Some Tallahassee restaurants have been going out of business as a result of the ongoing pandemic.
There has not been as much footwork coming through many restaurants’ doors. They are having to make the decision to stay open or close.
On Sept. 1, the local cupcake shop, Lucy & Leo’s, announced the closure of their business, effective Sept. 26. Lucy and Leo’s is located in Midtown at 1123 Thomasville Road.
“Lucy and Leo’s is remembered for their appearance on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars in 2011. This memorable appearance brought notoriety to the shop, and the owners remarked that Food Network fans have traveled from far and wide to sample the delectable Margherita and Hummingbird cupcakes,” said Allison Laudadio with Tallahassee Foodies, a Facebook page dedicated to all things food and Tallahassee.
“Lucy and Leo’s Cupcakery has been a sweet treat for over a decade in Tallahassee, Florida. Sadly, after twelve years of delighting their community with delicious cupcakes, Jean Bates and Paula Lucas are closing down,” said Allison Laudadio with Tallahassee Foodies.
“Lucy and Leo’s is a family owned business. An artisan cupcake shop where they focus on, small-batch, craft style cupcakes and cookies. We make everything from scratch, and bake fresh, on the daily. We offer a certain variety of flavors every day + seasonal flavors we rotate in and out every few months,” according to the home page for Lucy and Leo’s cupcakery.
“These are the best cupcakes. I love Lucy and Leo’s and the presentation is beautiful. The cupcakes are moist and I love the thick icing. I go every Tuesday for $2 Tuesday I am truly going to miss them,” said Nehemie Firmin.
“While racking our brains trying to come up with a name for their cupcakery. We literally found their name in our own backyard and in the backyard next door,” Jean Bates and Paula Lucas wrote on their website.
Leo is a stunning, tall, skinny, white and brown Pointer/American Bull Dog mix and Lucy (his next door neighbor) was an exquisite, short, stout Black Lab/Basset Hound mix.
The restaurant industry now reflects the highest total business closures, recently surpassing retail, according to ABC news.
Chuy’s, which started in Austin Texas in 1982 by founders Mike Young and John Zapp, had a vision of a fun and funky Tex-Mex restaurant that served authentic and fresh food in an atmosphere that appealed to everyone. From these humble beginnings Chuy’s was born, according to Chuys.com
After four years at 904 E. Lafayette St. and Apalachee Parkway, Chuy’s also decided that it could not beat the pandemic and recently closed its doors in Tallahassee. Many people are going to miss their Chicka Chicka Boom Boom enchiladas, famous burritos, salsa and much more.
Many received the following email from Chuy’s corporate office on the closure: “After much consideration, we made the difficult decision to close your local Chuy’s. We have loved our time in your wonderful community and truly appreciate your loyalty,” according to Rick Oppenheim, owner of RB Oppenheim Associates, an integrated marketing firm and an avid participant in Tallahassee Foodies.