Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Gavin Stewart|The Gaston Gazette

We can all agree this year has brought challenges like no other. Whether at work or home, COVID-19 has affected us all in some way.

The year also changed the Gaston County restaurant scene. Some spots permanently closed their doors after serving the community for many years.

And many new restaurants embraced the tough business climate and opened despite state and county stay-at-home orders and new, rigorous standards for cleaning and sanitization.

In this story we look back at the restaurants that left us this year, and we celebrate the restaurateurs who brought their concepts to Gaston County in 2020.

If we omitted a restaurant that should be included in this story, email gstewart@gastongazette.com.

2020 closures

Cicis

Most families probably recall the hot pizza, dessert buffet and arcade at Cicis in Franklin Square, which went by Cicis Pizza for most of its existence. In July, the franchise owner closed the Gastonia location after 22 years of business.

Market Street Buffet & Bakery

A longstanding buffet that served a variety of comfort foods also didnt escape the grip of COVID-19 restrictions. State COVID-19 restrictions especially hurt Market Street Buffett & Bakery and other local buffets, which relied mostly on dine-in customers rather than takeout.

Market Street, which opened 24 years ago, thanked patrons for their longtime dedication in a Facebook statement in July.

Franky Ts Pizzeria

When one doorcloses, another opens, but it doesn't always stay open.

In 2015, Franky Ts Pizzeria took the reins from Sal Rando, who ran Sals Pizzeria on North New Hope Road between Dallas in Gastonia. Franky Ts enjoyed business at the Food Lion shopping center until spring 2020, just as Gov. Roy Cooper ordered restaurants close their dining rooms.

Rando brought his pizzeria to the shopping center in November.

2020 openings

Booja Korean Restaurant

Gaston Countys first Korean barbecue restaurant opened this summer in the former Wassabi Japanese Restaurant location on South New Hope Road.

Booja Korean Restaurant, headed by Yunhee Yu, serves traditional Korean dishes, sushi and cocktails, as well as Japanese dishes and sushi.

In November, the restaurant unveiled tableside grills, which customers can use to cook their own Korean barbecue favorites similar to an experience at The Melting Pot.

B&Js Smokehouse and BBQ

Not far from Gastonia FUSE District sits Gaston Countys newest name in barbecue. B&Js Smokehouse and BBQ on West Franklin Boulevard, which opened before the pandemic, smokes much of its dishes, including the chicken, pork, cabbage and corn, and serves cocktails and beer to wash it all down.

Sammys Neighborhood Pub of Dallas

The second installment of Sammys Neighborhood Pub debuted inside a 150-year-old building on West Trade Street in Dallas in November. Customers can order most of the same offerings available at the Belmont location, including Sammys famous wings and fried pickles, sandwiches, craft beer and more.

De Corias Bagel Shop

Longing for authentic New York-style bagels? Look no further than De Corias Bagels in Franklin Square near Walmart. Patrons will find a good variety of bagels and cream cheeses, as well as signature sandwiches and Ruebens for lunch.

Sals Pizza

When Franky Ts Pizzeria shuttered in spring 2020, Sal Rando knew he should return to the kitchen along North New Hope Road near Dallas. In November, Rando reopened Sals Pizzeria, which closed in 2015, and was overwhelmed by support. The day after reopening, Rando said he had to turn the phones off to keep up with orders.

Primal Brewery

A brewery that opened in Huntersville in 2013 opened its second location in the former Rivermen Brewing Co. on Ervin Street in Belmont.

Aside from its solid beer offerings, owners David Hoy and Ray Steimel brought in Chef Tim Schafer to whip up a diverse menu of beer-infused dishes. The brewery also plans to relocate the majority of its brewing operations to Belmont.

JPs House

After Sakura Japanese Restaurant had a 20-year run in Franklin Square, Patrick Yang and Jim Chen owners of JPs House on Robinwood Road in Gastonia -- saw an opportunity they couldnt pass up. Prior to pandemic shutdowns, the duo opened a second location in the former Sakura location, which now features an open-concept view of the hibachi chef, a full service bar and a menu full of Japanese favorites.

Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill

A former car dealership at 10 Catawba St. in Belmont joined the ranks of downtown dining destinations.

