By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

A famous restaurant that has been a hidden gem and famous eatery in Shelby County has announced they will be closing their doors on June 24.

Fox Valley Restaurant opened its doors decades ago in Maylene near Helena and for the last several years have satisfied customers with a menu that consists of many delicious items including the famous and hands-down favorite crab cakes.

“After nearly 40 years in this industry (27 as chef owner here) I’m hanging up my chef coat for the last time, June 24 will be our last day open,” a Facebook post read on the restaurant’s timeline on Friday, June 16. “Thank you for all the years of fun and for your loyalty. I’ll keep you posted about what’s going to happen next!”

Over the years, the restaurant has been recognized and honored on numerous lists, including “The Best Food to Eat in Alabama” from the Food Network and more.

Sue Lemieux moved to Birmingham in 1985 and after 1990, Lemieux and partner, Anthony Mangold opened Fox Valley Restaurant off Shelby County 17 and the rest they say, is history.

Once word was out that the beloved restaurant was closing, nearly 100 comments quickly flooded the restaurant’s Facebook page in a matter of two hours.

“So sad to hear this. I’m glad to have had the opportunity to work for you guys a few years ago. You guys were great chefs and great people. Much love and luck to you in your future endeavors,” Cory Lockhart wrote.

Others simply wrote “No!” after seeing the restaurant would be closing.

Other menu items include fettuccine alfredo, sautéed beef tenderloin scaloppini, chicken alla parmigiana, the seafood sampler, steak and cake, carpetbagger steak, sautéed macadamia nut crusted gulf grouper fillet, sautéed horseradish crusted gulf red snapper fillet and more.

For more information on Fox Valley Restaurant, visit Facebook.com/CrabCakeHelena/.

This story will be updated.