There have been big changes in Athens’ restaurant scene in recent months that you may have missed. The Red & Black has compiled a list of Athens restaurants that have been closed since May.
Utage Sushi
Utage Sushi was Athens’ first sushi bar and introduced the city to Japanese cuisine. This month, the restaurant closed for good, marking the end of an era in Athens’ culinary history.
Southern Brewery
Southern Brewing Company has closed indefinitely after more than nine years in Athens. A sign at the Athens location thanks customers and hopes for a reopening in the future, according to a Facebook post.
Bitty & Beau’s
Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, a North Carolina-based chain dedicated to providing meaningful employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, closed its Athens location earlier this summer. The cafe, which opened in 2021 next to ZZ & Simone’s, officially closed its doors on May 31. This closure marks the end of its brief but impactful presence in the Athens community.
Philanthropy Fresh
The downtown restaurant Philanthropy Fresh Café & Grill, which opened in December 2023, closed permanently on July 23.
Jason’s Deli
The Athens branch of Jason’s Deli on Alps Road closed permanently on May 17.
Friends Athens
After two decades, Amici announced the closing of its downtown location on Monday, August 26. Customers can visit the other location in Athens at The Falls of Oconee.
Great American Cookie
The Great American Cookie store at Georgia Square Mall closed on Saturday, August 24. The closure was decided by the franchisee, who operates several other locations.
