[UPDATE] Jason's Deli Has Officially Closed at Cumberland Mall

After a prolonged "temporary closure," Jason's Deli at Cumberland Mall near Smyrna officially has permanently closed.  The restaurant, located on the mall's first floor, was near the former Sears wing, where Round1, an entertainment venue will soon open.  Jason's Deli first opened at Cumberland Mall in December 2003 when it replaced what had been the once popular Lettuce Souprise You.  

The closure of Jason's Deli at Cumberland Mall is the fourth closure in metro Atlanta for the Beaumont, Texas-based chain since the start of the pandemic.  ToNeTo Atlanta reported previously that Jason's Deli shuttered restaurants in Johns Creek (Duluth), Alpharetta and East Cobb at Merchants Festival shopping center.  (The East Cobb location was previously removed from the Jason's Deli website but has reappeared, once again marked as "temporarily closed.") 

According to a report by Restaurant Business Online, Jason's Deli had as of October 1 permanently closed 22 restaurants nationwide - about 10% of its total unit count - since the start of the pandemic in March.  

Following the closures, Jason's Deli operates a total of sixteen restaurants in Georgia, of which ten are in metro Atlanta, including locations in Buckhead, Dunwoody, Midtown, Tucker, North Point and Kennesaw, among others. 

Jason's Deli is the second restaurant to close at Cumberland Mall since the start of the pandemic.  Atlanta-based Ted's Montana Grill closed its restaurant at Cumberland Mall (and in Decatur) in early June.  GW Gyro & Wings, the latest iteration of Gyro Wrap, has not closed its unit in the food court, but is for sale.  The eatery, which not long ago rebranded from "Gyro Wrap Street Food Kitchen," is owned by the Atlanta-based company and is being marketed for sale for a mere $15,000 with no transfer fees, reduced royalties, full training and free rent until the end of 2020.  

Despite the two closures and challenging retail environment, Cumberland Mall has managed to add several new tenants to its mall including new eateries and retailers, among other new additions.  

ToNeTo Atlanta reported previously that Dick's Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and Planet Fitness have all opened in portions of the upper level of the former Cumberland Sears store, while the aforementioned Round1 is expected to open in early 2021 on the lower level.  The food court is also expected to welcome new Charleys Philly Steaks and The Original Hot Dog Factory outposts.  

Charming Charlie, which closed all of its stores in 2019 following its most recent bankruptcy filing, reopened in its former space at the mall in late September, marking the retailer's first new brick and mortar store to open following the company's return to retail.

Are you surprised by the recent closures of Jason's Deli in metro Atlanta?  What is your favorite casual sandwich shop?  What would you like to see open in place of Jason's Deli in Alpharetta?  

Please share your thoughts below.