David Distelhorst/ FOR THE POS Wayne Dowler, left, and Tom Mitchell of Pidcock Glass take a break while working on remodeling the building that previously housed a Hallmark store. Three new businesses will be opening soon.

New stoplights aren't the only changes uptown.

Two new businesses have moved into the space previously occupied by Debi's Hallmark. Located at 14 S. Court St., the building is currently being renovated to make room for three separate businesses. Only two of the storefronts have been filled.

Bishara J. Baransi is the owner of Bishy's Grill, a restaurant that features Greek, Middle Eastern and American cuisine. The restaurant, the middle store, will also serve cappuccino and a variety of desserts. A native of Nazareth, Israel, Baransi came to the United States in 1984 and moved to Columbus in 1988. This is his fourth endeavor in the restaurant business.

"I had some customers tell me about the location," Baransi said. "I think (Athens) is a unique town, the atmosphere. I like the people. They are so nice and friendly."

Although he hasn't moved to Athens yet, his house has been sold and the restaurant he owns is still for sale in Columbus.

"I can't wait to see people come in to show them what really good food is," Baransi said.

He plans to hire 10 to 20 employees. In one day, he received over 100 applications. Although he hoped to be open by Sept. 1, renovations have pushed the date back to Parent's Weekend.

Larry Shipley, manager of Mail Boxes Etc., moving in next door, also has delayed the opening of his store due to renovations. The international franchise runs over 3,800 stores, including one in Lancaster also owned by Shipley. He will commute between the two stores until he finds someone to run the store in Athens.

"We've been looking down here for a couple of years," Shipley said. His "franchisee" researched the area to learn the demographics, populations and income of Athens. The information was sent to the corporate office in San Francisco that decided if the area would support a Mail Boxes Etc. Then it was up to Shipley to find a spot.

He said he is pleased with the location, despite the lack of parking. "Business people, students - I'm hoping to draw some (residents) to come down at night. I think we're going to have a real good facility."

The store consists of two floors. The main floor will hold rental mailboxes plus the various merchandise sold at Mail Boxes Etc. The basement will have self-storage units that can be rented monthly. Shipley hopes the storage will attract students who need a place to keep their belongings over the summer.

Those who rent the shelves or mailboxes will have a key to the building for 24 hour access. An exterior door in the back of the store leads to the basement. For mailbox and copy machine access, a nighttime lobby has been included in the layout of the store. A metal security gate in the middle of the store will protect the merchandise portion of the store.

As of now, Shipley has hired five employees. He expects to hire about 10 people total. Although he has not determined the store hours yet, Mail Boxes Etc. will not be open on Sundays or Holidays.

Shipley hopes to open his doors early next week.