UPDATE: FM Fats reports that he spoke with Depeaux owner Bill Sharkey today and was told that the Depeaux isn’t entirely closed and is still open on weekends.

It opened to renovation controversy (after a $250,000 move funded by the DPA) and high Cajun-food-hopes.  It closed quitely and without notice.

Until now.

A few days after a major refreshening of its “Business For Sale” page with the Shumacher Group, Carl reports that it looks like the Depeaux (in the old Decatur depot) has finally closed its doors for good.

No hours posted, mail slot sealed shut…no sign of life. BBQ joint moving in?

Photo courtesy of the Shumacher Group

The restaurant in Decatur’s saved historic icon is up for sale.  “SalMonela” points to the ad on The Schumaker Group’s website.

Decatur Freestanding 4300/sf Restaurant w/2 bars and Stage-Fully Equipped Turnkey -$1,000,000 Renovation & Build Out for $99K OBO! SEE ALL NEW PHOTO’S!

The Depeaux is located at 303 East Howard Avenue, Decatur, GA 30030. This Tavern restaurant is located by the Decatur Square….Over $1,000,000 was spent ground up on raw space of historic building with incredible character. This space was gutted completely and replaced with all brand new HVAC, electrical, plumbing, grease traps, and all new furniture, fixtures, equipment, bar, etc. Space is 4300/sf with seating for 100 with 15 seat bar plus outdoor seating for 80 with second bar and additional seating area. Owner has secured parking for over 70 cars.Long term sublease at $7,850 including all extras. Any concept works or keep as is. Priced at $99,000 with Owner Financing options. Seller lives out of state and is willing to lower price with some percentage of new business.

Note: this sounds like it’s the business that’s for sale, not the building.

Rus points out that Creative Loafing’s “bites” program is currently selling $30 gift certificates to El Tesoro and the Depeaux for $15.

The new El Tesoro has gotten some good reviews on this site thus far from local residents. Opinions I hear/read of the Depeaux are often mixed, especially when its being compared to “true New Orleans” cuisine. And though I’ve never been to New Orleans (unfortunately), I think the friendly service, gator bites and Hurricanes at the Depeaux are often worth the fuss and the walk home (since one Hurricane usually has me seeing double).

Get these discounts while supplies last!

UPDATE: In my haste I overlooked Oakhurst’s Calavino’s, which is also included on the $30 for $15 list.  Thanks Carl!

Decatur’s Depeaux gets a feature in Access Atlanta this week.  The AJC’s Bob Townsend highlights both the renovated Train Depot and the restaurant’s spicy eats.

Regardless of your position on whether the depot should have been completely gutted after the Decatur Preservation Alliance raised $250,000 to move it, you have to admit the new “Depeaux” looks darn good.  Plus the food is comforting and delicious.   The $5.95 red beans and rice is a meal in itself!  Couple that with a HUGE glass of draft beer and you’re set for the evening.