Murfreesboro lost two unique voices in its food scene over the last few days.

First, Murfreesboro's only Tolkien-themed pub The Green Dragon closed to business. Then CJ's Restaurant and Catering it was closing after five years in business on Northfield Boulevard.

As for The Green Dragon, owner Joe Minter told The Daily News Journal it was difficult to generate a profit in such a small space. While the pub got good crowds on the weekends, weekday traffic was sparse.

"Restaurants need (customers) all during the week, not just on weekends," Minter said.

Minter opened the Lord of the Rings-themed pub in 2014 in the old Rutherford County creamery on West Main Street and began brewing his own beer there in 2017.

CJ's Executive Chef and owner Jeffrey Pevehouse made a similar announcement through the restaurant's Facebook page.

"After 5 long years we are sad to report we have closed the restaurant portion of our business. It has been a long row, and we are so thankful to those who supported the restaurant, however we need to focus on what we do best. We will miss the regulars for sure! We love you all," the post said.

Pevehouse will continue with the catering portion of CJ's and The Heritage Room is still available for events with up to 100 guests.

The Green Dragon and CJ's join Pfunky Griddle, which closed its Murfreesboro location after spending five years in The Gateway.

With the lease ending, owner Matthew Pfuntner told the DNJ he plans to focus on his Berry Hill location. Could it be there are too many restaurants in The Gateway? Nah, there’s definitely room for more tacos.

The Pfunky Griddle was located at 525 N. Thompson Lane. Now if you want to cook your own pancakes but not at home, you’ll have to travel to 2800 Bransford Ave.

Retail apocalypse takes Charming Charlie

While its not local, it still has a store in The Avenue, Charming Charlie filed for bankruptcy late last week.

According to court filings, the company only has $6,000 in cash on hand, CNN reported.

This is the second time in two years that the women's clothing and accessories store has filed for bankruptcy. In 2017, it closed 100 stores and restructured but consumers' continued turn to online shopping spelled the demise of its brick-and-mortar stores.
Charming Charlie has 260 stores in 38 states and employs more than 3,300 people.

Photo: Joe Minter pours a toast at The Green Dragon on Bridgey McBridgeface Day, April 1, 2018. (M. Willard/Murfreesboro Voice)