gentrifuckation

i was really disappointed to see the 'for rent' sign on wilson's auto repair when i pulled in last week for some brake work. for rent?!?! they're closing? turns out that gentrifuckation has pushed up rents in little 5 and wilson's can't afford to stay in their prime location next to the variety playhouse. i get why it happens and accept it as an economic reality. in fact, i'm people's exihibit numero uno when it comes to this whole process. but still, it sucks to lose suck a neighborhood landmark. click here to see pics.

i've been going to wilson's auto repair ever since i brought a car to atlanta. johnny wilson has operated out of little five points since 1983. the lot looks more like a junkyard than a repair shop, but that's one thing i love about the place. most of the cars there look like they were abandoned in 1985.

johnny and his guys repair anything at a great price, never try to upsell me on anything, always do the job right, and get it done fast. in other words, they do what i expect from the person that takes car of my car. he has earned my trust countless times.

johnny always calls if something is going to cost even $10 more than the estimate, and he treats all of his customers (at least, that i've seen) fairly, whether they bring in a mustang or chevy nova (and there's plenty of both on the lot). he seemed pretty resigned to accepting his business closing as a fact of life. he gave me his personal cell phone and said he would continue to do work on the side, out of his own garage, for some customers. little 5 will miss you, johnny.

johnny and my '94 acura