Three Valdese restaurants have closed this year, but more projects are underway

Three downtown Valdese restaurants closed in the past six months, leaving vacant storefronts in the heart of town and raising questions about the state of the local restaurant scene.

Yet each closure came under different circumstances, according to town staff and business owners, and new restaurant projects are already being discussed.

Last week, Major’s Supper and Social announced its closure on social media, and owners confirmed that Mountain Burrito’s Valdese location — which Major’s shared a building with — had also closed permanently. Downtown staple 100 Main also closed in January.

Major’s lasted less than a year. Mountain Burrito opened around May 2023 and announced in December 2025 that it was closing temporarily. It simply never reopened, and no formal announcement of its permanent closure was made.

The closure of 100 Main came after 11 years of operation.

Despite the shuttered doors, Valdese Community Affairs and Tourism Director Morrissa Angi emphasized that “there are many projects working behind the scenes.” She mentioned Saloon on Bobo, which is set to open this month, and that a new restaurant is planned for the building that housed 100 Main.

Angi declined to answer exactly how many and what type of projects are in the works, citing she is unable to share information at this time and there are “too many unknowns to publish.”

“The restaurant scene is evolving, not dying,” Angi said. “The greatest strategy for drawing new businesses to Valdese is maintaining a building inventory and networking; Knowing who would like to relocate to Valdese, what they require to open, and connecting these pieces/people together.”

When asked about the economic impact of losing the three restaurants, Angi shared part of a Facebook post she wrote on June 5, only adding a new part to discuss 100 Main.

In her post/statement, Angi said that, “When Mountain Burrito decided to close, plans began for a new partner to come in and help expand offerings with lunch service and brunch while continuing the exceptional dinner experience that Major’s was known for.”

Angi said the landlord was supportive and willing to work with Major’s.

“Unfortunately, the new (business) partner’s husband unexpectedly lost his job, making a new business venture impossible at this time. The owners of Major’s were committed to serving only the highest-quality food and beverages, but in today’s challenging economic climate, sustaining that level of operation proved difficult.”

Angi said the owners of Major’s Supper and Social, Courtney Morse and Steve Yorsz, are still in communication with the owner of the building.

The situation with 100 Main was more complex, Angi said.

“The building owner gave the owner of 100 Main the first right to purchase the building for two years prior to listing the building with a realtor. The building was listed for the first time for over a year while 100 Main operated in the space,” Angi said.

When there was a potential buyer, Angi said the owner of 100 Main closed during the 90-day due diligence period.

When 100 Main closed, owner Brian Thompson said he was unable to reach an agreement with the potential buyer for a lease that would “allow us to remain sustainable.”

The buyer chose not to purchase the building, Angi said.

Last week, a new buyer closed on the deal. Ryan Cook with Hook Properties bought the building at 100 Main St. E for $407,000. Cook confirmed the plan is to put a new restaurant in the building.

Angi said in her statement to The Paper/Facebook post that the negative speculation that often spreads on social media concerns her.

“It doesn’t help our community attract new businesses; it simply hurts. Potential business owners pay attention to how a community talks about itself,” Angi said.

Angi said if the community wants to attract and retain businesses, there must be a focus on the positives and people must be willing to support local business owners.

“The reality is that there is more activity and investment happening in downtown Valdese right now than there has been in the past 15 years,” Angi said. “New projects are being planned, buildings are changing hands, and opportunities are emerging.”

Angi said owning a small business is not easy as operation costs continue to rise. Restaurant margins are tight, she said, and every customer matters.

“Shop local. Support local. Eat local. But most importantly, choose to focus on the things that make you proud to call Valdese home,” Angi said.