Note: I had this blog entry scheduled to post on Friday when I was out of town. Technical difficulties! Here it is now.

Amanda Codispoti has been covering the sale of the Crystal Tower building in downtown Roanoke, which has already caused two small businesses – the hair salons Mr. Bill’s and Cutting Edge – to start packing. But on Friday she confirmed that Hummus House, the little Lebanese restaurant that opened in February, is going to have to go, as well.

Owner Daniel Melki says he received a notice this week and will stay open until May 18. After that, he doesn’t know where he’ll go, although business has been so good that he’s looking for a new space to lease for the Hummus House.

This news makes me grouchy because I’m a fan of this little eatery. True, it is just a hop and a skip (not even a jump) from The Roanoke Times, so I and many of my colleagues have made quick runs to Hummus House when we forgot to pack lunch, are really busy or are just jonesing for some Lebanese cuisine.

But more than that, I like Hummus House because the food is GOOD and affordable. They have great hummus, delicious spinach pies, and falafel that has become a top seller, according to Melki. They also make cabbage rolls once a week. And they put these lovely pickled turnips in their wraps that partially inspired me to write my pickling column that ran this week.

Melki says he was unaware that this development was a possibility. He said he did see the “For Sale” sign but was told it was nothing to worry about.

I hope Melki is able to find a new, affordable space to lease for his Lebanese restaurant. Meanwhile, he said, he’ll be serving his food at the Local Colors festival May 19. You can also satisfy your Lebanese food craving at the Lebanese Festival at St. Elias church June 1-3.