Have you walked past the old Flying Biscuit corner lately and wondered what’s going into all that plywood and new drywall? If you live near McLendon Avenue, you’ve probably noticed construction underway in several storefronts, often with little signage explaining what’s coming.
A portion of the 1600 block of McLendon Avenue, on the south side of the street across from Candler Park Market and Gigi’s Italian Kitchen & Restaurant, is undergoing a noticeable transition. Several longtime businesses have relocated or shifted spaces, making room for a bookstore, boutique, bakery and new restaurant concept.
One Block, Several Changes
The stretch from La Fonda Latina to the former Flying Biscuit corner is owned by Mike Nelson and Clay Harper. According to the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization, the owners have a long history of bringing established local businesses to the block.
The original Flying Biscuit opened at the corner of McLendon and Clifton in 1993. In 2024, it relocated to the former Lazy Betty space at Mell and DeKalb avenues. Franchise owner Joseph Hsiao, who has operated the restaurant since 2010, kept the familiar menu while moving into a newer space with additional parking.
Kelly’s Closet also relocated, but it didn’t leave the neighborhood. After more than two decades in its original storefront, the bridal shop moved a few doors down into part of the former Flying Biscuit property.
Dr. Bombay’s Underwater Tea Party, the longtime community tea house, moved to Grant Park in April 2025. Its former storefront is now being prepared for a new food and beverage concept.
Rather than longtime businesses simply disappearing, this is a block being reshuffled. Some familiar names remain nearby while their former spaces welcome new tenants.
Who's Moving In
The replacements aren't speculative pop-ups. They're either already open or backed by operators with a track record elsewhere in Atlanta:
- Lostintheletters, an Atlanta writing studio and nonprofit, opened a bookstore, reading lounge and creative space in 2025 inside part of the former Flying Biscuit property.
- Lucille’s is now open next door. Described as a “luxury gift store for the romantically inclined,” the boutique offers home décor, candles, jewelry, books, lingerie and personal-care products. Behind a curtain is an adults-only collection of carefully curated intimacy products. Haute Living featured the new boutique in July.
- The Little Tart Bakeshop is taking over the former Kelly’s Closet storefront for its fourth Atlanta location, joining existing locations in Grant Park, Summerhill and Krog Street Market.
- Midi, Little Tart’s new sister concept, is planned for the former Dr. Bombay’s space next door. Inspired by founder Sarah O’Brien’s travels to Paris, Midi is expected to serve sandwiches, salads, small bites, wine, cocktails and soft serve. Earlier plans for the space involved O’Brien’s Big Softie concept, but the idea evolved into Midi.
A Liquor License Application Appeared in August
CPNO’s August zoning agenda included a Little Tart Bakeshop application for a liquor license covering malt beverages, wine and distilled spirits at 1643 McLendon Ave. NE. The application appeared on the zoning committee’s Aug. 5 agenda.
Little Tart and Midi are expected to open this fall, although exact opening dates have not been announced.
A New Mix of Places to Gather
This stretch of McLendon has long been a neighborhood gathering place. Flying Biscuit brought people together over brunch, while Dr. Bombay’s offered high tea and a comfortable place to spend an afternoon.
The new businesses continue that tradition in different ways. Lostintheletters provides space to browse, read, write and attend events. Lucille’s combines shopping with workshops and private experiences. Little Tart will add another neighborhood café, while Midi is expected to bring sandwiches, small plates and evening drinks to the block.
Together, they create a broader mix of reasons to visit throughout the day, from morning coffee and pastries to afternoon shopping and an evening glass of wine.
The Fall Calendar
All of this is converging with the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization's three biggest events of the year, all packed into just over two weeks:
Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
Fall Ball | Friday, September 18 | 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. |
Tour of Homes | Saturday, September 26 | 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
Fall Fest | Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 | 11:00 a.m. onward both days |
Fall Fest draws approximately 20,000 people per day into the park and surrounding neighborhood, according to the official event website. Admission is free. CPNO says proceeds from the volunteer-run event benefit the neighborhood organization and other local nonprofits while supporting community and park improvements.
New Openings Meet a Busy Fall
There’s no indication that Little Tart and Midi have coordinated their openings with Fall Fest, and construction and permitting schedules can always change. Still, the expected fall openings come during one of the busiest times of year for Candler Park.
The main park entrance at 1500 McLendon Ave. NE is within easy walking distance of the retail block. Visitors attending Fall Ball, the Tour of Homes or Fall Fest will have an opportunity to see how the storefronts are evolving, even if every new business isn’t open by festival weekend.
What It Means for Your Next Walk Down McLendon
The practical takeaway is that this familiar stretch of McLendon is gaining a wider variety of neighborhood businesses.
Lucille’s and Lostintheletters are already open. Kelly’s Closet remains on the block in its new location. Little Tart and Midi are expected to join them this fall, although their opening dates have not yet been confirmed.
Whether you’re visiting for a festival, walking to the park or simply checking on the construction progress, there will be something new to notice along McLendon Avenue over the coming months.
At Golley Realty, we follow changes like these because neighborhood businesses, gathering places and walkable amenities are part of what makes a community feel like home. Visit our Candler Park neighborhood page to learn more about the area. When you’re ready to talk specifics, connect with one of our Decatur and Intown Atlanta neighborhood experts.
