ATHENS, Ga. (AP) - The owner of a Georgia restaurant that inspired the name of rock band R.E.M.'s "Automatic for the People" album says he might have to close unless business picks up.
Dexter Weaver tells The Athens Banner-Herald that a utility employee showed up Friday to cut off the gas to his Athens restaurant. Weaver says he paid what he could and the restaurant remains open, and he's now pleading with people to help support Weaver D's Delicious Fine Foods.
Weaver has been running the soul food restaurant for more than 25 years.
R.E.M., which began its rise to fame in Athens, adopted Weaver's "Automatic for the People" motto for its 1992 album. The restaurant still features R.E.M. pictures on its walls and draws fans of the band.