Jekyll & Hyde Taphouse and Grill opened its second location the first in Matthews -- in May. An abundance of Irish entrees, burgers, steaks, appetizers, cocktails and more are available at this steampunk-themed grill. This location brews beer of its own, but also sells a number of regional craft beer.

Eateries of Franklin Woods

As crews wrapped up construction of the Franklin Woods retail corridor, it brought a handful of new restaurants for Gaston County residents to enjoy.

Bojangles, Salsaritas Fresh Mexican Grill, Bubbas 33 and Back Yard Burgers all opened at some point during 2020.

New locations

Pita Wheel

Gaston Countys epic, fast, fun center for wings, burgers and pita creations opened in downtown Gastonia in October after outgrowing its Dallas digs.

Pita Wheel features a beer garden with long festival tables made in Germany, a full service bar, a craft beer market and dining tables throughout.

Hillbillys BBQ & Steaks

After serving some of the areas best pit-smoked barbecue for 30 years near Interstate 85 in Lowell, Hillbillys BBQ & Steaks opened in a new standalone building on South Main Street.

While it was bittersweet, owner Gerald Duncan was happy to give his employees and patrons a new home so the restaurant could continue satisfying customers for decades to come.

You can reach reporter Gavin Stewart at 704-869-1819 or on Twitter @GavinGazette.

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Looking back at Gaston County restaurants we gained, lost in 2020 - Gaston Gazette

MiBiz readers showed a strong interest in our COVID-19 coverage this year, as well as news about free tuition, business layoffs, bankruptcies, restaurants, beer and marijuana.

Readership of MiBiz.com also grew even as we transitioned to a new paywall model for online stories. Its been a year like no other for all of us and we are grateful for your continued support and interest. (You can subscribe to MiBiz at this link.)

In early 2020 before the pandemic hit, Grand Rapids Community College announced that students who attend high school in Grand Rapids could receive tuition at GRCC, starting with the class of 2020. The plan was approved by the Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority board. News of the approval was MiBizs top-read story of 2020.

According to web traffic data, six of MiBizs top 10 read stories in 2020 involved the pandemic, including the top-read COVID-19 story from March 23 about construction companies first assessing what a statewide stay-home order meant for them. That first week of the pandemic had top-read stories about Gov. Gretchen Whitmers first stay-home order, which was opposed by leading business groups but followed similar actions in Illinois and Ohio. Despite not knowing the extent of COVID-19 in mid March which would lead to nearly 500,000 cases and more than 12,000 deaths in nine months restaurants and bars at the time were concerned about a statewide stay-home order, which one brewery said would be a bloodbath for the industry. More top-read COVID-19 stories included the effects that the pandemic had on furniture manufacturers Herman Miller Inc. and Steelcase Inc.

A recent year-end Q&A in the MiBiz Crystal Ball issue featured born-and-raised Muskegon resident Greg Maki, who discussed his local roots and early entry into the cannabis market. Maki, the owner of Agri-Med LLC, also discussed why he thinks some West Michigan cities will soon be oversaturated with dispensaries.

The past year produced several stories of area companies that had been struggling financially heading into the pandemic and then pushed over the edge. That included Pace Industries LLC, which manufactures die-cast parts and was previously acquired by the former Port City Group operations in Muskegon, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April. Less than two months later, HopCat parent company BarFly Ventures LLC filed for Chapter 11, spurred by ongoing statewide restaurant and bar closures, which affected owner Mark Sellers, who filed for Chapter 11 personally, and later his Maxs South Seas Hideaway bar in Grand Rapids. Other notable bankruptcies in 2020 included Goodrich Quality Theaters Inc. and Grand Rapids-based alternative lifestyle company Purple East Plus Inc.

MiBiz readers were apparently eager to learn about the Grand Rapids areas first drag-themed burger bar, Hamburger Marys in Cascade Township. MiBiz broke the news in early October about the national chains first Michigan location.

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MiBiz.com's top-read stories of 2020 - MiBiz: West Michigan Business News

Image : Pauline E / Geograph

Apples left on walls are not a sign of criminal activity, police have said.

Speaking at Barnstaple Town Council on Monday, December 14, Councillor Mel Lovering asked Inspector Andrew Wills about the issue following a strange email she had received from a resident.

She said: There seem to be codes being drawn on fences, garden gates, different areas of peoples houses, and some are insisting that apples are being left on a wall.

