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Last week, Guilford County school students were coping with a four-day reprieve from classes because of lingering snow and ice.

But on a sunny Wednesday afternoon inside the brightly lit Feeney’s Frozen Yogurt Bar (1603 New Garden Road; 617-5874 ) in Garden Creek Center in Greensboro, it seemed more like June as dozens of students stopped by to load their cups with Blueberry Tart, Lemon Custard, Peanut Butter and Cookies ’n’ Cream yogurt.

The concept is simple. Grab a cup and serve yourself from eight flavors of yogurt. Then hit the toppings bar to accent the yogurt from nearly 40 toppings that include fresh blueberries and kiwi, walnuts, candy bar crumbles, sprinkles, Reese’s Pieces, Chocolate Cheerios, granola and three flavors of Ghirardelli sauce.

Cost is 43 cents per ounce weighed at the register.

Feeney’s is owned by Colleen Hodges, who was in the design industry for nearly a decade. She created the look, but she says she got the idea from a concept that is popular in California.

“The shop is named after my grandmother’s maiden name,” Hodges says, adding that it’s the only bar her late grandmother would approve of.

In addition to chocolate and vanilla, the shop offers six gluten-free flavors (low-fat and nonfat) that will change daily. Visit Feeney’s Facebook page to find out what’s on tap.

Feeney’s also offers Yo Go, 10-ounce containers ($2) to go for folks in a hurry, and Pooch Yo Go, 4-ounce containers ($1) for our four-legged friends.

“My dog loves it!” Hodges says.

Outdoor seating will be added, and for Valentine’s Day weekend, the shop will use candles to set the mood for Red Velvet Cupcake yogurt.

Hours are 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday.

Restaurant goes casual

The apparent demise of The Black Pearl on High Point Road has left some folks scratching their heads. But rest assured, says owner Alex Kazakos , the Black Pearl isn’t gone for good. Kazakos plans to reopen in a new location.

Kazakos shelved the high-end seafood concept of The Black Pearl for the more moderately priced Gate City Tavern (3706 High Point Road, Greensboro; 855-0079).

“There are a lot of lower prices,” Kazakos says, “around $3 to $4 cheaper than The Black Pearl.”

The new menu offers burgers, pasta, steaks, seafood and gourmet pizzas ($7-$8.50) such as Thai Chicken, Greek and Margherita.

New entrees include Kentucky Derby Chicken ($12), Mama’s Meatloaf ($11), Marinara or Alfredo Primavera ($8) and steaks.

Gate City Tavern continues to offer fresh market fish such as Asian Tuna ($17.50) and Walnut Crusted Salmon ($15.50) and some of the Low-Country favorites previously offered, such as Shrimp and Grits ($11.50) and Jambalasta ($12.50), a jambalaya-infused pasta dish.

Sandwiches ($6.95-$9.50) include Crabcake, Blackened Salmon and Corned Beef Reuben. Salads ($6-$12.50) include Nuts and Berries and the Oyster Spinach.

Lunch prices are cheaper, and a soup (New England Clam Chowder, Chili or Spicy Black Bean Tortilla) can be paired with a sandwich or salad for $6.50.

Appetizers and small plates include Bangkok Shrimp, Calamari, Fried Green Tomatoes, Oysters and Grits, and Jalapeño Hummus — just the thing to go with daily $2 draft beer specials. Or check out the new martini and wine list. Martinis are $5 on Friday and Saturday. All bottles of wine are half price on Wednesday.

Also, one child (ages 10 and younger) per paying adult can eat free every day.

Patio seating is offered. Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Pizza restaurant opens

After much anticipation, Pieworks Pizza by Design (282-9003) pulled out of the Lawndale Drive location it had occupied for 20 years and opened a new restaurant at 1941 New Garden Road in Greensboro.

Along with a new look, the addition of a bar and wide-screen televisions, Pieworks is offering pasta dishes such as Pasta Alfredo ($8), Pasta Marinara ($7) and Pasta Roban ($9).

