The former home of longtime barbeque joint, Mo's Smokehouse BBQ, has a new tenant: CJ's BBQ Smokehouse.
CJ’s is a new business moving in next to Antigua Brewing after Mo's closed in December of 2022.
“We like a vibrant downtown," Antigua co-owner Chris Banys said. "The fewer vacancies, the better.”
Even though the former home of Beverly’s is now occupied on Higuera St., the buildings that used to house Ross and Charles Shoes still remain empty.
“There was just a lot of movement and traffic going back and forth," Junkgirls co-owner Melissa James recalled. "I think we saw a lot more people on our street because of those two stores.”
Downtown SLO CEO LeBren Harris said in a statement, “With a vacancy rate below 9%, we recognize the challenges businesses face, but we're excited to see both new and established entrepreneurs continue to see value in operating here."
“Places fill back up and the city reduced the parking rates, people are starting to come downtown more and that's really good for everybody," Banys explained.
Filling vacant spaces and the reduced parking rates that went into effect in July are factors that both Antigua Brewing and Junkgirls owners believe are bringing in more business.
For Antigua Brewing, Banys said they've seen better business in the past 4-6 weeks.
“I am seeing a slow turnaround," James agreed. "It feels like it's coming back. People are starting to look around again and shop and come into town and some of the open spaces are now getting filled, which is really a good thing.”
A quick public records search shows that there are no accepted permits or plans for either space that formerly housed Ross or Charles Shoes.
