Local

Fatz Cafe in Lexington closes as company shutters all locations. Here’s what we know

Fatz Cafe in Lexington was closed Wednesday and a sign was on its door saying the location - and all Fatz locations - were closed permanently.
Fatz Cafe in Lexington was closed Wednesday and a sign was on its door saying the location - and all Fatz locations - were closed permanently.

A regional restaurant chain abruptly closed all its locations on Wednesday, including one in Lexington.

The Fatz Cafe at 942 E. Main St. in Lexington was closed and its parking lot empty Wednesday evening when a reporter stopped by. A sign hanging on its front door indicated the closure was for good.

“We are sorry to announce that after proudly serving this and many other communities for years Fatz Cafe will be closed permanently,” the sign read. “All existing locations closed effective 8/23/23. We thank you for your support throughout our years in business. Fatz Management.”

The Index-Journal in Greenwood reported Wednesday afternoon that the Fatz Cafe in that town also was shuttered, with an identical closure sign hanging on its front door. The Orangeburg Times and Democrat also reported the closure of the Fatz Cafe there on Wednesday.

Fatz had 19 restaurants across the Southeast in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee. The restaurant was known for its Southern fare, perhaps most notably its Calabash chicken fingers and baby back ribs.

A sign on the door Wednesday announces the Fatz Cafe location in Lexington is closed permamanently.
A sign on the door Wednesday announces the Fatz Cafe location in Lexington is closed permamanently. Photo by Chris Trainor
Chris Trainor
The State
Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 21 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of a host of South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, business beat reporting, election coverage, social media and more.
Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW