Thumbs Up Diner In Decatur Closes, Cites Rising Rents

DECATUR, GA -- Thumbs Up Diner in Decatur closed on Sunday, citing rising rents in the area and urging residents to help save other businesses by rising up in protest. While the diner's Facebook post also asked customers to visit one of the diner's several other locations, it said, "Decatur will always be home to Thumbs Up Diner." The restaurant has other locations in West Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Douglasville, Roswell and East Point.

A sign posted on the door said, “I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of you for the last 10 years. I know I speak for the rest of the staff when I say we feel very lucky to have been able to get to know all of you and making memories that we will cherish for a lifetime. We urge everyone to use their voices to protest the rising rents in this area. Unfortunately, it’s too late for us but you may be able to save other local businesses.”

Lou Locricchio opened the first Thumbs Up Diner on West Ponce de Leon Avenue in 1984, reports the AJC. He sold the concept in 1995 to Rob Atherholt, who changed the name to Crescent Moon and moved it. Thumbs Up reopened in 2008 in Decatur, where it has remained ever since, until Sunday.

Read the AJC's report here.

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