As Statesboro bids farewell to these familiar businesses, their closures reflect broader challenges in retail and dining industries, from financial struggles to changing consumer habits. However, they also leave behind legacies of service and community that won’t be forgotten.
Change is inevitable, but the stories these businesses leave behind remind us of the vital role they played in shaping Statesboro’s identity. As we move into a new year, we look forward to the next chapter and the new opportunities it will bring.
2024 Closings
Big Lots
After more than two decades of serving the Statesboro community, Big Lots is closing its doors in 2024, early 2025. Located in the Statesboro Square Shopping Center on Northside Drive, the retailer held “going-out-of-business” sales starting after Christmas, following the company’s bankruptcy filing in September.
Since opening, Big Lots had been a go to spot for locals, offering everything from home décor and furniture to pantry staples and seasonal deals. The store had been a fixture in the community, a place where shoppers could count on finding quality bargains.
The company, founded in 1967, had earned a reputation for delivering “bargains to brag about,” but financial challenges forced it to wind down operations. CEO Bruce Thorn shared that efforts to find a buyer were ongoing, but in the meantime, the decision was made to protect the company’s remaining assets by launching closing sales.
For many in Statesboro, the closure marked the end of an era. From last-minute holiday gifts to redecorating on a budget, Big Lots played a memorable role in countless shopping trips over the years. The sales gave customers a chance to stock up while bidding farewell to a longtime community favorite.
(As of December 29th, Big Lots has struck an agreement with Gordon Brother Retail Partners, LLC, to keep atleast 200 stores open. Whether that means the Statesboro location or not remains to be known
Badcock
Badcock Home Furniture & More closed all its stores nationwide in 2024 following a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. The Statesboro location, a community fixture since 1984 and locally owned by Mike Funk, ended its operations after a going-out-of-business sale to liquidate its inventory.
The closure was part of a broader move that also affected Top 100 retailer Conn’s HomePlus, which had acquired Badcock in December 2023 from Franchise Group. The bankruptcy filing was announced on July 23, and just two days later, going-out-of-business sales began across the combined showrooms.
In Statesboro, the store was informed of its closure on July 24. Over the next 12 weeks, it offered liquidation sales managed by B. Riley Retail Solutions, LLC, featuring discounts of 30-50% on furniture, home electronics, appliances, and even store fixtures.
"Conn's and Badcock have served as a go-to destination for its loyal customers' home goods necessities for over a century," stated Tim Shilling, President of B. Riley Retail Solutions. He described the sale as an opportunity for shoppers to purchase quality furnishings, appliances, and electronics at unprecedented discounts.
During the sales, customers were able to find deals on top-selling items like refrigerators, washers and dryers, TVs, smart home accessories, and gaming equipment—perfect for back-to-school shopping. However, all sales were final, with no returns or exchanges.
Ralph’s Diner
After 23 years of serving the Statesboro community, Ralph’s Diner closed its doors in September 2024, marking the end of an era for hearty Southern cooking and a family-run staple. Opened in 2001 by Ralph Thompson, the diner had become a local fixture, later managed by his daughter Tammy Smith and granddaughters Holly Hamilton and Kacy Smith.
The decision to close came after the building’s owner chose not to renew the lease. For years, the diner operated under a month-to-month agreement, but the sudden eviction notice meant Ralph’s had to clear out by mid-September. While the closure was a difficult decision, the family reflected on the diner’s strong legacy and loyal customer base.
Over the years, Ralph’s earned a reputation for its comforting Southern fare, with fried chicken, pork chops, and cornbread among the crowd favorites. Holly and Kacy shared how regulars and local businesses kept the diner thriving, even during challenges like COVID-19, which forced the team to adapt and adjust their operations.
As customers stopped by to say their goodbyes during the final days, the team was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. "It’s been heartwarming to see how much Ralph’s meant to the community," Kacy shared.
Beaver House
The Beaver House, a beloved Statesboro institution since its opening in 1989, served its final lunch on November 27, 2024. The Beaver family, owners of the historic home built in 1911, made the bittersweet announcement on November 12, sharing their gratitude for decades of support from the community and their vision for the future.
"Today, we bid farewell to the Beaver House Restaurant," the family wrote in a heartfelt Facebook post. "This bittersweet day marks a celebration of the past, a reflection on the legacy we’ve built, and a look forward to the exciting plans we have in store for the future."
