More businesses have been popping up in the Bearden area as of late.
The trend follows a controversial vote to close Ben Atchley street earlier this spring.
Developer Tony Cappiello proposed to close down that road as a way of bringing Anthropologie to town.
Some did not like that idea, but now, months later, business in that area is thriving.
The Orangery restaurant, nearby, says it's seen its lunchtime business increase ever since Anthropologie, and other new businesses, opened.
"The businesses that have been locating in this area, like Anthropologie, have been a perfect fit for Bearden. " said Orangery employee Blake Parrish.
Cappiello said the neighborhood already has a good mix of retailers and restaurants, which entices other businesses to set up shop there too. Recently, Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop and Shuck Raw Bar and Grill have followed suit. The store "Lilly Pulitzer" will come to Western Plaza too.
But, Cappiello says Bearden currently suffers from an "inventory" problem.
He said there is a lot of demand from businesses looking to locate in Bearden, but not enough property to fit them.
So, Cappiello's looking to fix that. Some time early next year, he plans to tear down the old Backyard Burgers building on Kingston Pike and replace it with a 12 to 14,000 square-foot shopping center.
"And offer maybe one or two eatery spaces and anywhere from four to six retailers," he said.
Cappiello added that Ben Atchley Street will likely close down around the beginning of the year too. He said some work still needs to be finalized with the city.
Cappiello said he is hopeful the road, which will become a parking space, will spur a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere.
