Chef Hugh Acheson confirmed on social media this morning that he has permanently closed Empire State South in Midtown.

Acheson said on Instagram that the acclaimed Southern restaurant shuttered in February due to ongoing financial issues post-pandemic and inflation. He continues to operate Five and Ten in Athens.

Read Acheson’s full message below.

Collin Kelley is the executive editor of Atlanta Intown, Georgia Voice, and the Rough Draft newsletter. He has been a journalist for nearly four decades and is also an award-winning poet and novelist.