When it comes to roaming around Winston-Salem, there are many places to spend time with friends and family. With the plethora of places there are in Winston-Salem, unfortunately many of them have been coming to an end. Places such as Sweet Potatoes and Underdog Records have made a close after being established for a great number of years. With this being said, here are some iconic yet historic places that have come to a close in Winston-Salem.
Sweet Potatoes
After 22 years, Sweet Potatoes, an African American owned restaurant which was located at 607 Trade St NW, Winston-Salem, closed down due to the impact of COVID-19 on Feb. 1. According to WXII, it was mentioned that both owners Stephanie Tyson and Vivian Joiner had decided to put the restaurant to an end due to the mental, physical and financial strain that followed after the pandemic.
Ichiban Japanese House
After serving unique foods for three decades, Ichiban Japanese House, which was located at 270 S Stratford Rd, Winston-Salem, has closed its doors due to facing financial difficulties. The restaurant was considered the longest-standing business at Thruway Shopping Center, ever since 1995, as well as being the longest-running Japanese restaurant in Winston-Salem. The restaurant closed at the end of February, leaving local customers devastated.
Underdog Records
One of downtown Winston-Salem’s record stores closed Mar. 1 due to the owner having an idea of selling online rather than in person. Underdog Records, which was located at 835 Burke St, Winston-Salem, was a record store that was owned and ran by the owner only, making it unique compared to other vinyl stores located in Winston-Salem. Just like the store in person, owner Jonathan Hudges, is delighted to collect and sell any used records.
Crooked Tail Cat Cafe
Winston-Salem’s first cat cafe, Crooked Tail Cat Cafe, which was located at 29 W 5th St, Winston-Salem, has closed its doors due to unexpected difficulties as well as the decision to refocus on the Greensboro location on Mar, 2. During the cafe’s final days, instead of requiring reservations, they offered free lounge visits as well as a beverage purchase. Within the closure of this unique cafe, all of the remaining cats have been moved to a pet foster care facility.
Johnny’s Farmhouse
After operating for nearly two years, Johnny’s Farmhouse, which was located at 835 Burke St, Winston-Salem, had been shut down permanently. Although the owner hasn’t released the reason behind the closure, a new restaurant by the name of “KPOT” will be taking over this location.
A majority of classic and well known places have closed down in Winston-Salem. To some, it may seem devastating, but to others, this may be a great opportunity to seek out and enjoy some new stores and experiences.
