Brief Cases: Basil Press takes siesta for summer

The owners of Basil Press are temporarily closing the downtown Athens restaurant for the summer beginning today, partner Keith Rabideau said. Basil Press will reopen before the University of Georgia’s fall semester begins, he said.

The restaurant, which has done business on the corner of South Lumpkin and East Washington streets for 11 years, has suffered from the summer slump in downtown, especially in the current overall slow economy, Rabideau said.

“It’s a seasonal fluctuation that occurs in downtown during the summer,” Rabideau said. “It’s a business decision we probably should have made a year or two ago.”

Barberitos to expand to new Tate center

Athens-based Tex-Mex chain Barberitos will open one of its restaurants in the new Tate II Student Center on Monday on the University of Georgia campus, said Barberitos Franchising founder and CEO Downing Barber.

Barberitos franchisee David Weeks also recently opened a Barberitos store in Watkinsville in The Town Center on Main Street. That restaurant opened April 9.

Barberitos opened its first location in downtown Athens in January 2000. Since then, the total number of Barberitos franchise restaurants has grown to 22 in the Southeast.

At The Tate II Student Center, Barberitos has adapted its model and operational procedure to that of the University of Georgia’s student dining hall requirements. If the Tate II Student Center Barberitos is a success, Barberitos will pursue other college campus dining opportunities.

Henson finds new home in Five Points

Athens florist Posy Henson has relocated her floral design service to Andrew Downs and Co. home decorating store, 1737 S. Lumpkin St. in Five Points. Henson, who had been working out of Jingles in Five Points, moved after Jingles owner Linda Ford closed her gift store to pursue a teaching career.

Henson, who makes flower arrangements for weddings, parties and other special occasions, incorporates mostly garden-style flowers and wild flowers in her designs, she said. Customers can buy anything from a single flower to a small bouquet to major arrangements, and delivery is available.

Renovations to Tasty World are underway

Work is proceeding on renovating a portion of Tasty World to create a new bar in the street-level space at the corner of South Jackson and East Broad streets.

Paul DeGeorge, owner of Pauley’s Original Crepe Bar, and Murphy Wolford, owner of Tasty World, are teaming up to redo the ground level area of Tasty World and convert it to Magnolia’s Bar.

The Tasty World nightclub on the second floor will continue as a bar and music venue, DeGeorge said.