Southern-inspired restaurant May’s Counter Chicken & Waffles quietly closed its doors Tuesday night after eight years in business.

While the restaurant made no public announcement of the closing, employees were notified.

“As the creator and founder of May’s Counter, I’m obviously sad and disappointed in the decision to close,” said John Foster, who designed the restaurant and had a 25 percent stake in May’s. “I found out just a few days before. At the same time, I’m proud of what I created and the run that it had.”

Foster is also a partner at the recently-opened Fat Noodle Ramen House along with Ramon and Linda Gonzales.

“It’s ironic the same week Fat Noodle opens Mays closes,” Foster said. “Wanna know the difference between the two is? Fat Noodle has more than just me loving it.”

The restaurant designer pointed out the success of a handful of Tucson’s restaurateurs.

“Local Tucson restaurants need hands-on involvement. Ask people like Ray Flores, Ari Shapiro, Shelby Collier, Tony Vaccaro — that’s the secret sauce in the 520. When May’s had that everyday love it was a great restaurant. But not since then.”

May’s Counter Chicken & Waffles is located at 2945 E. Speedway Blvd. Keep up with May’s Counter Chicken & Waffles on Facebook.