Montgomery’s Gail’s Down The Street Cafe sees outpouring of community love

Reviewed by: Pat Byington

Reading time: 3 minutes

Exterior sign for Gail's Down the Street Cafe in Montgomery, Alabama, mounted on a brick building
Gail’s Down the Street Cafe has been a Zelda Road staple in Montgomery since 1993. (Leo Hall / Montgomery UP)

Gail’s Down the Street Cafe has been a staple in Montgomery for more than three decades.

The meat-and-three restaurant has began serving customers in 1993. Now, supporters are pouring into the restaurant open as beloved owner Gail Royal battles breast cancer.

The restaurant enjoyed a packed-out parking lot Friday during its homestyle cooking lunchtime hours.

Montgomery community rallies to save beloved local restaurant

Exterior of Gail's Down the Street Cafe in Montgomery, a brick building with a teal sign and a parking lot with several vehicles out front
For more than 30 years, Gail’s Down the Street Cafe has served up some of Montgomery’s favorite country cooking. (Leo Hall / Montgomery UP)

The restaurant recently posted seeking the community’s support to stay open while its owner is away.

“I think word’s kind of gotten out about how slow it’s been around here. We had a great couple of weeks; the last few have been really slow. We could really use the support so that we can continue to serve you.”

– Manager Russell Terry shared in a social media video last week.

While Terry said that he knows patrons miss seeing Gail, he assured customers that the restaurant is still using her great recipes and the restaurant still has the same cooks who have been there for years.

Once word spread about the restaurant’s recent struggles, the Montgomery community stepped up in a big way, showing up in droves to fill the dining room. Locals and longtime customers alike came out to show their support, proving just how beloved the restaurant truly is.

“Thank you so much for the incredible business. You all keep it up. We’re going to be here for as long as we possibly can.”

– Russell Terry

How to donate to the Gail Royal fundraiser + visit the cafe

Exterior of Gail's Down the Street Cafe in Montgomery, Alabama, a brick building with a large green sign and concrete barriers in the parking lot
The familiar storefront of Gail’s Down the Street Cafe, a local landmark currently rallying for its beloved owner. (Leo Hall / Montgomery UP)

Royal has been in and out of the hospital over the past few months as she battles the disease and other complications, according to a GoFundMe made in her name.

According to the fundraiser page, Royal is known for her immense generosity to the local area:

“She has given back to her community in countless ways, donating her time and business to raise money for others, earning a national restaurant association award, and serving on several boards and organizations.”

You can show your support by dining at the restaurant or donating online via GoFundMe.

  • Location: 2471 Zelda Rd, Montgomery, AL 36106
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 11AM–2PM

What is your favorite dish to order at Gail’s Down the Street Cafe? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.

Leonard Hall
Leonard Hall

Leo Hall joined Montgomery UP as a content producer in May 2026.

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