Atlanta restaurant closures and new openings

Part of Atlanta’s charm lies in its diverse food scene, from the rich culture to the bold flavors. The saying often goes that “Atlanta isn’t a real place,” and what makes it unique is the bustling dining and drinking spots on every corner of the city’s neighborhoods, built to satisfy every palate. Lucky for locals and tourists alike, there’s never a shortage of places to visit, especially when new businesses are rolling in every month. However, the landscape of the restaurant industry is constantly in flux, and with grand openings, the city is seeing a wave of closures from small businesses to legacy and popular restaurants. 

Here is a roundup of updates on your local favorites, recently opened restaurants, and upcoming restaurants. 

Rodney Scott’s BBQ 

668 Metropolitan Pkwy SW

Atlanta continues to experience a wave of surprising closures, with many restaurants and local favorites shuttering their doors with little notice. On May 3, the Rodney Scott restaurant group announced that all of Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog barbecue locations across multiple states have temporarily closed their doors until further notice. James Beard-award-winning pitmaster Rodney Scott opened the first location of the restaurant in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2017. Since then, it has expanded to Alabama and Tennessee, with its Georgia location opening in Atlanta in July 2021. Situated in a converted auto repair shop on Metropolitan Parkway,  the restaurant served up South Carolina-style whole hog barbecue, ribs, chicken, and popular Southern sides.

Hero Donuts 

33 Georgia Ave SE

The Summerhill neighborhood has undergone rapid redevelopment in the past few years and is considered one of Atlanta’s oldest and fastest-growing neighborhoods. Along the corridor of Georgia Avenue, small businesses and local restaurants have made a home for themselves, from Little Tart Bakeshop to Maepole. And while it seems to be thriving at a glance, it is experiencing its own wave of closures that adds to the deeper conversation about Atlanta’s restaurant scene. The eatery has “temporarily closed” signs at both of its Atlanta restaurants after opening its first location in Summerhill in 2020. It is under the umbrella of Pihakis Restaurant Group, a Birmingham restaurant group that is currently facing millions of dollars in lawsuits, contributing to the closure of both Hero Donuts and Rodney Scott’s. 

How Crispy Express 

71 Georgia Ave SE Unit B

After four years in Summerhill, the popular chicken restaurant was forced to permanently close its doors on May 10. The restaurant announced the news on Instagram, telling its patrons, “It has been an honor to serve you over the years and get to know many of you. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lunches, birthday parties, munchies, and lives.” The closure was attributed to rent hikes, parking, and reduced food traffic, emulating much of the same woes that have caused many West Midtown restaurants to close. 

Spice Atlanta

1230 W Peachtree St NW Suite 130

A new global fusion and sushi restaurant has opened in the heart of Midtown, serving a blend of dishes and tapas from various cuisines. Founded by brothers Nana Atakora-Bediako and Baff Atakora-Bediako, Spice Atlanta marks the duo’s second location following the success of its original location in Charlotte. The elevated dining space offers a sleek, sophisticated experience, serving dishes such as Korean chicken wings, hamachi crudo, cassava fries, jollof rice, grilled prawns with Moroccan flavors, and a selection of sushi and cocktails. 

Hours: Sunday-Monday, 5 p.m.-midnight.; Friday – Saturday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m.

Nando’s PERi-PERi

99 Krog St. NE

Nando’s is set to open its third location in Georgia at Krog Street Market. Taking over the former Bar Mercado space, the globally popular South African chain is known for its South African flame-grilled chicken and PERi-PERi sauces. In anticipation of its first Atlanta (ITP) restaurant opening in June, the restaurant hosted a limited-time PERi‑PERi Portal pop-up on the BeltLine earlier in May, giving visitors a taste of what’s to come. 

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