"The Crab Pot" Closing in Stone Mountain Village
Last day is set for Jan. 31; owners are opening a new restaurant in Conyers.
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The Crab Pot, which opened last year, will be closing its doors in Stone Mountain Village and relocating, co-owner Yvonne Thompson said Friday.
A slowdown in business over the last few months led to the tough decision: "Sometimes we'd sit with each other all day and look at each other," said Thompson, who owns the restaurant with her sister, Jennifer Hayes.
In the beginning, the restaurant was "extremely busy."
"It was nice," Thompson said.
But over time, she said, that energy changed due in part to the stalled economy. She also said she thinks Stone Mountain Village needs more promotion.
"They need to try to draw people in here," she said.
Thompson said she and Hayes hope to open a restaurant in the Kroger shopping strip on Highway 138 in Conyers, where there is more foot traffic, she said. It is also closer to home.
It's early yet, but their new restaurant could be set up differently, too. Thompson said she's considering the business model of King Seafood on Memorial Drive, where there's no dine-in.
"Next time we might just do something 'to go'," Thompson said.
The Crab Pot's last day at its 961 Main Street location is tentatively set for Jan. 31, Thompson said.
Lucas Roberts
10:28 am on Monday, January 2, 2012
This is tough to see.
My wife and I just ate there for the first time a few weeks ago. $10 dollars for a bowl of gumbo.
I agree that there needs to be more promotition for the village.
One of the biggest improvements could be the dealing with that awful intersection at Ponce and Memorial at the entrance of the city.
I know that turns off a lot of people.
So sad to see the Pot go though
Leslie Johnson
12:01 pm on Monday, January 2, 2012
Hi Lucas, thanks for your comment. I've eaten there a few times and enjoyed the food and the people. What is it about the Ponce/Memorial intersection that bothers you the most?
Lucas Roberts
12:21 pm on Monday, January 2, 2012
No question. That is why i am so sad to have to see it go. The people where sooooo nice and accommodating.
Ohhh.... The Ponce / Memorial intersection!
It a lost opportunity for Stone Mountain to welcome visitors, residents, and potential business patterns.
The congestion drives people away from downtown and when people do that it, they are confronted with a rundown parking lot and an obstructed view of the Mountain.
I’ll email you the plan I have for the intersection.
Kim Delaney
5:14 pm on Monday, January 2, 2012
There's a plan to re-vamp the intersection...LOTS of red tape with regard to right-of-way and folks in the area who have vowed to fight it, despite how badly it's needed.
With regard to the Village, there's a lot more going on now that ever before. I know it's been tough for local businesses...but I can assure you we are working hard to bring folks to town...and get those who travel through daily to stop and spend some time.
Some tips for those struggling...how is your SIGNAGE? If people don't know who u are and what you do, there's not much chance of bringing people in. Are your PRICES in line with the area? What about DECOR? Is your establishment and the storefront/sidewalk fresh, new and inviting? Do you hold regular HOURS? All of these things make a big difference when it comes to the success of a business, especially in this economy!
Leslie Johnson
5:57 pm on Monday, January 2, 2012
Kim, thanks for your comment and all your hard work! All your points are good ones to consider.
Lucas Roberts
7:47 pm on Monday, January 2, 2012
Understood Kim.
Great blog post about the intersection in question: http://takepridedekalb.blogspot.com/2012/01/dear-mayor-i-to-drive-around-your.html
I have to say this maybe true for the new sandwich shop on the corner.
The wife and I have tried at least 3 times to swing by during business hours and it is always closed!
I know it's about 8 bucks for a meal I could get at Subway, but I'm trying to support the local community.
We just went for a walk around 5pm today (01/02/2012) - "first time i wrote 2012!" and everything was closed. Even the coffee places.
Bruce Mitchell
1:27 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
The only businesses that will be successful in an area like Stone Mountain Village are those that do things different. Just having an idea for a business won't get it. Creativity in marketing and the use of technology to bring and keep customers is just as important as customer service. Businesses can't expect customers to patronize them just because. Aggressive video marketing, social networking and contact repetition are the only answers. Ignoring this leads to peril.
Lucas Roberts
2:06 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
There needs to be something that has a purpose – something that people need on a regular basis. Not karate or insurance – but something social and active.
Twitter integration, with weekly deals, and lively space would get someone a fighting chance.
I love the bldg across the street from the Stone Mountain Old PO Antiques.
Love for a market or pub or anything would move in there.
Roland Richard
3:25 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
While I loved the concept and the people were nice. It got off to a pretty bad start and never really got on track, IMO. If I'm being honest, the food wasn't all that great. I think people would be willing to pay, even in a tough economy, if the product was worth it.
Kim Delaney
4:08 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
EXCELLENT points, Bruce and Lucas!
Times likes these can provide great opportunities for lower-cost rent and taking a professional risk by going out on one's own...
But too many excited, enthusiastic people start small businesses with no real plan for success...no business plan, no working capital, no advertising budget or even the means to make it past the first few months of paying rent, let alone all the other costs associated with doing business. They don't do their homework with regard to zoning and permits...and they hit a brick wall and blame the city officials and red tape for crashing and burning. We are working on an information package that will help those thinking about opening a small business here tackle some of these issues BEFORE opening the doors. Knowledge is power!
Leslie Johnson
9:13 pm on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Kim, I think the information package is a great idea, because you're right, many entrepreneurs often jump into starting a business without a proper business plan, financing, due diligence, etc. It would be great if libraries could hold more information sessions for entrepreneurs, too...bring in a small business expert to go over some pertinent details.