This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in Atlanta, Georgia—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history, a forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries were open, they daily contributed to someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or became an integral part of the community. So please join us in remembering this important aspect of our town.
Atlanta, Georgia, with a vibrant population of approximately 520,000, is the culinary heart of the Southeast. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the city boasts a rich food scene that reflects its diverse cultural heritage. Notable local dishes include Southern staples like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and the iconic peach cobbler, which pay homage to Georgia’s status as the Peach State. A standout in the culinary landscape is Café addition, known for its innovative twists on traditional Southern fare. Atlanta’s historical significance as a major trade and transportation hub during the Civil War has also influenced its cuisine, leading to a fusion of flavors that celebrate both its past and diverse communities.
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.
Closed Down Restaurants in Atlanta, Georgia
A Southern Table of Memories — Atlanta’s Culinary History, One Closure at a Time
The city of Atlanta is constantly evolving, and so is its food scene. From iconic diners to bold newcomers, dozens of Atlanta restaurants have served their last plates over the years. Whether it was soul food in the West End, modern Israeli cuisine in West Midtown, or burgers near Georgia Tech, these establishments shaped the city’s flavor.
Below is a decade-organized look at restaurants in Atlanta (and surrounding areas) that have closed down—some beloved, some forgotten, all part of the city’s food story.
2020s
Red Lobster (Metro Atlanta)
Closed: May 2024
As part of the nationwide closures, the following locations in Atlanta shut down:
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2625 E Busch Blvd, Tampa
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17021 Palm Pointe Dr, Tampa (included due to overlapping search region)
Highland Bakery
Closed: January 2024
Known for its decadent sweet potato pancakes and proximity to Georgia State, Highland Bakery was a brunch mainstay.
TKO (The Korean One)
Closed: March 2024
A short-lived but loved Korean-Southern fusion concept that wowed with bold flavors.
Aziza
Closed: April 2024
Modern Israeli fine dining in West Midtown. Notable for beautiful presentation and ambience.
Culinary Dropout (Brickworks)
Closed: January 2025
With live music, Detroit-style pizza, and cool industrial vibes, this one hit hard when it closed unexpectedly.
Hoots Wings by Hooters
Location: 935 Memorial Dr SE Suite 310, Atlanta
Closed: 2024
2010s
Ann’s Snack Bar (Kirkwood)
Closed: April 2022
Home of the “World Famous Ghetto Burger,” this legendary spot served Atlanta since 1971.
The Varsity Jr.
Closed: August 2010
Located in northeast Atlanta, it was a smaller version of the iconic Varsity downtown.
2000s
Junior’s Grill (Georgia Tech Campus)
Closed: April 21, 2011
Fed generations of Tech students since 1948 with burgers, blue-plate specials, and kindness.
ESPN Zone (Buckhead)
Closed: October 2009
A sports bar and arcade hybrid in Phipps Plaza—great wings, massive screens, and big nostalgia.
1990s
Rio Bravo Cantina (Various Locations)
Closed: 2002
A once-thriving Tex-Mex chain started in Atlanta in 1985. Known for its fajitas and margaritas.
1980s and Earlier
Pizza Time Theatre (Chuck E. Cheese precursor)
Location: 2963 Cobb Parkway
Status: Date unknown
A trailblazing family pizza parlor with animatronics, this location once stood next to K-Mart.
Howard Johnson’s Restaurants (Multiple Sites)
Once part of a roadside dining empire, several orange-roofed HoJo’s once called Atlanta home:
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4334 Fulton Industrial Blvd SW – Now ALI’S MEATS (formerly McDonald’s, hotel closed)
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5793 Roswell Rd NE – Now Citywide CPR Classes
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2455 W Broad St, Athens – Now Sr. Sol 2 Mexican Restaurant (roof intact)
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1701 Northside Dr NW – Demolished
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1375 Virginia Ave, East Point – Now Louisiana Bistreaux & Motel 6
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2090 N Druid Hills Rd – Now Salvation Army
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735 Pollard Blvd SW – Now Bullpen Ribs & BBQ
Other locations (N Druid Hills, I-20, Lee St, etc.) had no confirmed successors.
Other Chain Closures
Bennigan’s (Multiple Locations)
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5525 Interstate N Parkway (1980) – Now a drone company
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3400 Wooddale Dr NE (1984) – Located in a large shopping center
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6000 N Terminal Pkwy (1984) – Former airport location
Don Pablo’s Mexican Kitchen
Location: 3131 Cobb Pkwy SE #100
Closed: Date not listed
Final Bite
Atlanta’s food scene is always shifting, but some places leave a permanent mark. Whether it’s your favorite burger from Junior’s, the impossible wait times at Highland Bakery, or chasing a Ghetto Burger at Ann’s—these restaurants weren’t just places to eat; they were woven into the culture of the city.
Want to share your story or photo from one of these places? Visit ClosedDownRestaurants.com to explore more memories and contribute your own.
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