The Beaver House had long been known for its Southern charm, family-style meals, and warm hospitality. However, following challenges such as staffing shortages after COVID-19, the family decided to focus on restoring the historic property.
"We’re ready to tackle the house again," said Sue Beaver, the family matriarch. "It’s been 45 years since we restored the house, and it’s time." Sue explained that the family is committed to preserving the home’s historic beauty and ensuring it remains an asset to the community.
Originally restored in 1979, the house transitioned to a restaurant in 1989. While it underwent minor repairs over the years, the Beavers now plan to embark on a full restoration. Sue noted the joy they’ve found in hosting countless special occasions and serving the community for over three decades.
Looking forward, the future of the Beaver House will be decided by Sue’s sons after the necessary renovations are complete. For now, the family is focused on giving the home a fresh start while honoring its history.
Pizza Hut on Main Street
The Pizza Hut location on Main Street closed this year, and combined with their location at 860 Buckhead Drive. So for those who believe that no one can out-pizza the Hut, rest assured they are still in the 'Boro!
Rue 21
rue 21, a popular teen apparel store in the Statesboro Mall, officially closed its doors on May 31, 2024. The closure came as part of a company-wide shutdown following the retailer’s bankruptcy filing earlier in the month.
The company, which operated 540 stores across 45 states and employed 4,900 people, faced significant financial challenges. This marked the third time rue 21 filed for bankruptcy, and the decision was made to close all locations immediately.
The Statesboro store, a staple in the mall for over a decade, offered 30-50% discounts on its entire inventory during its final weeks. However, no official statement or media release was issued by the company, and its website was taken offline.
Moe’s
Moe’s Southwest Grill on Brannen Street in Statesboro closed unexpectedly in November 2024, leaving employees and the community without notice. Workers were informed of the immediate closure via text message, and shortly after, the restaurant was emptied of its furnishings, with the iconic Moe’s sign removed from the building.
This closure was part of a larger trend, as Moe’s Southwest Grill faced significant challenges in 2024. Nationwide, the chain has seen a steady decline in store numbers, dropping from 726 locations in 2019 to just 617 by spring 2024. Other closures were reported in cities like Albany, Georgia, and Tucker, Georgia, as well as Montgomery Village, Maryland.
The decline stems from multiple factors, including falling sales, rising operational costs, and increased competition from brands like Chipotle and Surcheros. Franchisees and corporate-owned locations have struggled to balance costs with revenue, and customer complaints about food quality and order accuracy have further hurt the chain's reputation. Attempts to introduce drive-thru services at some locations reportedly caused inefficiencies in Moe’s assembly-line service model, compounding operational issues.
Uncle Shug's on Main
The building housing Uncle Shug's Bar-B-Q Place on Main, located on Statesboro's Blue Mile, has been sold, marking a change for this downtown fixture. While the restaurant’s location at 434 South Main Street closed on December 24, 2024, Uncle Shug's fans can still enjoy their favorite barbecue at the Brooklet and US 301 locations, as well as through the company’s catering services.
Stacy Underwood, the owner of Uncle Shug's, shared the news on social media, expressing gratitude for the community’s support. Underwood assured customers that all employees from the downtown location have been offered positions at the other restaurants.
"We are so grateful for the community’s support over the years and hope to continue seeing everyone at our other locations or in the community as we cater events," said Underwood.
The building has been purchased by Blue Mile Catering, which will relocate its catering operations from its current site at 454 South Main Street. The new owner plans to use the space for catering meetings and events. The existing Blue Mile property will continue to house Aura Cocktails & Tapas, a speakeasy-style bar operating by reservation only.
Uncle Shug's Bar-B-Q Place on Main had been a popular spot for civic clubs, business meetings, and community gatherings. Underwood acquired the building in 2016 from Randy Nessmith, initially operating it as R.J.'s Grill before renovating and rebranding it as Uncle Shug's in 2019.
The sale is part of the broader revitalization of the Blue Mile area, which has seen significant developments in recent years, including the proposed Creek on the Blue Mile project. Traver Vliem of Blokk Commercial Real Estate, who facilitated the sale, highlighted this acquisition as part of the ongoing transformation of the Blue Mile and downtown Statesboro.
