Popular Norcross Restaurant Loses Lease

The well-known Norcross Station Cafe, located in downtown Norcross, will be leaving the 100-year old train depot where it had operated for the past two decades.

The current owner was outbid when it was lease renewal time. The City of Norcross, which owns the building, put the lease out for bid as required by law.

The city publicized for 45 days. According to the information posted on the city's website, the law requires that "if two or more bids are submitted, the lease goes to the highest qualified bidder."

The current tenant submitted a bid for $3,000 a month ($1,000 a month less than the current lease). A bid for $7,553 per month was submitted by the second bidder. As both were qualified bidders, the contract goes to the highest bidder.

“Council is being responsible stewards of the citizens that we represent,” said Mayor Bucky Johnson. “If the tables had been turned and the current tenant had been the highest qualified bidder, then the City would have renewed his lease. 

"The 100-year old depot is an important and valued part of our community history and for the past 20 years, the Norcross Station Café has helped with downtown’s revitalization. We expect the new tenants will continue that tradition of being a great place for people to meet and enjoy a good meal. We wish both parties the very best.”