They say these codes are indicating to burglary gangs in North Devon whether somebody is in, our, whether there is a dog in the residency, whether it is a second home. Is this true, and is there anything that can be done about it?

Can we put out a message that if you find anything on your garden gate, can it be removed and let 101 know?

Inspector Wills responded saying that it was speculation, and no conclusion could be made.

If there was any information underlining that, such as those properties which were subsequently targeted, he said.

Apples left on a wall could be anything, and indeed is very different from a mark being left on a fence.

He said there was a danger of connecting a series of unconnected events.

That in themselves doesnt mean anything and are formulating a concern, he added.

Theres information going back years that say some travelling criminals will mark walls or come and do your block paving on your driveway and they will put a pattern on there that means youre a mug. Having some evidence is entirely different, and I am not aware of any evidence linking a series of crime to the property being marked.

If you do want to send that information, we can make sure we can record it as intelligence, and if we get any links with any trends like that emerging, we will be aware of it.

I wouldnt want to publicise that as an ongoing trend.

Shine a spotlight on Barnstaple, Devon, by becoming an Area Ambassador. Click here to learn more!

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No connection between apples on walls and crime say police - In Your Area

BRIDGEWATER, NJ Meet Smokey! She has been chosen as Bridgewater Patch's Pet Of The Week.

"Smokey is our special joy ball of fur that we officially adopted in May. We know she will bring much happiness to our home. She is absolutely adorable and a true gift. Our previous dog of 17 years died nearly a year ago and being more isolated has caused us to realize how much we needed another dog in our home.

Smokey was born in Kentucky and came up here through a rescue organization."

Jayne, Jeff, Kevin, and James Danco of Bridgewater

Do you think your pet should be Bridgewater's Pet of the Week?

Participating in the Pet of the Week happenings is simple: submit your nomination by emailing alexis.tarrazi@patch.com with the subject line "Bridgewater Pet Of The Week." Be sure to include a photograph or two of your pet, a paragraph about what makes him or her so great, the town you're from, and your name.

Then just keep an eye out for a photo of your pet on the Patch!

The photo can be of a present pet, or it can be a baby picture of the adult pet you're so proud of today. All photos must be the property of the submitter. By submitting a photo to Patch the submitter agrees to give permission for it to be published on Patch.

Additionally, selected winners each week will be given a free bag of Woof Gang dog or cat treats when they stop in Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming inside Bridgewater Towne Center at 732 US-202. And winners can also bring their pet into the store for a picture. Woof Gang Bakery will put them up on their social media page as well.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

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Smokey Is Bridgewaters Pet Of The Week - Patch.com

WARMINSTER, PA When it comes to news in 2020, you can probably guess what the most well read stories of the year were on the Warminster Patch. But, here's the thing the year's news wasn't all about the coronavirus.

A few of 2020's other top stories had elements that brushed up against the virus and the way it changed all of our lives. Meanwhile, others chronicled different aspects of life in Warminster and the surrounding area.

Whether it was good, bad or just plain weird, these are some of the most-read stories of 2020 on the Warminster Patch site.

Do you have other favorite stories from the past year that we missed here? Let us know in the comments or on social media.

Triplets At Archbishop Wood Offered $5.5 Million In ScholarshipsWe'll call this a pretty good academic career so far. Alex, Robert and Stevie Meyer, members of the Warminster school's Class of 2020, also were accepted into a total of 35 colleges and universities.

Popeyes Chicken Coming To Warminster Steak 'N Shake SpotThe Steak 'N' Shake in Warminster had a rough go catching fire almost immediately after opening then trying to reopen amidst the coronavirus pandemic. In September, it was announced Popeye's Chicken was moving into the building.

15 Underground Railroad Sites You Can Visit In Bucks CountyBucks County has no shortage of history and, in advance of Black History Month, lots of readers checked out this look at locations on the Underground Railroad. They include spots in Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Yardley and New Hope.

PA 1st District Results: Fitzpatrick Wins ReelectionIt was the most expensive congressional race in Bucks County history and watched nationally as a potential flip for Democrats. But, in the end, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, fended off a challenge from Democratic Ivyland Borough Council member Christina Finello.

