Bits & Bites

A franchised location of McDonald's closed on South Main Street in Alpharetta December 31.  The restaurant, which has already been stripped of basically all McDonald's signage, was a dated McDonald's and had not received much "love" in the way of renovations or updates.  Signage at the restaurant Tuesday directed would-be patrons to other McDonald's on Crabapple, Windward Parkway and North Point Parkway.  There are reportedly no current plans for the property.   

Lion Tamer Bread, which opened in Emory Walk near the corner of North Decatur and Clairmont in early 2015, will reportedly close by the end of next month.  Owner Brian Dulisse opened the small batch bread shop with limited hours and its hours of operation have been even more limited as of late.  According to the Lion Tamer website, the bakery is currently open only on Saturdays.     

ToNeTo Atlanta was first to report that smoothie and juice joint dtox planned to open a new location in Virginia Highland.  According to signage on the juice joint's upcoming location, the new shop is to open next Thursday, January 11.  The new location, the concept's third overall, is opening at the corner of Virginia Avenue and North Highland Avenue in Virginia Highland.  Dtox will open in the former Judith Bright space [they previously expanded and relocated to a space nearby], between Taco Cowboy and Callie's Hot Little Biscuit.  Dtox currently operates locations in Buckhead Court in Buckhead and at Westside Provisions District on the Westside.  

Ten Thousand Villages will be closing its Atlanta store within the next 90 days.  The store, which featured assorted artisanal products made by those in "villages" around the world, had been in Atlanta since 1993.  The group's Atlanta shop is located on St. Charles Avenue near North Highland Avenue and according to a Facebook announcement, will begin liquidation sales today, Wednesday January 3.      

"It is with great difficulty that we announce the closing of Ten Thousand Villages Atlanta after 24 wonderful years. Business conditions for our locally-funded brick and mortar shop have changed dramatically since we opened in 1993, and after careful consideration of the past several years, the consistent challenges in our location, increasing competition from online shopping, and the changing retail climate, we have concluded it is time for us to cease operations.  As a non-profit organization, our goal has always been to support artisans in developing countries around the world and educate our community about how purchasing fair trade products allows these artisans to rise out of poverty and provide for their families. Since 1993 we have made over $3,000,000 in purchases from our artisan groups allowing many individuals and families to lead a better life. We have educated our community about the importance of helping others through the purchase of ethically produced goods and we have contributed to other non-profits and charitable organizations so they can continue their good works. We feel incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in two decades, and equally proud of the customers who have been so faithful to support that work through shopping in our store."

  

Virginia Highland Thai restaurant Harry & Sons will reportedly close in February for an extensive interior renovation.  The fact that word of the planned renovation got out in advance of the expected closure leads ToNeTo Atlanta to hope that the closure is just that: temporary.  

Women's boutique Luna, which in the fall of 2015 relocated from Buckhead Court to the Shops Around Lenox, is on the move again.  The shop will reopen imminently in a temporary space at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta before relocating permanently to Andrews Square on East Andrews Drive. 

Growing Mediterranean fast casual eatery Pita Mediterranean Street Food  will  celebrate the opening of its newest location next Friday, January 12 at The Avenue West Cobb.  Pita, which has eleven locations open, including restaurants in Smyrna and Kennesaw, also has another in the works at Marietta Square Market on North Marietta Parkway.  Pita's menu includes assorted gyros, shawarma and falafel dishes, among other specialties. 

  

A new location of  optical franchise My Eyelab is coming soon to Brookhaven.  The Palm Springs, Florida-based franchise is opening soon at the corner of Briarwood Road and Buford Highway, across from Northeast Plaza.  The new business opens in place of the short-lived  "Express Food & Pharmacy."  There are currently three other Georgia locations of the franchise in Augusta, Savannah and Morrow, but local franchisees Mehboob Panjwani and Shiraz Attawala signed an 18 unit development agreement  for metro Atlanta this past summer.   

New Buford Highway restaurant Crayhouse has delayed their "soft opening" that was originally scheduled for today, January 3.  The seafood restaurant, which is opening in the 4,500 square foot former home of The Bayou Boil in Northwoods Plaza shopping center in Doraville, announced the delay via their Facebook page Tuesday night.  

"Dear friends, family and valued customers, 

Firstly, I would like to inform everyone that our soft opening will be delayed until further notice. As a business owner, I'd failed to understand the step by step that Dekalb County requires new business owner to obtain before actually opening a business. Secondly, the reason that lead to the big mistake that we make is the misunderstanding between myself as a new business owner, our representative and Doraville City staff. Thirdly, I would like to ask for your forgiving and don't give up on us as we try to proceed everything as soon as possible! Lastly, I would like to thank everyone that love us and please wait for us while we perfected our system and we will keep everyone updated!!! THANK YOU!!!"

Charleys Philly Steaks is opening a new location in the food court of Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody.  The restaurant, which opens in place of the former Fusion of India eatery, is the Columbus, Ohio-based franchise's fifth in metro Atlanta joining locations in Mall of Georgia, Town Center at Cobb, North Point Mall and Lenox Square.  

Decaturish reports that Decatur Bikes announced via email Tuesday that they will be closing after ten years in business. The shop, located at 248 West Ponce de Leon Avenue in downtown Decatur,  blamed "the current retail environment" for their decision to close.  All in-stock accessories are now 30% off, and bikes are at being offered at "must go" prices.  

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