In the past few days, we've seen a few Denton businesses close down. On Monday, Last Drop Tavern announced that they would cease operations at their current location on S. Elm in the same shopping center as Bet the House BBQ. They claim that it was due to disagreements with their landlord. This comes after they announced they would be making changes to adjust for the city code just last week. We actually loved their pizza (it helped that they named one after us), and put the spot in our pizza Jive Five even, but know that they had their share of operating problems. Their Facebook page says that there's a possibility we may see them reopen at some point in the future closer to the square. We hope that happens and that a few of the kinks get ironed out, because that was some darned good pizza.
Pizza from the recently shut down Last Drop Tavern.
In addition, Gold Mine BBQ announced that they would close down for good on Tuesday, September 2nd. The barbecue restaurant has been operating in the old Vigne wine location on W. Hickory for over a year. They make the claim that much of their closing has to do with TABC restrictions. While it wasn't our favorite place, we're still sad to see any locally owned business close their doors.
South Elm Restaurant and Bar (on S. Elm in the old Irish Boozer spot) closed down super fast last month after only a few months in operation. We actually never got the chance to check it out so we're not sure what we're missing.
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Tai Pei Railroad on Pockrus Paige Rd. has also ceased operations. We'd love to get in touch with that dude and see if he plans on relocating at all because that place was flipping delicious. So, if you know the dude, get us his contact info, please.
On the positive side, August saw the opening of Big Fatty's Spanking Shack (yes, Big Fatty's Spanking Shack) on Parkway. While the folks behind Big Fatty's have been kicking it around in town in some way or another for a while, we're excited they have this space now and are excited to check it out. The menu looks fun and even has an item called, "spanked balls."
Also, in the realm of spaces that have held many restaurants in the past couple of years, Beirut Mediterranean Grill recently opened in the old Royal East/that one cajun spot place on University Drive. We haven't had the chance to check it out yet, but they have shwarma and falafel, so...we'll be headed there soon.
And, finally, Hypnotic Donuts and Cultivar Coffee Bar officially open today in their spot on West Hickory. We had a little preview of the space yesterday, but we're excited to get back in and try out a few more items. In addition, the new location of Viet Bites should open this week (if not today), and the Denton location of Pizza Snob (from DRC) should open in the retail section of the H Squared apartments (also on W. Hickory) in about a month or so.
Do all of these business closings spell out doom for the world of Denton business? Surely not. In the same time frame, several businesses have opened and been met with vast amounts of success. After-all, 80% of businesses fail within their first 18 months. Some more organic growth and time and we'll be seeing South Elm hopefully frolicking in no time. And if we look at what's succeeded in Denton lately, maybe we just need a hybrid handmade BBQ/donut shop with a rooftop patio and food trucks nearby. Get on it, people.