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Local restaurant closures continued in Charlotte on Monday, Nov. 17, after a weekend of U.S. Border Patrol detentions.
Along Central Avenue, known for a rich variety of immigrant-owned restaurants and small businesses, an unusual quietness took over Monday.
The parking lots was largely empty at El Pulgarcito, a Latino-owned restaurant normally open for breakfast customers at 8 a.m.
The Central Avenue and Archdale locations of Morazan Restaurant, serving Salvadoran, Honduran and Mexican cuisine, was also temporarily closed, although the South Boulevard restaurant remained open.
On North Sharon Amity Road, Javier Morales, co-owner of Legends Ice Cream & Snacks, told CharlotteFive on Monday he closed the shop to protect the safety of his customers and employees. “Right now, I cannot take the risk to bring my employees to be profiled because a lot of them speak Spanish. They look like me. I look like the profile that they’re looking for. So it is a risk that I am not willing to take. My customers — the same thing,” he said.
Morales added that Tacos El Nevado, another business he works with, had also closed its locations.
On Monday morning, Le’s Sandwiches and Cafe on Sugar Creek Road posted it would close early. “Our local supply chain has been disrupted by the ICE and Border Patrol raids. We also want to protect our family and customers. We will reopen as soon as possible.”
La Unica Mexican Restaurants posted an emotional message in its announcement that it would close. “Today, more than ever, we want to remind our Latino community that you are not alone. This decision was made with everyone’s safety and peace of mind in our hearts. Thank you for your strength, your unity, and for allowing us to be part of your story in Charlotte.”
The restaurant has locations in Charlotte, Harrisburg, Huntersville and Indian Trail.
“We will reopen our doors as soon as it is safe for everyone.”
Alex Cason contributed.
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Melissa Oyler,Heidi Finley
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