Three businesses around downtown Flagstaff have closed their doors in recent months, with two of the spaces already filled, in addition to a third newcomer and relocation to the east side.
The most recent closure came on Sunday, Feb. 2, as Planet Science announced a few days earlier that it would be permanently closed at the end of the weekend.聽
Opening in May 2023, the shop at 109 N. Leroux St. was backed and supported by聽Meteor Crater Enterprises, though the items carried in the shop differed from what could be found at the聽Meteor Crater Gift Shop.
鈥淚t has been a privilege to connect with all of you, whether you are a Flagstaff resident or just passing through. Thank you for your support," the closure announcement read.聽
The announcement also directed customers to follow Meteor Crater for future science-related opportunities, with comments adding that the shop plans to keep an online presence with its webstore and that some members of the team would be also continuing at聽Meteor Crater.
Just around the corner at 23 E. Aspen Ave., Pita Pit's Flagstaff location has closed its doors after multiple decades on the corner of Aspen Avenue and San Francisco Street. Permanently closing this past December, Pita Pit will be replaced by聽Urban Pine Eatery, which will be under the same ownership as the nearby Juice Pub and Eatery.
Urban Pine Eatery will join Baja Mar Seafood Cuisine as new restaurants along East Aspen Avenue facing Heritage Square.
Baja Mar took over the space vacated by Matty G's Steakburgers at 6 E. Aspen Ave., which was also previously occupied by聽Monsoon Chinese Bistro & Sushi and聽The Market Bar & Kitchen in recent years.
Back on North Leroux Street, just a block south from Planet Science, Insomnia Cookies will take over the space at聽15 N. Leroux St., formerly occupied by Starrlight Books.
The chain, which sells cookies, brownies and ice cream and has store hours typically running well past midnight, opened its first storefront in 2006 and typically operates its more than 200 locations near universities around the county.
Lastly, Ponderosa Pawn & Trading permanently closed its location at 118 W. Route 66 and debuted its new storefront at 2300 N. Fourth Street on Jan. 27. Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday,聽Ponderosa Pawn & Trading, posted the news of the move on Jan. 8.