ATL Restaurant “This is it!” Superseded by Eminent Domain

A famous metro Atlanta soul food restaurant has announced that it is going to soon be closing its Panola Road location, but not by selection.

This is it! is situated in DeKalb County on Panola Road near Interstate 20. The restaurant, which has 10 other locations within the Atlanta metro area, announced the closure on Instagram.

“Since 2010, our Panola Road location has been more than just a restaurant — it’s a place for family, friends and treasured memories,” the statement read.

“Due to GDOT’s new development, we will soon be saying goodbye to Panola,” the statement read.

According to the Instagram post, the restaurant plans to shut its doors on November 11 but hopes to stay open until December.

Customers who frequent the restaurant were surprised to learn that the restaurant was at risk of closing.

This is it! Patron of Mark Somerville they praised the restaurant employees for customer support.

“The food is excellent and the service is excellent. I’m a bit of upset,” said a Somerville patron

Restaurant owner Shelly Butch Anthony said the state is using existing eminent domain laws to shut the restaurant together with three other nearby businesses. Anthony says replacing the restaurant, which is in a main location, can be a challenge.

“We sit here on I-20 and Panola Road. Where can we find another way Panola?” said tconcerning the socket.

The Panola Road expansion is a part of the I-285/I-20 East Interchange project. The Georgia Department of Transportation is planning develop the interchange at 1-20 and Panola Road. GDOT says the improvements will “address inefficient traffic flow and safety.

Eminent domain laws allow the federal government to seize private property if the owner refuses to sell. The Fifth Amendment states this seized property under eminent domain laws, they need to be for “public use” and owners must receive “just compensation.”

Anthony didn’t discuss the financial details of the acquisition, but said he has retained a lawyer to assist them navigate the method.