2009.03.19
Pope's closure a temporary thing
My editor noticed last night that Tony Pope's Bistro on Crystal Spring Avenue in South Roanoke was closed. On the door was a "For Lease" sign.
Fearing that Tony was the latest victim of the harsh economy, I rang him up to see what gives. He tells me that they have indeed closed the Crystal Spring restaurant, but that doesn't mean Tony Pope's has left Roanoke for good.
Within the month, he hopes to open up the bistro in a new location, although he is being secretive about where that will be. Still ironing out all the details, he tells me. But he wants to assure his loyal customers that this "is a positive thing, not a negative thing."
The big, white house on Crystal Spring Avenue was just too much overhead, he said. With the new spot, he'll be seeking that cozy, intimate bistro feel.
Thoughts?
Oh no! I was hoping to go there next week.
I really do hope he opens up a successful new location somewhere close to Crystal Spring. I loved the old one, but I can see how it would be a bit expensive.
Comment by Emma — March 19, 2009 @ 3:10 pm
theres a hundred better chefs working in roanoke to worry about tony pope.
theres a ton more I could say, but I'll bite my tongue for now.
Comment by roanokefound — March 19, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
Any word as to whose looking at the Crystal Spring space?
Comment by Anne — March 19, 2009 @ 3:25 pm
That white house seems to be one of the area's "cursed" locations, don't you think?
Comment by Wendy Maxey — March 20, 2009 @ 9:12 am
Wendy, I do know when a business reporter did a story about "cursed" restaurant locations, where businesses were constantly in and out, that particular house was mentioned.
Comment by Lindsey Nair — March 23, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
Was the corner of East Main Street in downtown Salem, close to Mac n Bob's mentioned as a cursed location? It seems like every restaurant that has opened there closes. I think it's a pizza place right now.
Comment by Debbie — March 24, 2009 @ 11:48 am