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Duluth landmark forced to shut down
The Rexall Grill, a landmark in Duluth for more than 40 years, has been forced to close its doors after the owner apparently failed to pay state taxes.
The restaurant, which fronts Buford Highway in the Gwinnett municipality's historic district, was ordered to shut down Wednesday, according to a Georgia Department of Revenue sign posted on the front door.
Gail Herrin, who took over operations in 1982, did not respond to several phone calls, and state revenue officials wouldn't confirm how far behind she was on her taxes.
"It's just devastating," said Stacie Stamper, who runs a local interior design center. "They're the heart of the community. We'd like to see the troubles worked out so they can reopen."
Indeed, some are trying to make that happen.
Lynda Alley, who has owned the building, the name and all the equipment since 1998, said there will be a sale at 10 a.m. July 6 at the Rexall Grill to raise money to pay off the tax bill. Up for sale will be items such as Coca-Cola paraphernalia, a microwave and non-perishable food.
Alley expects the restaurant known for its fried chicken, fried okra and homemade peach cobbler will reopen shortly after that, with the business retaining its cooks, dishwashers and eight-member wait staff. The only difference is that Alley will take over all financial operations, with Herrin assuming a manager role.
"I own it," Alley said. "So I'll manage payroll and pay taxes to make sure we have everything done right."
Rexall, which originally opened in 1968, has a history of bouncing back from hard times.
In May 1994, it was destroyed by a fire. During almost four months of construction and renovation, Herrin served food from a concession stand in the parking lot. When the eatery reopened in August, it was more than four times its original size.
"Rexall is like a symbol of Duluth," said Chris McGahee, the city's economic development manager. "It's one of those anchor places that everybody counts on."
