El Palacio will permanently close its final location in Ozark. The popular Tex-Mex chain will serve its final meal on April 30, 2026. The family-owned chain has long been a staple in the local dining scene, serving dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
Beloved El Palacio Ends 60-Year Run
One of the community’s favorite Mexican restaurant chains, El Palacio, is closing its final location. Located at 1396 US-231 in Ozark, Alabama, the restaurant has served classic American and Mexican dishes.
The McClure family founded the restaurant chain in the 1960s in Amarillo, Texas. Over time, it grew into a chain with locations across multiple areas. Currently, the last remaining original restaurant is owned by Ben Brown and Kevin Smith.
After more than six decades of business in the region, the owners announced the closure of the final physical location in a post on Facebook. The owners shared, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closing of El Palacio. Our last day of operation will be April 30th.”
In the post, the restaurant team invited the community to stop by before they close. “We hope you will come see us before April 30th as we celebrate the memories we have all made together,” said the owners.
Overwhelming Reaction on Social Media
The closure announcement of El Palacio received more than 600 comments and thousands of likes. Loyal customers of the restaurant chain flooded the social media post with heartfelt messages and memories.
One of the fans wrote a long emotional note: “So sad! I have been eating the No. 9 for as long as I can remember. We started at the original one in Ozark. My daddy would take my sister and me. It was our favorite! We always ate too much. Then, as I became a teenager, it was the date night place to go. As adults, we took our children there with our whole church family on many Sunday nights when we probably should have had them in bed on a school night. Another icon gone. I will surely miss those Chile rellenos! But we will hold on to the memories!”
“I’ve loved El Palacio since I was little. I’m going to need to figure out how to store the original yellow cheese dip and salsa to last me a lifetime,” shared another.
The restaurant team has not shared an official reason for the closure. The closure of Ozark’s El Palacio marks the end of a long-standing legacy.
