By Tina Tidmore
Legends Smokehouse employees were told on Saturday that they would have the following Monday off. The message on the restaurants’ Facebook page on Saturday had a similar message: “We just wanted to let everyone know that Legends will be closed on Monday, July 9th, 2012 at both the Trussville and Clay locations. We are going to take a holiday due to the fact we were open for the 4th of July, 2012.”
Legends Smokehouse employees received a text on Sunday that the restaurants were closed for good.
As word passed in the cities, people posted on the restaurants’ Facebook page asking if what they had heard was true. On Monday evening the message on the Legends page from the restaurant said: “Sorry to say, but yes, Legends has closed due to circumstances beyond our control. It is both the Trussville and Clay locations. We thank all of our customers for the support and prayers during this difficult time for so many. Please continue to pray for us and our families
. Thank you and God bless!”
Questions and messages of surprise followed.
On Tuesday, former Manager Christy Martin was passing out paychecks to the employees while sitting in her car in the Trussville restaurant parking lot. The building already had a “for lease” sign in the window. As the employees came to pick up their paychecks, they expressed sadness at the news. One employee said he already had a job interview lined up.
Martin would give no further information than what was already on the Facebook page announcement.
“Due to circumstances beyond our control, we have closed both locations,” Martin said. “We appreciate the customer support through the years. We ask for their support and prayers for all involved in this difficult time.”
When asked what led to the sudden decision, Martin said, “I don’t know what I can legally say.” She then referred questions to Legends Owner Randy Walls.
Multiple attempts were made to contact Walls through phone calls and an email. Walls did not respond by press time.
Legends Smokehouse started in a small building in Clay in 2003, with only three tables inside. Known for barbecue and catering, it soon outgrew the location and they opened another restaurant on Main Street in Trussville in the summer of 2010. They expanded to offering southern “meat and three” fare.
Many citizens posted comments on Facebook.
“That was my favorite BBQ place in the whole world,” one person said.
Another said, “That’s sad. Elementary kids ate breakfast there every morning before school.”
Many commented that they will miss the banana pudding.