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Year In Review: Top Warminster News Of 2020 - Patch.com

DOYLESTOWN, PA The Bucks County District Attorney's Office has announced an arrest in the October shooting death of a Bucks County teenager.

Kenneth Troy Heller, 52, of Warminster, was arraigned in Bucks County Court Wednesday morning before Judge Gary Gambardella. He is charged with criminal homicide in the fatal shooting of Jason Kutt on Oct. 24, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or death by lethal injection.

Kutt, 18, of Sellersville, was watching the sunset with his girlfriend at Nockamixon State Park when he was shot once in the back of the head. Moments later, his girlfriend saw a man in an orange vest standing about 550 feet away look in their direction before leaving the area. Kutt was later pronounced dead at St. Luke's Hospital in Bethlehem.

Hunting was allowed at the state park at the time of the shooting, the District Attorney's Office and state parks officials later confirmed. That man in the orange vest is now confirmed to be Heller, District Attorney Matt Weintraub said during a press conference Wednesday morning.

Heller's attorney, Daniel Schwartz, waived his defendant's right to a preliminary hearing.

Weintraub said Heller voluntarily turned himself in and has agreed to plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter when a formal arraignment takes place in April. He described the killing as "an awful mistake" and said Heller has expressed remorse for the crime.

Detectives interviewed Heller's co-workers who said he did not report to work the Monday after the shooting and was visibly "shook up" when he returned the following day, the DA's office said. The co-workers also told detectives that shortly after the shooting, Heller gave away guns, ammunition and hunting gear.

Heller has a prior criminal history, including two theft convictions in the 1980s, as well as a simple assault conviction and a drug-related charge in the early 1990s, Judge Gambardella said.

Kutt was a recent graduate of Pennridge High School who enjoyed playing guitar, video games and taking walks in nature, family members said.

Other misdemeanor charges brought against Heller include possession of instrument of a crime, possession of a prohibitive offensive weapon, shooting at or causing injury to human beings, failing to render assistance after a hunting accident and recklessly endangering another person.

After the arraignment, Heller was returned to the Bucks County Jail. No bail has been set.

"He bore no animus toward Jason Kutt," Weintraub said. "He didn't even know the man. He's going to have to live with this for the rest of his life, and I believe it will have a terrible impact on him."

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Warminster Man Charged With Homicide In Nockamixon Park Shooting - Patch.com

By Sudeshna Dutta

Dolores Arulappan runs a school, bakes, writes poems, embroiders and keeps a manicured garden. FYI shes just 83

Residents of Pottery Town are quite familiar with Jack and Jill School, which was established in 1981. But for someone who sees the huge compound for the first time, it is a sight to behold. Starting with a friendly bark from Jackie at the gate, your eyes will immediately catch the pretty gazebo in front -- situated on one side of the garden full of plants -- with an artificial waterfall mesmerising you from the other end with the sound of ripples. In no way does it look like a normal school building, rather, the place sends the vibe of a warm, welcoming home. Indeed, it is also the home of Dolores Arulappan, the 83-year-old Principal and founder, who runs the school and teaches English to children while residing at its premises.

In the initial days, there were just one or two classrooms where I would teach nursery and lower primary children. Over the years, we have grown into a full-fledged primary school till Class 4, with around 10 teaching staff. Children from different strata of the society, including the physically disabled ones, find this a safe haven to learn their lessons, she says.

We were also going through financial troubles during that period, which is why I thought of doing something on my own and earning some money, she says. Arulappan is glad of her decision to open a school. Even now, my students and their parents come to me and say how grateful they are for giving them a strong foundation. Most of them who came from economically backward backgrounds are now doing well. This gives me immense satisfaction, she says.

The premises of Jack and Jill School

Most of them are about appreciation for life, death, children and nature, with underlying references to religion. I feel the world is turning harsh every day, so sitting here at the gazebo and jotting something down gives me temporary relief, she says, adding that most of her poems are included in the school text books for different classes. Some of them are converted into songs that are sung by the children at various school functions.

Her skills also include embroidery, baking cakes and cookies and painting during her free time.

During the course of conversation with Towns Mirror at the beautiful gazebo, Jackie, the Indie dog, came and jumped on his pet parents lap for his afternoon nap. We found him injured one day and rescued him from the streets. He has been my baby ever since, says Arulappan.

