Restaurant Closing
Howdy ATL will close in Grant Park across from Zoo Atlanta on August 3, according to owner Boyd Baker, who opened the breakfast and coffee shop known for its biscuits in 2022. Howdy ATL took over the space previously home to Grant Park Coffeehouse, which eventually reopened just down the block on Georgia Avenue.
In a reel posted to Instagram, Baker said that the decision to close came down to not making enough money, coupled with increasing competition from similar restaurants and coffee shops moving into the neighborhood.
“Our projections when we moved in were pretty solid. But within a year we had two competitors move three blocks to our south and three blocks to our north,” Baker said. “So we’re all splitting the same neighborhood of Grant Park, which is an amazing neighborhood. Unfortunately, three years later, our growth wasn’t what we needed.”
Baker goes on to say that the lease is up on Howdy ATL, and he couldn’t come to terms with the landlord, adding that 20 percent of the income was going toward paying the rent. However, Baker isn’t giving up on Howdy ATL. He’s currently scouting new locations, including in Candler Park and Decatur.
Restaurant Openings
The owners behind 26 Thai Kitchen just opened Pink Lotus, which took over the former Donetto Italian restaurant space on Brady Avenue across from Miller Union and Avize. The restaurant drills down on more regional dishes of Thailand, including those served in family homes around the country.
Southern National and Chef Duane Nutter just launched a new pizza takeout and delivery service from the Summerhill restaurant. Called Pizzaboxx ATL, the in-house pizzeria features thin-crust pies with house-made sauces “with a Southern twist.” Order takeout via Toast or delivery via DoorDash. Southern National is also celebrating its second anniversary, July 17-19, with a greatest hits menu.
Surprise! Alici Oyster Bar in Midtown now includes a hidden-away cocktail bar. Called Bar Pilar, named for the boat in Hemingway’s novel “The Old Man and the Sea,” expect classic cocktails and a selection of bar snacks.
The Grey chef Mashama Bailey opened her newest restaurant this week…in Paris. L’Arret by The Grey, located in the 7th arrondissement, opened on Tuesday. For now, L’Arret (The Stop) will serve breakfast and lunch, with brunch launching in early August and dinner beginning in early September. Read more about the Savannah chef’s plans for L’Arret here.
Dining Events
A benefit in support of Paolo’s Gelato and its recovery from a recent fire takes place today at neighboring Pielands Pizzeria and Farm Burger in Virginia-Highland. Both restaurants plan to donate 10 percent of today’s sales, including takeout orders, to Paolo’s recovery efforts.
PeachFest is back on July 27, from 3-7:30 p.m., at Peachtree Center Plaza in downtown Atlanta. Expect restaurants, chefs, and bartenders serving peach dishes and drinks in celebration of Georgia’s state fruit. Proceeds benefit CURE Childhood Cancer and Piggy Bank, a nonprofit that supports small and sustainable farms through disaster relief, business planning, and education. Tickets start at $95 per person.
