COVID shutters another local restaurant, Fancy’s on Fifth closing New Year’s Eve

Another popular Birmingham restaurant, Fancy’s on Fifth, is closing its doors, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Their last day is December 31st.

Following yesterday’s announcement on social media, Fancy’s co-owner Paget Pizitz graciously talked with Bham Now about the challenges facing local restaurants in the midst of a global pandemic.

Thankful

“I’d like to thank the Avondale and Birmingham community for doing so much to support Fancy’s on Fifth and Melt Avondale during this terrible time”, said Paget. “The pandemic has been tragic for small business owners, especially the restaurant and bar industry. My heart breaks for everyone having to close or are thinking about closing.” 

“We did everything we possibly could to keep the doors open. We want to be very transparent and clear that our closing had nothing to do with our quality of food, our fabulous kitchen and wait staff. This is 100% due to the pandemic. About a month ago we saw the writing on the wall. But, because Fancy’s is our baby we kept going longer than we should. The money ran out. We decided New Year’s Eve to be our last night of service.”

 

Optimistic but Realistic

Paget told us Fancy’s will be closed for at least three to four months, then they will re-evaluate. 

“I’m optimistic, but realistic. I do know most likely it will be permanent and it breaks my heart. Fancy’s has been my dream since I lived in New York and I saw it come to fruition and that was really beautiful. Unfortunately COVID fought a tough battle and we lost.”

 

“Some of Fancy’s kitchen and wait staff have been with the restaurant since day one, which is unheard of in the industry. Ninety-five percent of the kitchen has a fine dining background , and they have a passion that is unparalleled.”

Closing after New Year’s Eve

According to Fancy’s on Fifth’s social media announcements the restaurant will be open for the remainder of the year: December 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 26, 30 and 31st. To make a reservation, visit resy.com or email info@fancyson5th.com.

Toll on Local Restaurants

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on Birmingham’s local restaurant scene, coffee houses and bars. Aside from Fancy’s on Fifth, closures since March include Z’s Restaurant,  Brennan’s Irish Pub, Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar,  Lucy’s Coffee & Tea, Urban Standard and Woodlawn Cycle Cafe.

“Small business owners, especially restaurants and bars are suffering the most right now. When you make a decision to go to a cafe, restaurant or bar. I urge you to think twice and support local because without the support there will be more dark doors.” Paget warned.

What are your thoughts about the state of restaurants and bars in Birmingham? Tag us @bhamnow on social media and comment.