Downtown Aiken Blossoms with New Restaurants Amid Closures

News Summary

Downtown Aiken is navigating a bittersweet transformation as beloved restaurants like Straight Outta Brooklyn and Casa Bella close. Despite these farewells, new culinary ventures such as The Red Door and Salty Tomatoes promise to invigorate the local dining scene. Community leaders maintain optimism about the area’s economic resilience as Aiken adjusts to these changes.

Downtown Aiken’s Restaurant Scene: A Mix of Goodbyes and New Beginnings

In the heart of South Carolina, Aiken has been bustling with delicious dining options, yet recent events leave a bittersweet taste for local food lovers. The beloved Straight Outta Brooklyn Bagel & Delicatessen has announced that it will be closing its doors after nearly two years. Located at 106 Park Ave. S.W., this eatery brought a slice of New York to Aiken and had become a favorite for many until the news broke on April 7, 2025, through a heartfelt post on social media from its owners, Michael and Andrea DelSignore.

Many will miss the scrumptious, authentic New York bagels that were shipped frozen from Brooklyn and baked fresh daily right on-site. From bagels and bialy rolls to hearty deli sandwiches and deli meats like roast beef and corned beef, the menu had something for everyone. However, not only business challenges were at play; the unfortunate passing of co-owner Andrea DelSignore in November 2023 added to the emotional weight surrounding the closure.

Farewell to Casa Bella

But the closures don’t stop there. Another cherished spot, Casa Bella, located at 120 Chesterfield St. S., has also decided to close its doors permanently. This Italian gem, which opened in 2007 by Joe and Arlene Iannelli, was a fan-favorite not just for its food but for its warm and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s recipes originated from Joe’s mother in Italy, featuring locally sourced ingredients that made every dish fresh and flavorful. Now listed for $799,000, the property is on the market, adding to the growing list of restaurant vacancies in Aiken.

The Community’s Response

As several restaurants in Aiken—including Cyndi’s Sweet Shoppe and Fuse Aiken—have recently closed, there are growing concerns about the health of the local economy. However, there’s a silver lining that residents are holding onto. David Jameson, the president of the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, has been quick to reassure the community that even in these times of change, Aiken’s economy remains resilient and strong. New businesses are expected to crop up in the wake of these closures, promising fresh options for diners.

What’s Coming to Aiken

Exciting new ventures are already on the horizon. The much-anticipated The Red Door, featuring Asian cuisine, is gearing up for its grand opening. Not too far behind is Salty Tomatoes, ready to welcome patrons with an eclectic array of dishes starting this Saturday. And for dog lovers, a brand new grooming service, Scenthound Aiken, is set to join the mix, specializing in quick and efficient grooming services for your furry friends.

Aiken is also preparing to spotlight its city pride with True Aiken, a store dedicated to offering Aiken-themed gifts. This will not only add some local flair to the downtown area but also support the community’s pride in their city.

A Time of Change

As Downtown Aiken experiences both closures and new arrivals, the blend of heartache and excitement paints a vivid picture of a community rallying together. While some will miss the familiar restaurants that added flavor to the local scene, the arrival of new businesses and services brings hope for a dynamic culinary landscape. As residents and visitors navigate this transitional period, one thing remains clear—Aiken is poised for a culinary comeback that promises to keep everyone talking.

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Additional Resources

• Post and Courier: Casa Bella Downtown Aiken
• Greenville Online: Red Lobster Closure in SC
• WJBF: Downtown Aiken Businesses Closing
• Post and Courier: Aiken Restaurants Column
• Cincinnati.com: Sleepy Bee Cafe Closure
• Google Search: Aiken restaurant closures