Who was known for closing his restaurant instead of desegregating it?

The individual known for closing his restaurant rather than desegregating it was Lester Maddox. In the 1960s, as a staunch segregationist, Maddox owned a restaurant in Atlanta that refused to serve Black customers. When faced with the requirement to desegregate his establishment following the Civil Rights Act, Maddox chose to shutter the restaurant instead of complying with the law. This decision drew significant attention and further solidified his reputation as a defender of segregationist policies.

Maddox's actions were rooted in his broader political beliefs, which he later carried into his role as the Governor of Georgia. His tenure as governor was marked by attempts to maintain segregation and resist the civil rights movement, beliefs that resonated with certain segments of the population at that time. This context underscores why his decision regarding the restaurant became a pivotal moment in understanding his character and legacy in Georgia's history.