FRANKLIN—The Grey Fox Restaurant at 401 N. Main St. closed on Friday after almost four years in business.

Owners Rusty and Christine Brett could not be reached for comment, but Downtown Franklin Association Manager Dan Howe said the restaurant was closed for financial and economic reasons.

“Based on my conversation with Rusty, he just couldn’t make ends meet with it,” Howe said. “I hate to see a good restaurant go.”

He said restaurants are greatly impacted by an economic slowdown.

“When you’re in a tight economy, people eat out less and spend less,” Howe said. “I hate to lose another business, especially a restaurant.”

Franklin-Southampton Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Teresa Beale said it would take a team effort from the chamber and DFA to replace the business.

“Hopefully we can find something to fill that void,” Beale said.

The chamber routinely fields calls from businesses looking for places to locate.

“People who think about starting a restaurant are alerted when a restaurant facility is available,” Beale said.