NORFOLK, Va. — A staple in the Norfolk food scene is closing its doors. The owners of Plaza Del Sol in Norfolk's Ghent area announced they are closing Saturday after 18 years in the community.
Ernesto Alonso, whose family owns the restaurant, posted the following to Facebook:
"Family, friends, our loyal customers who became family!!! With a heavy heart I am announcing that Plaza Del Sol after 18+ years is closing its doors. We’d like to thank the community of Ghent and surrounding areas for your great support and for letting us serve you this many years!!! Our doors will close on Saturday so please come stop by one last time and say hi to the family!! For all our Friday night Karaoke fans come share this last one with us as it has been a blast!!! Thank you once again and we will miss all of you."
Its last day of business will be Saturday, Sept. 23.
Alonso said Plaza Del Sol is a family affair, and it's an example of the American dream.
"My mom everybody knows her," he said. "My dad, Pop Pop, is in the kitchen right now."
The decision to close wasn't easy, he said.
"Not all of us agreed," Alonso said. "But it was the best thing for the family."
He said the business was lucky enough to survive the COVID-19 pandemic, but only because it's so family-oriented.
"We would have myself and my father in the kitchen. My mother and brother and sister would be waiting tables," he said. "We don't get a paycheck. You just survived right through."
Overall, he said it's time for the family to move on.
Over the years, customers turned into friends who then became family.
"The little kids that we saw come in here are all grown now bringing their kids," he said. "That was pretty cool."
News 3's Jay Greene caught up with a longtime customer of Plaza Del Sol. Jimmy Mason said he and his wife often frequent the business for Taco Tuesday.
"It's sad, it's sad," Mason said. "It's a great restaurant, food's great, service is great, the atmosphere, everything. You really feel like you're south of the border when you come here."
The Ghent area of Norfolk has seen its fair share of businesses close this year, though. Last Spring, Colley Avenue saw several storefronts go empty, including Yknot Italian restaurant.
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In addition, the old Colley Discount Pharmacy, which was to become a Rite Aid, is still empty.
The Ghent Business Association released the following statement to News 3:
"Plaza del Sol has been a part of the Ghent District for many years, and we, at the Ghent Business Association, are saddened by the closure. We wish them the very best with their future endeavors. We are seeing other businesses closing in Ghent, but also enjoying new business openings like Maison Soleil on Colley, Mercy O on 21st Street, Wick and Sip Candle Lounge and The Ghent Gastro Pub, just to mention a few new businesses that have opened recently. Vacancies in Ghent represent opportunities for new entrepreneurs to pursue their vision and dreams for the future. Some of the recent closures are due to retirement of long time operators, like Colley Discount Pharmacy and Novelties Unlimited. The Board of the Ghent Business Association is working with Sean Washington, Director Department of Economic Development to support property owners in locating tenants for some of the recent vacancies. The Ghent Business District is fortunate to enjoy a high rate of occupancy as we have property owners that are very engaged in the district."
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The Economic Development of the City of Norfolk released this statement to News 3 in response to the recent closings.
“Our department and specifically our Real Estate and Small Business teams work closely with business associations, brokers, and landlords to backfill vacancies. As part of the city’s commercial corridor strategy, our team also works to develop and promote grant programs like the Capital Access Grant, Façade Grant programs to assist Norfolk-based businesses looking to grow in the city.”
The owners confirmed to Greene that another family will take over the business, and it will remain a Mexican restaurant. The Plaza Del Sol food truck will still appear at events like Tides games.
"They're gonna do some great, great things here," Alonso said. "They're really gonna take this to take it to the next level where it needs to be."
