. From Celeste at Esther's:

it is with a heavy heart and mixed feelings, that i have decided to close our doors on saturday, july 19th. i want to thank you all for the support you have given me with both Esther’s and Odette, that has meant more than anything. until the next chapter!

And another one in Florence shutters its doors...

The Curse of Comcast? Holland's Bites the Dust

 

For years the uniquely curved building on Pine Street housed Comcast Cable. Then the brick edifice sat empty for many more years while the owners decided (some say bickered among themselves) on how to proceed.

Happily two years ago, Struts arrived. The small time franchise closed after only a few weeks, but the building didn't sit empty this time.

Cypress Row appeared and promised to redeem the location - even if it was miserably short on parking. Alas, it was not to be, but another savior appeared almost immediately on the scene.

Hollard's Bar & Grill opened to much fanfare, but little business. Now it's taken the same route as its two predecessors. Yesterday was the eatery's last day.

Do we need a bingo card to predict the building's next incarnation?

Jack's Place Bistro to Close

 

Jack's Place Bistro is closing...at least temporarily. The eatery located at 118 West Mobile Street will shut its doors on July 1st due to the construction in the downtown area.

Owner Jack White has been vocal in his opposition to the construction of a new city hall directly across from his restaurant. Due to past work on that block, White's revenue fell 30% in 2024. This year looks even gloomier, according to a report White personally presented to the Florence City Council.

Will Jack's reopen? We'll report any changes in the bistro's status in Quad-Cities Cuisine.

Tum Tum's

 

Tum Tum's is coming. The new Mediterranean eatery will be located just east of Jack's on Florence Boulevard in the former location of Wendy's.

Tum Tum's is an independent restaurant owned by Ali Hasan of Muscle Shoals. He's stated the small store will feature flafel, shawerma, and gyros, plus much more.

There's not an opening date yet, but you can be sure Shoals diners will turn out in droves for authentic cuisine. Let's be sure to make Mr. Hasan and his business welcome!