Soundview restaurant struggles to stay open, faces eviction

The restaurant has faced financial struggles since "Mama" Virginia, its co-owner and heart, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May.

Natalie Hernandez

Nov 22, 2024, 3:16 AM

Updated 20 days ago

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The South of France, a Soundview restaurant known for it's signature Puerto Rican cuisine, is at risk of closing after serving the community for over 30 years.
The restaurant has faced financial struggles since "Mama" Virginia, its co-owner and heart, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in May.
The family is now facing possible eviction, with months of back-owed rent and growing expenses threatening to close their doors.
“Everyone comes not only to enjoy our food, but to see Mama,” said owner Mirabel Gonzalez, Virgina's daughter.
The family has started a GoFundMe campaign to save the restaurant, asking for community to support the legacy of a woman who has provided food, comfort and love to so many.
"What child would not do everything that they can to ensure that their mother's legacy? To ensure that her pain of not only being diagnosed but having to struggle to save this place is not something that she has to endure," said Gonzalez.
The South of France is open Tuesday through Sunday on Westchester Avenue.