June has been a vibrant month for the metro Atlanta dining scene, with numerous new restaurant openings while some have sadly closed their doors for good. This has resulted in a mix of excitement and nostalgia for locals who cherish the city’s culinary diversity.
Nine of the newly opened restaurants belong to local or national chains, reflecting ongoing trends in the industry. Notably, several closures have also occurred, with at least six of the shuttered venues being part of larger companies.
Among the fresh arrivals, Arden’s Garden marked its 19th location by opening in Benteen Park on June 9. Known for its fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, wellness shots, and vegan snacks, this Atlanta-based chain continues to grow.
Boom Boom Bao, Lime Tiger, and Uwu Asian Dessert Co. debuted on June 5 within Ponce City Market’s newly redesigned wing, Market East. These three stalls are the creation of Dinh Tran and Khanh Dang, a husband-and-wife duo already recognized for their multi-location Vietnamese restaurant, Vietvana.
On June 27, Cinnabon Swirl, a partnership between the iconic cinnamon bun brand and Carvel, launched its first Georgia location in Kennesaw. Among its unique offerings is the Bonini, which features a warm Cinnabon roll filled with Carvel’s soft-serve ice cream.
The Old Fourth Ward welcomed Communidad Taqueria, which opened earlier in June under the guidance of Poco Loco chef-owner Nick Melvin. This Tex-Mex establishment serves all-day breakfast tacos and creates its own tortillas.
Indian cuisine fans can rejoice as Desi Tadka opened its second location in Duluth. With a menu filled with small plates and entrees featuring favorites like biryani and chicken kadhai, the restaurant is already making its mark.
Further adding to the June openings is The Hampton Social, which launched on June 20 in Dunwoody’s High Street development. This expansive venue, which is the 14th location from the Chicago-based Parker Hospitality, offers both lunch and dinner throughout the week, along with weekend brunch.
Another delightful addition is Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, which opened a new spot early in June on Church Street in Marietta. Known for its exquisite flavors, the ice cream shop promises to delight ice cream enthusiasts.
On June 30, Mission Burger Co., a plant-based burger chain hailing from Austin, Texas, opened in Atlanta’s West Midtown neighborhood. With a focus on delicious vegan burgers, the restaurant aims to capture a wide audience of burger lovers.
The popular Shake Shack opened its latest location at the Battery also on June 30, offering a full bar alongside its delicious menu.
Adding to the array of dining options, Streakers Pub opened June 26 at the Politan Row food hall in Dunwoody. This unique sports bar encourages patrons to order food from neighboring vendors while enjoying cocktail and beer offerings, including creative “Juicers” served in large syringes, all while enjoying their sports viewing experience.
In Decatur, Playa Bowls established yet another location, which opened on June 14 under the watchful eyes of franchisees Erica and Randy Walker, who bring a personal touch to this franchise with their family connection to the chain.
Kennesaw also saw the opening of Tin Drum Asian Kitchen on June 28, indicating the growing popularity of Asian cuisine in the area.
Lastly, the month closed with the launch of Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux on June 23 at the Battery. This lively sports bar features multiple TVs and a Louisiana-themed menu, ideal for sports fans.
In stark contrast to the influx of new dining options, several establishments have ceased operations in June. Adobo ATL, known for its Filipino cuisine, announced its closure effective June 28, as shared by owner Mike Pimentel on social media.
After a decade of delighting customers, Doughnut Dollies closed its original location in Marietta in late June, once boasting three establishments.
Hooters also shut down its downtown spot on Peachtree Street after two decades of service. This closure is part of a broader trend as the restaurant chain dealt with bankruptcy filings earlier in the year.
Mid-June saw the abrupt closure of Mellow Mushroom in Decatur, due to financial difficulties faced by the owner.
Mukja Korean Fried Chicken announced its closure on June 3 after operating for almost five years in Midtown, with the pandemic and office landscape shifts impacting its viability.
The upscale Oceanaire Seafood Room closed its doors in Midtown, with plans for replacement by a new Dos Caminos restaurant, part of Texas-based Landry’s Restaurants.
Similarly, Red Pepper Taqueria vacated its location in DeKalb County early in June, with indications that a new tavern-style concept will take its place.
Tacos & Tequilas faced a temporary closure after a kitchen fire on June 1, with the team working toward reopening its Poncey-Highland branch.
Without warning, Taco Mac closed its Midtown location in early June, shortly after the Virginia-Highland branch had also ceased operations.
Finally, Wild Ginger Thai closed its Chamblee restaurant on June 28, which will be replaced with Naga Bistro, a new concept from the owners of Lao restaurant Snackboxe Bistro.
Amidst these closures, some eateries have opted for relocation rather than permanent closure. Gelato shop Cremalosa will be moving from its original Decatur location to Avondale Estates.
Bottle Rocket has decided to relocate from its Old Fourth Ward home of over a decade to a new setting in South Downtown, as announced on social media.
Moreover, Glide Pizza plans to close its Decatur location at Inner Voice Brewing on July 13 as part of its transition to a new standalone space on West Ponce De Leon Avenue.
With these developments, June showcases both the dynamic nature of the Atlanta dining scene and the challenges faced by restaurants as they navigate an ever-evolving market.
image source from：ajc
