A popular Sanford restaurant known for its soul food, community ties and deep roots in the biker scene is preparing to serve its final meals.
Shantell’s Just Until is closing after 13 years as its owner, Shantell Williams, continues recovering from injuries she suffered in a crash during Bike Week in March.
Williams announced the closure on social media this week. She said the restaurant isn’t going away completely but will return in a different form with a new partner.
“It’s not the last day,” Williams said. “It’s the last day of Shantell’s Just Until how we know it.”
Customers stopped by the downtown Sanford restaurant for what they described as a final meal at the business as they’ve known it.
“It’s a sad point,” said Old Soul, a member of the biker community who asked to be identified by his nickname. “Shantell’s was a place to go on the weekend. It will be missed.”
Tony Smith, a Sanford resident, said the restaurant meant a lot to many in the community.
“It’s Black-owned, so it definitely meant a lot to have something of your own to show and have a community built around you,” Smith said.
Old Soul said the restaurant has long been a gathering place for bikers.
“With Shantell being a part of the biker community, we come and support her,” Old Soul said.
Williams said she made the decision to close the restaurant days before leaving the hospital this weekend. She said she wants to step back to focus on her recovery and spend more time with family.
Williams is recovering from a shattered pelvis, a broken breastbone and fractures in both arms, injuries she said she suffered when a suspected drunk driver hit her in Daytona Beach during Bike Week.
She said she will continue to be involved with the business as it transitions, but in a more limited role.
“I don’t have to be here. He has that,” Williams said of her new partner. “I can just be like Ronald McDonald and come around for charitable events.”
Friday, May 15 will be the restaurant’s last day as Shantell’s Just Until. Williams said it will reopen as “Redd’s Litt Cafe Home of Shantell’s Famous Fried Chicken.”
Williams said she still owns the property and will receive 20% of the proceeds from the new restaurant. She said some menu items customers know and love will remain and that the new concept could open as early as next month.
There will also be a “Welcome Home Party” on Saturday at the Blend & Barrel Cigar Bar, Williams revealed.