Thursday was chicken and dressing day, but Rexall Grill regulars had to fend for themselves after the state closed the legendary Duluth diner.

“It’s devastating,” Duluth Economic Development Director Chris McGahee said. “This is one of those places that is more than just a restaurant. It is one of those places the community would gather. … The place means so much more than just the food.”

Last year, the grill celebrated its 40th anniversary, and owner Linda Alley said it will celebrate more.

A few weeks ago, state officials showed up because the business was behind in paying sales tax, Alley said. On Wednesday, they came back and closed the grill.

Following are comments that were NOT in the Gwinnett Daily Post. The Duluth Historical Society neither agrees or disagrees with any of the following comments. We are just posting the thoughts of the Gwinnett Daily Post readership.

Posted by: bill Location: suwanee on Jun 25, 2010 at 03:32 PM
id been going to the rexall for years, up until the food got to expensive. i love the girls that work there . they are the main reason people go there. gail just kept raising the prices were she started losing the core of her regular customers. 8.oo for a meat and two vegs. is crazy. then two dollars for tea. dessert is nuts 2.95 for a small bowl of cobbler. she also didn’t pay all of her employees fairly.it was just 4 or 5 years ago you had a line out the door on saturdays not anymore. me and several family n friends would accidently get overcharged . not anymore ! lynda lower the overall prices 15% and everyone will start coming back ! shame on you gail !!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 25, 2010 at 03:09 PM
There is a huge difference in needing help and knowingly doing wrong for years.

Posted by: PI Location: Duluth on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:55 AM
Truth be known Mrs. Herrin has over 40 liens of public record against her all from the Georgia State Dept of Labor for non-payment of employer unemployment contributions. Last lien was filed June, 2010 and as early as 1997. This should not come as any surprise to her! Shame on you!!!

Posted by: Erin Location: Duluth on Jun 25, 2010 at 11:29 AM
Health Department didn’t have anything to do with it. Also Health Dept . scores nowadays are not what they used to be 5-10 years ago. Health Dept is just another government agency that is in business of collecting money. It has nothing to do with food safety anymore. They give bad scores to restaurants for insignificant or ridiculous reasons in order to return back for a fee of $250. Government is in bad need of revenue ,so they are using every means possible to extract money from taxpayers.

Posted by: Pat Location: Duluth on Jun 25, 2010 at 09:43 AM
Sometimes everyone needs help Ben there and done that we will try to help you. Pat

Posted by: Patron Location: Norcross on Jun 25, 2010 at 08:33 AM
I’m sure the Duluth Police Department could move their spot from across the street to the Rexall parking lot and donate all ticket proceeds to the diner. They would have that thing up and running before lunch! (but how would they be able to pay for the fancy courthouse?)

Posted by: David Location: GA on Jun 25, 2010 at 08:30 AM
All cash and voiding the sale after paying gets you in T-R-O-U-B-L-E! Don’t care much for the GA Dept of Revenue Sales & Use division, they are on a war path right now, so beware to all business owners!

Posted by: rexall worker Location: duluth on Jun 25, 2010 at 07:52 AM
The health department had nothing to do with it. We scored an A on our last inspection only this past April. Gail tried to make a payment plan on her taxes she was behind on, but the dept of revenue turned it down. She wasnt stealing, just behind, and tried to make it right. The state didnt give her a choice. And the girls that work there now dont wear short shorts or let their cleavage hang out, we are all mothers and wives trying to raise our families.

Posted by: Oh Well Location: Duluth on Jun 25, 2010 at 07:47 AM
I wonder if it was their payroll taxes or their business taxes that they didn’t pay. Because if you don’t send in payroll taxes that you’ve already deducted from your employees’ checks, you’re stealing from your employees.

Posted by: Steve Location: Lawrenceville on Jun 25, 2010 at 06:40 AM
Something just doesn’t add up with this story. The state shouldn’t close the place of there was an honest accounting issue with tax receipts. I smell a rat and I doubt it is the business owner. Governments everywhere are short on tax receipts. Could it be that are getting heavy handed with small business?

Posted by: Carrie Pruitt on Jun 25, 2010 at 05:59 AM
I worked for Gail for years, and that woman treated us like we were one of her own. She always took fantastic care of her employees, and we all love her. Shame on any of you for passing judgement. I hope anyone that has said anything negative about Gail Herrin doesn’t live in a glass house.

Posted by: Joe Location: Norcross on Jun 25, 2010 at 05:05 AM
Irresponsible comments like that are childish at best – the last time I was there the Health Certificate showed a 96 rating. I’ll be back as soon as the doors open!

Posted by: CitizenofDuluth Location: Georgia on Jun 24, 2010 at 09:26 PM
Maybe the Health Dept. played a role in the closure as well. Tell the entire story, GDP!

Posted by: Nancy Location: Duluth on Jun 24, 2010 at 06:22 PM
Nothing worse than a tax deadbeat, they just cause the rest of us to have to pay more. I love the Rexall grill but this is very disappointing. Failing to pay over sales tax is the same as stealing.

Posted by: thomas cooper Location: lilburn on Jun 24, 2010 at 05:01 PM
i remember back around 86 this place started fixin home cooked meals and all us construction homebuilder guys went there the food was jus gettin better everyday ,but the girls workin there in tigh tight shorts and the cleavage is what really brought the guys in ..