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Several popular restaurants near DU closed over the summer, including Tokyo Joe’s, Garbanzo’s and the Spicy Pickle, paving the way for new additions such as Nova Yogurt Co., Twisters and more.

According to Beth Hardy, marketing and public relations manager, Garbanzo’s, a restaurant that features Mediterranean-style food, closed on Tuesday, July 12, because the location was not ideal,

“While it was difficult, our decision was based solely on the specific location of the restaurant,” said Hardy. “It provided minimal, paid-only parking and was in close proximity to two higher volume units.”

The other two Garbanzo’s restaurants are located in Glendale and University Hills.

“We know this decision saddened many DU location regulars, but Garbanzo is ultimately a stronger brand because of it,” said Hardy. “Additionally, we are very happy to mention that we were able to relocate our exceptional DU staff to other Garbanzo restaurants.”

Tokyo Joe’s, a Japanese grill featuring healthy options and tasty cuisine, saw an abrupt closing,. Larry Leith, president and owner of Tokyo Joe’s, said it was nothing personal.

“The fate of our DU location was simply that the lease had come to its end, and the landlord wanted a hefty rent increase that made no fiscal sense to us,” said Leith. “We jokingly said in the office, ‘We don’t deal with terrorists,’ but that was about it.”

Tokyo Joe’s has a nearby location on East Hampden Ave. and South Santa Fe Dr., and another on Colorado Blvd. and Mississippi Ave.

Leith said he plans to open another location closer to campus in the near future.

“Obviously if sales were better for folks, they would have continued on,” said Leith. “While our sales were fine, it was not at a level where paying a premium in rent made good sense. Bummer, but it is what it is.”

Several restaurants sprung up to replace the old ones, including Twister’s, Nova Yogurt Co., South Philly Cheese Steaks and Boone’s.

Twister’s provides a fast dining experience and specializes in New Mexican foods coupled with American favorites. It opened in its new location near the intersection of Evans and South Humboldt St. on August 8, occupying the space of what was once Carl’s Jr.

Another addition to the neighborhood was Nova Yogurt Co., located on University and  Evans, which opened August 9. The restaurant offers 16 flavors and over 50 toppings.

South Philly Cheese Steaks on University and Evans, also opened last March. South

Philly Cheese Steaks replaced Skew, an Asian diner.