Manuel's Tavern Remake Coming Along ... Slowly

ATLANTA, GA -- The owners of Manuel's Tavern posted a construction update on their Facebook page this week:

Manuel’s Tavern opened in 1956 after DeKalb County’s Manuel Maloof purchased Harry’s Delicatessen at the corner of North and North Highland Avenues. Maloof, now referred to as the godfather of Georgia politics, later became CEO of DeKalb County. He died in 2004.

Green Street Properties is Manuel’s Tavern new owner, while the Maloof family will continue to operate the establishment. Green Street is upgrading its HVAC system and refurbishing other parts of the business. The watering hole is expected to be open perhaps by April 2016.

Two longtime patrons have set up a GoFundMe account to help employees with their expenses during their three-to-four-months-long unemployment, according to Atlanta Magazine. More than $5,000 have already been raised, and the goal is raise $1,000 a month for Manuel’s 60 employees.

When all of the renovations are completed, Manuel’s will have lost about 2,000 square feet of interior space, but added an outdoor patio. Nest door will be a six-story structure that will include parking, retail space, and apartments.