Are you an East Bengaluru resident? Wed like to hear from you. email: anupama.bijur@timesgroup.com

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The Towns Mirror Special: The school with the gazebo - Bangalore Mirror

By JAKE BERGPublished December 30, 2020Future of First Street Gazebo to be discussed

Jake Berg photoA close-up photo of the First Street Gazebo stairs shows a glimpse of the wear sustained throughout the years.

SNOHOMISH The future of the First Street Gazebo will be discussed during a January City Council meeting. The city will bring the topic to the City Council to gather feedback on how to best renovate the gazebo at Avenue A and First Street.The Gazebo needs a new roof, new stairs and many floorboards need to be replaced. The city is considering a renovation or a full demolition. City economic development manager Wendy Poischbeg said earlier this month that the No. 1 goal for the new gazebo is ADA accessibility.If a renovation would occur, the gazebo would be restored to its original glory. Poischbeg said demolition and rebuild would allow the city to explore other options for the location, for example, a small amphitheater for live entertainment or a pocket park.Poischbeg said that she has heard a lot of community members suggest the new gazebo be large enough to act as a stage for small concerts. She added that events on First Street such as Kla-Ha-Ya Days could benefit from the addition of some sort of stage in the historic downtown.The gazebo was built in the 1980s and is renowned by many throughout the town of Snohomish as a location for photoshoots and even marriage proposals. But wear has taken its toll over 30-plus years, which has caused the city to take notice and take action toward the repair.Earlier in 2020, Snohomish was a finalist in a small-town America contest and was planning on using the prize money for the renovation. After further evaluation, the cost would exceed the $25,000 prize and repairs would be more costly than expected. After Snohomish came up short in the contest, it was apparent the city would have to seek funds to fix the gazebo.

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Future of gazebo on First Street Snohomish to be discussed - Snohomish County Tribune

THIS is the moment a dad tried to cover his kids in snow from the top of his gazebo - only for it to completely collapse on top of him.

Daniel Campbell, 34, tried to scrape off a bit of snow that had settled on the roof of the structure onto his kids Kacey, 15, Finley, 10, and Nate, seven, while wife Lucy, 34, filmed.

But after failing to give them the shower he desired, his plan backfired and the gazebo collapsed on his head, leaving the whole family in hysterics.

The mum-of-three, who owns a cafe, said: "We knew there would be fresh snow as the caf had been locked up, and my husband told me to start filming because he wanted to bash all the snow off the gazebo onto the kids!

"He was trying to prank the kids but it obviously backfired!

"I stopped laughing for a bit because I didn't know if he was ok, but when he crawled out from under the gazebo I carried on!"

The gazebo in Wolverhampton was used to shelter customers whilst they wait for their takeaway orders, but sadly did not survive the hijinks by construction company owner Daniel.

Lucy said: "We have to go and buy an emergency one tomorrow before the caf opens up!"

The Black Country saw two inches of snow overnight on December 27 and the clip was filmed the next day.

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UK NEWS: The moment prankster dad's joke in the snow seriously backfires - The Westmorland Gazette

This is the moment a dad tried to cover his kids in snow from the top of his gazebo - only for it to completely collapse on top of him.

Daniel Campbell, 34, tried to scrape off a bit of snow that had settled on the roof of the structure onto his kids Kacey, 15, Finley, 10, and Nate, seven, while wife Lucy, 34, filmed.

But after failing to give them the shower he desired, his plan backfired and the gazebo collapsed on his head, leaving the whole family in hysterics.

The mum-of-three, who owns a cafe, said: "We knew there would be fresh snow as the caf had been locked up, and my husband told me to start filming because he wanted to bash all the snow off the gazebo onto the kids!

"He was trying to prank the kids but it obviously backfired!

"I stopped laughing for a bit because I didn't know if he was ok, but when he crawled out from under the gazebo I carried on!"

The gazebo in Wolverhampton was used to shelter customers whilst they wait for their takeaway orders, but sadly did not survive the hijinks by construction company owner Daniel.

Lucy said: "We have to go and buy an emergency one tomorrow before the caf opens up!"

The Black Country saw two inches of snow overnight on December 27 and the clip was filmed the next day.

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Dad tries to cover kids in snow from top of gazebo - but prank backfires massively - Birmingham Live