Scuttlebutt: Varnedoe’s closing; Plans for hardware store

Bye bye, Varnedoes: 225 Dine recently reported that Varnedoe’s opened to the public after Bluffs owner Jim Tanner closed the golf course and other facilities. Owners Doughty and Scott Varnedoe e-mailed many patrons, saying the “rug was ripped from under us,” and that the electricity and phones, which is not in their name, will be turned off Friday. They added that they owe many bills now which they are not responsible for. “Scott and I have not taken a  paycheck in a month and a half in order to try to ease things for the business,” wrote Doughty, who had to lay off most of her employees. Tuesday and Wednesday night the Feliciana eatery opened its doors for  a huge buffet and discounted liquor to rid their inventory. Signing a lease? The old Perkins Road Hardware store could soon house a sandwich shop and a New Orleans eatery. Chad Ortte with Donnie Jarreau Real Estate says they’re “really close” to signing a lease. 225 Dine will keep you posted on who signs the lease this week.