Popular Eatery in Cochise County is Permanently Closed

Restaurants and businesses in Cochise County often open with great fanfare. I've noticed this trend particularly if a location is wildly different from anything we already have here.

If a new tattoo or tire shop opens, there's a good chance we won't even notice. However, if we suddenly had a Costco or a Sam's Club open, there'd be a line out the door - just because it's so different.

Big Open, Soft Close

There's a noticeable trend when a business is about to open in our little corner of Arizona. The buzz on the socials takes over as anticipation builds, especially new restaurants.

Opening day hits, and the business is overwhelmed. Everyone has to wait for seating, sometimes an hour or more. Then the waitstaff begin to make mistakes, orders are mixed up or forgotten, drinks go un-re-filled. And we are MAD. MAD. MAD.

The spilled blood of anger and resentment flows around the Chits and the Chats as scorned customers vow never to return!!!!

Give 'Em Time

We're extremely unfair to these brand-spanking-new, baby businesses. They barely get their feet under them, when we slam them with too much at once, but not enough time or grace to recover.

Did you know everything about your job on the first day? Neither do the staff of new restaurants, especially the privately owned places. They're all learning as they go, and when we give them time, they often make great strides.

And, They're Gone...

The stress of the pandemic weakened the structure of a lot of our local eateries. Mom and Pop business just didn't have the manpower and resources to switch to curbside pickup or delivery models.

Some businesses closed temporarily, only to struggle when they were allowed to open again, with short staff and supply chain problems.

Soul Food Therapy

It was sad, but not a big surprise when I drove past a beloved, yet relatively young restaurant on Highway 92 the other day. The signs were gone, and the parking lot was bare, save for a few future tumbleweeds.

Soul Food Family Restaurant was so different, it was a breath of fresh air in Cochise County. A visit to their website and Facebook page shares an apology.

It's with great sorrow that we announce the permanent closing of SOUL FOOD Therapy Restaurant & Cake Bar. It has been a great run and experience for us all. Thank you to all our family, friends, and supporters throughout this time as we served our community. The love received from everyone is much appreciated and the critics as well as we've tried to improved off of all input. Hopefully we have been a blessing to everyone as much as ya’ll have been to us. Thanks again for all the love and support."

They don't give a reason for closing on their socials or their website, but the friendly service and good food will definitely be missed.

Is there a business you miss in our area? Send us a message with your thoughts. We may use your input in a future story.