Highlights
- Several of Atlanta’s most iconic restaurants were closed down in the past year citing various reasons.
- Almost every month, an average of 10 restaurants were closed down in the past year.
- The majority of the restaurants were closed down due to financial struggles that arose with the decline in business after the Pandemic.
Many of Atlanta’s beloved restaurants shut its doors this year. Restaurants of all types, from breweries to coffee shops had announced closure throughout the year. The reasons for the closing of the restaurants are diverse. Some of them struggled to stay afloat financially after the Pandemic, others were moving to a new location.
Restaurants In Atlanta that Bid Adieu This Year
Each month a series of restaurants got shut down. Here is a list of iconic and popular restaurants that Atlanta said goodbyes to this year.
Highland Bakery at Old Fourth Ward Closed in January
The popular spot for fried chicken Benedict, peanut butter French toast and more was officially closed on January 31. The owner has said in a statement that the restaurant is closing because of the building being sold and ending of the restaurant’s lease.
Although the Highland Bakery flagship location has closed , the Bakery is still operating in the Downtown Atlanta location near Georgia State University. Moreover, the catering business and the coffee shop Press & Grind also remain open.
Kaleidoscope Bistro and Pub Shuttered
After 14 years of being in operation, the beloved Kaleidoscope Bistro and Pub announced its closure in February. Chef Joey Riley opened the restaurant in 2010. The place was known for craft beer and bottomless mimosa brunches. Popular dishes like its pimento cheese burger, ahi tuna tartare, and Thai basil fried rice used to be served as well.
The Sudden Closure of Waffle House
The abrupt closing of Waffle House under Eddie’s Attic music venue in Decatur Square on April 29 came as a surprise and shock to many. Even the staff has received a notification a few days prior to the closing. Moreover, there was no official reason that was given either.
Punk Foodie at Ponce City Market Closed Down
The Punk Foodie stall at Ponce City Market was closed down on May 13. As the stall was an experiment by the founder of Punk Foodie, Sam Flemming, its closing was imminent. The stall had seen well over 50 chefs serving an almost as many number of cuisines over 6 months. It is safe to say that the owner achieved his goal with the stall – to keep up with Atlanta’s underground dining scene. The owner had said in a statement the Punk Foodie will continue to work in other formats.
Che Butter Jonez Left South Atlanta
A favourite among the community, Che Butter Jonez closed down its flagship location on Cleveland Avenue. The owners, Malik Rhasaan and wife Detric Fox-Quinlan, initially had hoped to keep the location open, but eventually, they were unable to. Fox-Quinlan had blamed the city and the management company for the location for their move. They opened their new location in LaVista Park in October.
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Closed Due to the Water Crisis
Forsyth Street location of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks was closed down in July citing the water crisis in Atlanta. To add to it, the restaurants had faced multiple incidents of vandalism in the past, forcing the owner Derrick Hayes, Sr. to make the decision. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is currently in operation in various locations in Atlanta like Mercedes Benz Stadium, Lawrenceville and Doraville.
Elsewhere Brewing Shut Down Both Locations
Elsewhere Brewing had closed its doors on October 27 at both of its locations, in Grant Park and West Midtown. The brewery saw a decline of 40 to 50% in sales and hence was forced to close, the owners had said in a post on social media.
South Main Kitchen Sold
After the restaurant space was sold, South Main Kitchen conducted its last dinner service on August 31. The restaurant was operating at downtown Alpharetta for over a decade and was owned by Restaurateur Louis Soon. The farewell party that was hosted at the restaurant was lively with a DJ and dancing.
The General Muir Succumbs to Aftermath of the Pandemic
On September 29, the Sandy Springs location of The General Muir was closed down. The Jewish deli and restaurant was open to customers for over 3 years. In a statement by the restaurant, they alluded to the financial challenges that they faced after the pandemic. The restaurant which was opened in the midst of the pandemic, had faced many challenges from the beginning. Although they tried to stay afloat, they had to succumb at the end.
Mi Barrio Was Closed in November
After the owner decided to retire, the beloved Mexican restaurant Mi Barrio was closed after 26 years in the business. Located at the Memorial drive at Grant Park, the place was loved by the locals for the amazing food.
West Egg Cafe to Close at the End of the Year
A popular eatery for brunch, West Egg at Westside Provisions announced its closure. The last day of operations will be on December 29. Award-winning shrimp and grits, sour cream pancake stacks, and chicken and waffles were some of its specialties. It opened in 2004, and Jennifer and Ben Johnson are the owners. In the statement, they explained the difficult decision with the significant drop in in-person dining and revenue after the pandemic…