News Summary
Chattanooga has faced significant losses in its culinary scene with the closure announcements of three popular restaurants: Ernest Chinese, Thai Smile, and Taco Mac. Ernest Chinese will cease operations on July 13 after almost 12 years of service. Thai Smile, a Market Street staple for 20 years, will close on July 6. Meanwhile, Taco Mac has announced its abrupt, unexplained closure. Local residents are saddened by these changes which signal an end of an era in Chattanooga’s dining landscape, raising concerns about future developments in the area.
Chattanooga Restaurants Announce Permanent Closures
Chattanooga faced significant culinary changes this month with the announcement of three popular restaurants permanently closing their doors. Ernest Chinese, located on the South Side, will cease operations on July 13, following nearly 12 years of service. Thai Smile, a staple on Market Street for 20 years, will also close on July 6. Additionally, Taco Mac, situated in the same area, has announced its abrupt closure, leaving the local dining scene in shock.
Closure Details of Ernest Chinese
Ernest Chinese, which was previously known as The Flying Squirrel before its rebranding to a Chinese-American concept in 2023, has drawn loyal customers over the years. Co-owner Max Poppel shared the news of the closure via a Facebook post and press release, indicating his mixed emotions about leaving the restaurant business. Poppel plans to either sell the building or find new tenants to operate a restaurant at the location, assuring that it will be ready for new operators soon after the current staff moves out.
The restaurant’s name, Ernest Chinese, was inspired by a resident cat at the Flying Squirrel’s sister establishment, Crash Pad, which serves as a hostel for climbers. Poppel expressed gratitude toward the community for their continued support and encouraged patrons to visit in the final weeks to celebrate the establishment’s closing. The previous Flying Squirrel restaurant had gained popularity over a decade until its closure in November 2023.
Thai Smile’s Departure
Meanwhile, Thai Smile will be closing its doors on July 6, after two decades of serving traditional Thai cuisine from its location on Market Street. The restaurant announced its upcoming closure through a sign posted on its front door, leaving many long-time patrons surprised and saddened by the news. As the food scene evolves, the closure of Thai Smile marks an end to an era for patrons who have frequented the establishment for years.
Taco Mac’s Unexpected Closure
In addition to these closures, Taco Mac has announced its permanent closure without prior warning. Located on Market Street, the restaurant expressed its honor in having served the local community throughout its operations. The immediate notification of closure has led to questions regarding the reasons behind its sudden decision, adding to the mystery surrounding the recent wave of restaurant closures in Chattanooga.
Community Impact and Local Investigation
The abrupt announcements of closing by these three restaurants have raised concerns within the local community. Many residents have expressed their fondness for these establishments, viewing them as an integral part of Chattanooga’s vibrant dining scene. Residents are now left to ponder the implications of such closures and what they mean for the future landscape of local eateries.
Local news sources are currently conducting investigations to uncover the reasons behind the sudden, simultaneous closures. With the community’s reaction still unfolding, the fate of the locations previously occupied by these restaurants remains uncertain. Several local entrepreneurs have already begun exploring possibilities for the building once occupied by Ernest Chinese, indicating a potential for new dining venues to emerge in the coming months.
Conclusion
The closure of Ernest Chinese, Thai Smile, and Taco Mac marks a significant shift in Chattanooga’s restaurant scene. As the city separates itself from these quickly disappearing familiar faces, patrons are left to reflect on the memories and community connections forged within these walls. While these closures stir an air of uncertainty, they also open doors for new opportunities within this cherished culinary community.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Ernest Chinese Closing
- News Channel 9: Ernest Chinese Closes
- Local 3 News: Downtown Restaurant Closures
- Chattanoogan: Early Chinese Restaurants
- MSN: Highest Rated Chinese Restaurants in Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga
- Google Search: Chattanooga restaurants closure
- Google News: Chattanooga restaurant closure
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
The CHATTANOOGA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREChattanooga.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Riverbend Festival, Chattanooga Oktoberfest, and Moon River Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Chattanooga, plus leading businesses in manufacturing, insurance, and utilities that power the local economy such as Volkswagen Chattanooga, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, and EPB. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
