Shane's Rib Shack on Roswell Road in Buckhead is closed for more than "roof repairs from a recent storm." The restaurant located between Buckhead Saloon and The Big Ketch had been open since late 2005 though it closed a few weeks ago for what at the time were called
"renovations." I've now learned that the restaurant closed to make way for The Village Tap, a new bar and restaurant from the owners of 5 Paces Inn.
"renovations." I've now learned that the restaurant closed to make way for The Village Tap, a new bar and restaurant from the owners of 5 Paces Inn.
Apparently the deal has been brewing for upwards of a year but it begs the question why Shane's referred to the closure as temporary rather than just saying they were closing. This unwillingness to be upfront and honest reminds me of the closure of Aquaknox at Terminus in 2010. Before the restaurant closed, a server blamed the "crisis in Haiti" for not having requested menu items when in fact the restaurant had simply stopped ordering in advance of their planned closure. The message about storm damage repairs has been posted on the Shane's website for about two weeks, at which time I don't recall their having been any extreme storms.
Shane's is currently owned by Atlanta-based Petrus Brands. Petrus Brand is a holding company formed after the divestment of both Shane's and Planet Smoothie by then owner Raving Brands. Shane's was started by Shane Thompson is a small shack in McDonough and last month celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Shane's was among the less impressive BBQ options in the area where long established One Star Ranch around the corner remains a favorite. Not far down Piedmont Road, Fatt Matt's is someone of a hole in the wall itself, but makes some damn good ribs. Given the other superior options, Shane's closure is of little surprise.
5 Paces Inn and accompanying One Pace Over have been landmarks of the Buckhead community for over 50 years and I personally am looking forward to seeing what they have in store. Details are limited at this point but I'm told work on the building should begin within a month or so, based on the permitting process and landlord approval of a planned redesign. Additionally, sources tell me the restaurant will feature southern influenced cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. Basically, the ownership knows Atlantans know them for good times and great drinks, now they want to prove they can do food well too. (The ownership group does have some restaurant experience, having previously operated the Buckhead location of the Taco Stand before closing it in 2010. It now operates as The Big Ketch, from the owners of Tin Lizzy's)
Were you a fan of Shane's or are you happy to see another crappy chain gone from Buckhead and replaced with local grub? What menu item would you tell ownership they have to have on their menu? Can you remember what the former Shane's was first built as?... (if so, I'd love to know)