Family-owned Alabama restaurant closing amid financial struggles: ‘We would love to continue’
“Your savings runs out …. You can put yourself in a bad situation.”
Liam Carter 
The Cherokee County food scene is preparing for a tough loss this weekend. Pop’s Smorgasbord, a beloved family-owned eatery based in Centre, has officially announced it will serve its final meals this Sunday.
A Difficult Decision
Co-owners Brad and Brosha Hunter shared the heartbreaking news in a Facebook video post released Thursday. For Brad Hunter, the decision comes down to circumstances beyond their control regarding the property they occupy.
“We would love to keep this going,” Hunter said during the announcement. “It’s things that are out of our control.”
Hunter explained that the business faced significant hurdles in securing the necessary financing to purchase the building and manage the required upkeep. The financial strain of investing roughly $60,000 of their own capital into a building they did not own ultimately made the business unsustainable.
“Your savings runs out,” Hunter noted. “You can put yourself in a bad situation.”
A Legacy of Southern Cooking
Since launching in 2022, Pop’s Smorgasbord became a local staple for homemade southern comfort food, known for its extensive buffet, salad bar, and dessert selection. While the restaurant doors are closing, the Hunters are not stepping away from the culinary world entirely.
The couple brings over 30 years of combined experience to the table and plans to focus their energy on their consistent catering operations, a service they have provided for over a decade.
One Final Send-Off
The restaurant will maintain its regular hours leading up to the final day, operating Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
As they approach their final shift on May 31, Hunter expressed deep gratitude for the support of their employees, loyal customers, and the surrounding community. He remains optimistic about the road ahead, anchored by his faith.
“We’re going to have fun, we’re going to smile, we’re going to cut up, we’re going to come out and see you and we’re going to say goodbye,” Hunter said. “I trust God. I trust what he does in my life.”
