EL CENTRO – Aunt Molly’s Barbecue and Soul Food will officially close its doors today, on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, leaving yet another empty spot in the downtown El Centro business landscape.
The restaurant, which opened in March of this year, was located at 675 Main Street and offered Louisiana-style barbeque and a variety of southern-inspired specialty dishes. Not a stranger to the food business, Aunt Molly’s had over 20 years of food preparation and catering experience.
Restaurant owner Marlene Swanegan said in a recent social media post, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce Aunt Molly’s BBQ & Soul Food Restaurant will be closing its doors on Friday, August 21.”
The restaurant had been operating for approximately 5 to 6 months and had provided customers with a fresh culinary experience in the Valley. The food was fresh, with a homemade feel and with Aunt Molly’s signature recipes, such as their catfish, yams, cornbread, peach cobbler, and banana pudding.
“This was an extremely difficult decision. Unfortunately, the challenges of operating in a shared kitchen have proven to be unsustainable due to space constraints and business issues,” the social media post continued. “We took on this challenge because serving the best food possible is something we truly enjoy and will deeply miss.”
Previously, the location had been a Boatwright’s Bakery that was popular for its cakes; it had served the area for decades, providing custom cakes, fresh cookies, pastries, and catering services. Since its closure, other food service restaurants have struggled to do business at that same location.
Aunt Molly’s had recently begun posting its weekly menu and advertising more on social media, with local influencers helping to promote the business, including a visit by renowned jazz musician Walter Beasley in mid-July. Although the restaurant’s following was growing on social media, it may not have been enough to help the business succeed financially.
Social media influencers Rudy Leyvas, Omar Eats, and Jesus Enriquez visited Aunt Molly’s during the summer months, giving the food excellent and positive reviews. They sampled a variety of foods from the menu, with Leyvas noting, “The pulled pork is perfect.”
“We will miss you and the family setting you provided,“ Regina Sky, a customer, told the Imperial Valley Press. “Every time we got food from you, it was like taking home a plate from a family gathering.”
Georgina Ann McAuley, another customer, noted that she had only been able to visit once, though the food was delicious and carefully prepared. Additionally, she expressed hope that Aunt Molly’s might resume their food service in a new location soon.
“No way,” customer Liam Garcia said before lamenting Aunt Molly’s quick departure from the local food scene. “I was looking forward to this place becoming a new permanent restaurant. It’s gone too soon.”
Although closing its doors, the entrepreneurs remained humble and grateful. “We sincerely thank the community for your love and support,” said Aunt Molly’s post. “Serving you has meant more to us than we can fully express, and we will miss welcoming you through our doors.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone in our community who supported us, shared a meal with us, recommended us to friends and family, and gave us the opportunity to serve you. Thank you,” concluded Aunt Molly’s social media post.
Dining and Cooking