After serving customers in Chilton County for more than five years, Helfi’s in Clanton closed its doors on Jan. 15.

Owners Eric and Alissa Helfinstine said the closure came after it became difficult to meet the physical, emotional and financial demands of owning a large restaurant in a small town.

The restaurant officially opened on Nov. 2, 2010 offering items that quickly became customer favorites including the Helfi’s Special, Philly cheesesteaks, Big Al’s chicken and wings, the chef salad and chopped romaine salad, as well as a variety of made-from-scratch soups.

Desserts of cheesecakes, cookie lava and crème brulee were also popular among customers.

“The best part about having a restaurant was being able to share my passion for food, and invest in the lives of my employees to help them better their lives,” Eric Helfinstine said. “The food and the great staff that we had when we closed will be missed the most, as well as the daily interactions and relationships we have made over the last five years with our customers.”

As news of the closure circulated on the restaurant’s Facebook page on Jan. 15, many customers posted comments thanking the owners for good food and service.

Chris Brown posted, “You guys are awesome and will be missed. Hefli’s was the best place in Clanton by far. Wish you all the best in the future. Not only did you have the best food, the staff was amazing and all so nice.”

Cara Yeargan Cooner posted, “So, so, sad to hear this. Me and my family loved Helfi’s.”

Cary-Deidra Gadberry posted, “I really hate to hear this. It was so nice to have a great restaurant with great food and great service in Clanton. You guys will be missed.”

In 2013, the restaurant, located at 309 Seventh St. N. in Clanton, expanded the restaurant’s space after the single dining room with seating for about 60 people was no longer adequate.

When God’s Anointed Church moved out of the space next door to Helfi’s, Helfinstine saw an opportunity to expand the restaurant beyond its four walls.

The additional room accommodated about 80 people, bringing Helfi’s seating up to about 140.

“We have had an amazing five years at Helfi’s Grill,” a Facebook post read from Eric and Alissa Helfinstine. “There have been many trials, but also many blessings along the way. Being a business owner is not for the faint of heart. We want to thank all of you who did support us these past few years. We may have never met many of you customers and employees had it not been for Helfi’s Grill. Many of you have become our friends, and some like family throughout the years, and we are so thankful for these relationships.”