This is it! announces closure of Panola Road location for road improvements

article

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. – A popular barbecue and seafood restaurant in metro Atlanta has announced it is closing its DeKalb County location near Interstate 20 on Panola Road.

According to a social media post, This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q is being forced to close due to “new GDOT development.” The restaurant, which has been open on Panola Road for 14 years, noted its planned closing date is Nov. 11, although it hopes to stay open until Dec. 7. It promised to keep customers updated as more information becomes available.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) plans to redesign the I-20/Panola Road interchange to improve traffic flow. The new divergent diamond interchange is also expected to help with commercial traffic and safety. Additionally, the Panola Road Bridge will be replaced with a wider structure to accommodate future interstate expansion. Link to GDOT project details

GDOT is using eminent domain to acquire the land needed for the planned improvements.

Eminent domain is the government’s legal power to take private property for public use, even if the property owner doesn’t want to sell it. This authority is often exercised for projects intended to benefit the public, such as the construction of roads, schools, parks, and utilities. However, the government must provide “just compensation” or fair market value to the property owner in return.

This is it! has been open in metro Atlanta since 1983, according to its website. The restaurant prides itself on offering home-cooked food, prepared to order with fresh ingredients.

At least one other business, a hair salon, appears to share the Panola Road address with This Is It! FOX 5 Atlanta has contacted the salon owner to inquire about future plans.