Saying Good-Bye : Margaritas Restaurant Closes After Nearly A Decade

Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia

By Tommy Stafford

Just shy of ten years. Nine and some change to be more precise. That’s how long Gibran Carnevali (known to locals as just “G”) and the crews at Margaritas in Nellysford have been cranking out food and drinks to locals and tourists. The final drink was poured and the final meal was served this past Sunday night, October 29th as the popular Mexican restaurant closed forever.

Our own kids grew up in the restaurant more or less. Second only to Basic Necessities down the street where they were literally in the infant carriers during those days.

G, one of the owners and managers, is a special kind of person. He’d give you the shirt off of his back and took his duty to serve locals seriously. While he was glad to wait on those vacationing in the area, G never forgot his survival was dependent on locals coming in when times weren’t rocking during ski season or leaf looking months.

And twice a year G would change things up a bit and have his semi-annual wine dinners that were always a hit. He’d feature foods from all different regions of the world. Above, we were hanging out with Nelson’s own celebrity sweetheart and musician, Sally Rose and her beau David Withers, at one of the wine dinners held a couple of years ago.

The week leading up the closure was a somber one. Folks knew the final day was just around the corner but also wanted to make sure G knew he was loved and appreciated.

In 2020 and 2021 when Covid hit and governments mandated most restaurants close, G kept cranking takeout-out for everyone. Locals still flocked there to support the restaurant and get them over the hump.

The thing that’s always stuck with me about G over the years was his loyalty to locals. As I mentioned above, he knew they mattered. He once told me, “At the end of the day, they make or break you. Tourists even want to go where the locals go. We couldn’t make it on just the tourist crowd alone. The locals are there when no one else is.”

I recently asked G why now, why close? He simply told me in a very kind voice with his heavy accent, “It’s time Tommy. It’s just time.”

G and his partners continue to operate other Mexican restaurants across the area and are opening a new one in Scottsville, El Cazador Tradicional Mexican Food

So, that’s it. The final taco. The building stands mostly empty now and all of the people that have passed through, will be moving on to other spots.

G, you are a kind soul and we all appreciate what you have done. Best of luck in your new ventures and we’ll be sure to stop in down in Scottsville now and then for a visit!