A few weeks ago when lamenting the loss of places and buildings with character, we published a long-running rumor that Sadlack’s would be lost as a part of the Bell Tower redevelopment project that NC State has been soliciting bids for. Unfortunately, it looks like the rumors were true.

David Bracken confirmed this in today’s N&O:

The hotel would include ground floor retail and a restaurant. The project would occupy the stretch of Hillsborough between Enterprise Street and Maiden Lane, replacing both Sadlack’s Heroes and a retail center that is home to Schoolkids Records.

Sadlack’s, which has been around for more than 30 years, was renovated just five years ago.

The redevelopment of Hillsborough Street has gone too far. The loss of this 30+ year institution signifies a major loss for the character of this axial street.

Read our review of Sadlack’s from 4 years ago after a full renovation of the building.

It’s unknown if there are relocation plans, but I will update this post with further developments.

UPDATE

I received an email from a reader disputing the News & Observer account of the development project. This person talked to heard secondhand information about the owner  (Rose) and had this to say:

Just for the record, went to Sadlack’s for lunch, Rose has no idea what they are talking about…

Someone should talk to her and not just reprint the N&O stuff.

Does this mean Sadlack’s will continue as a tiny corner sandwich joint next to a towering hotel taking up the entire remaining block? I’m optimistic, but have a hard time believing this will happen.