Co-owner explains why Phenix City soul food restaurant announced sudden closure
A popular soul food restaurant in Phenix City is closing.
Owners of Lily B. Rose, 1222 10th Ave., announced the restaurant’s sudden closure on their Facebook page June 24. The restaurant permanently will close June 29 at 5 p.m.
In an emotional post, co-owner Latoya Thomas expressed her gratitude to customers for their support.
“Thank you … from the bottom of our hearts for your love, loyalty, and support over the past 14 years,” Thomas wrote. “It has been one of the greatest honors of our lives to serve you and your families through Lily B. Rose restaurant. Your trust in us to feed your loved ones has meant more than words can express.”
Lily B. Rose opened 14 years ago. It was founded by Thomas’ mother, Catherine Brundidge, who died in 2021 due to complications from COVID-19. Since then, Thomas and her siblings have managed the business.
Thomas told the Ledger-Enquirer on Thursday that she initially had no intention of taking over the restaurant, but she felt that keeping it open was an obligation to maintain her mom’s legacy.
“She asked me ‘Would y’all keep my business when I pass?’ And, I told her no,” Thomas said. “It’s too much work. There’s too much stress. … But I already knew in my heart that I would [run the business] if anything was to happen to her. I told her no, and she laughed because she knows me. I wanted to keep it open because my mom worked so hard for this.”
But running the restaurant has become overwhelming, Thomas said. She is weary of spending over 10 hours a day in the restaurant, making “a lot of sacrifices.”
“I have made many sacrifices,” Thomas said. “I don’t want to sacrifice anymore.”
Lily B. Rose’s closure has brought a whirlwind of emotions to Thomas. The restaurant’s closure has brought relief, but also Thomas said she is sad that this chapter is coming to an end.
“I’m feeling everything,” Thomas said. “All my emotions are flowing right now. But I think the scale balances. The peace outweighs everything.”
Thomas said she would offer a variety of services to the Phenix City community, including business coaching, promotional advertising and private chef services.
She said she wants to continue serving the local community in a capacity that doesn’t overwhelm her and her family.
“If you have a dream to open up a restaurant, come see me,” Thomas said. “Let me help you do that, because you can do it.”
In a 2019 review, former L-E reporter Nick Wooten declared the macaroni & cheese he ate at Lily B. Rose “may well have been the best I’ve ever had.”
This story was originally published June 25, 2025 at 12:58 PM.