Fire reported at former This Is It! location on Panola Road Saturday morning

LITHONIA, Ga. - DeKalb County firefighters responded to a report of a fire at the former This Is It! restaurant on Panola Road early Saturday morning.

The fire started shortly before 8 a.m. and was contained quickly by firefighters.

The building was empty and no one was injured.

At this time, it is not known what started the fire.

The popular BBQ and seafood restaurant located just off Interstate 20 in Lithonia announced its closure in early November.

According to a post on social media, This Is It! Southern Kitchen & Bar-B-Q was forced to close due to "new GDOT development." The restaurant had been open on Panola Road for 14 years.

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is planning to redesign the I-20/Panola Road interchange to improve traffic flow. The new diverging diamond interchange is also expected to help with commercial traffic and safety. Additionally, the Panola Road bridge will be replaced with a wider structure to accommodate future interstate expansion. Link to GDOT project details

GDOT is using eminent domain to obtain the land needed for the planned improvements.

This Is It! has been open in metro Atlanta since 1983, according to its website. The restaurant prides itself on offering home-style cooking made to order with fresh ingredients.