click to enlarge File: Matthew Thorsen

Big Fatty's BBQ co-owner Clay Vagnini

Big Fatty's BBQ put some south in the mouths of Burlingtonians for the last time on May 31, after seven years on Main Street. According to general manager and co-owner Brandon Fox, the combined pressures of running the restaurant's White River Junction location and Maple Street Catering were too much for him to handle while raising a young family.

Burlington customers can use their gift cards at the White River location, where Fox says there are now eight beers on tap, plus a sizable salad bar and live music on weekends.

Fans of the doughnuts and breads at Koval's Coffee in Hinesburg have a few more chances to scoop them up before the 18-year-old eatery closes for good on June 21.

Co-owner Gary Koval says the restaurant took a hit in the 2008 recession. "Now, in Hinesburg, we have a lot of growth happening," he says. "All our competition has expanded. But we're the little guy; we don't have those resources."

Once the eatery is closed, Koval and partner Juletta Gearhart look forward to their next challenge. "I might do a little construction and landscaping. I might even do a little bartending," says Koval.