618 South St. was recently granted a zoning variance that will transform it from the eye-catching glowing lemon-lime colored former 6th St. Mini-Market to a take out/dine in Chinese restaurant. As we noted a few weeks ago, the 600 block of South St. is full of vacancies, and it looks like one will be filled in the near future.

This space has cycled through many concepts, including Inferno Body Piercing, Metro PCS, OK Bakery, M2 Men’s Clothing, South Street Kitchen, and Ace Young International Jewelry… just to name a few. We’re hoping the new concept sticks around for a couple of minutes, at least.

With Golden Empress Garden, Rich City Chinese, Number 1 Chinese, and South Garden just a stone’s throw away, just how much is too much?  We certainly love our General Tso’s chicken, but could we be reaching the point of over-saturation?

Going back to our train of thought from the other week, is it possible that we need big-name retailer to come in and really shake things up on South Street? We’re thinking one of our local celebrity chefs/restaurateurs, like Mike Stollenwerk, Jose Garces, or Michael Solomonov (who’s got a restaurant just 3 blocks down the street). Or perhaps we want to think much bigger and call Tony Goldman?

If you have a spare $1.088M, the property, along with the adjacent one at 620 South St. is up for sale. Have a good concept for 620 South St. and think you can get out of the lease with the current tenant? You could live in one of the four apartment units, and work below! Ah, what a great commute.