But Pieworks is still about the pizza, and the menu of gourmet pies is lengthy, including classics such as Margherita, the more eclectic Seafood Carbonara and Rosemary Roast Beef. A selection of Garden Pies includes Artichoke Hearts and Sun-dried Tomatoes and FetaMato. Prices range from $8 to $22.

You can also create your own pie from a list of sauces, cheeses, meats, vegetables and fresh herbs and spices. Crusts come in traditional or dark wheat.

Pieworks also offers oven-toasted sandwiches such as the Basil Chicken ($8) and a loaded Muffaletta ($6 quarter, $12 half, $24 whole).

Salads include Parmesan Shrimp or Chicken salad.

A $7.59 lunch special (11 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays) includes a 7-inch pizza, beverage and side salad.

Pieworks also has a new beer and wine list. A full bar will be offered soon.

Delivery is available. For a list of pizzas and toppings, visit www.pieworks.com.

Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 10 or 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Valentine’s chocolate

Nothing says Happy Valentine’s Day like chocolate. And if Loco for Coco (1420-D Westover Terrace, Greensboro; 333-0029; http://locoforcocochocolate.com ) doesn’t have it, it probably doesn’t exist.

The shop offers custom heart-shaped boxes of imported hand-dipped truffles in quantities of 16 and 36. Wine Lovers Chocolate is a custom selection of dark chocolate truffles, glaceed Italian orange peel drenched in bittersweet chocolate and tuxedo bark in two sizes.

There are also pink heart-shaped Peeps dipped in milk chocolate, solid chocolate hearts (dark, milk and white) and an assortment of chocolate products.

Valentine’s Day options

Salvino Cucina Italiana (3728 Battleground Ave.) at Battleground Plaza in Greensboro is usually closed on Sunday, but the restaurant will serve from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday for Valentine’s Day. Call 540-8663 for reservations. Check the menu at www.salvino-restaurant.com.

Dinner for two at Ganache (403 N. Elm St., Greensboro ) on Friday and Saturday is $69. And a Valentine’s Day brunch for two includes a ham and Swiss Montecristos, sides and a choice of Mimosa or Bloody Mary for $29. Cost before noon without the alcohol is $19. Call 230-2253 for reservations.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro (3338 W. Friendly Ave., Greensboro; 291-1302 ) is offering a four-course menu for two for $39.95 for lunch or dinner Sunday.

Cafe Pasta and Grille (305 State St.) in Greensboro is offering a four-course meal with wine for $39.99 through Sunday . Call 272-1308.

And Riva’s Trattoria (257 N. Greene St., Greensboro; 334-9989 ) will be open for dinner Sunday with a special menu. See it at www.rivastrattoria.com.

Riva’s is also celebrating Carnevale on Tuesday with a night of fixed-price treats and cool music. Admission is $25, and costumes are welcome.

After the revelry, Riva’s is offering nonmeat and fish options every Friday during Lent. Also, stop in for Italian meals to go for cooking and eating later.

New pizza option

Donatos Pizza (411-B Pisgah Church Road, Greensboro; 282-3381; www.donatos.com) is introducing a new signature Pizza, the Pepperoni Duo. Get twice the flavor with a layer of sliced pepperoni topped with a layer of finely chopped pepperoni covered in whole-milk mozzarella.

Donatos is also scheduled to open soon at Smothers Place Lofts at 360 S. Elm St. in downtown Greensboro.

New dish at Phoenix

In addition to its usual Chinese and Thai menu, Phoenix Asian Cuisine (1641 New Garden Road, Greensboro; 855-5158 ) at Garden Creek Center is offering some new menu items that include Sweet and Spicy Walnut Chicken ($14), with sliced chicken stir-fried in plum sauce, and Walnut Shrimp ($17).

Contact Carl Wilson at 373-7145 or carl.wilson@news-record.com