As 2025 progresses, many Atlantans are saying goodbye to a handful of restaurants in the city’s West Midtown neighborhood. Residents are continuously surprised when confronted with a closed sign on the doors of their favorite places to dine. Several beloved restaurants have struggled to keep up with economic and societal shifts, ultimately forcing them to shut down.
More than a dozen restaurants have permanently closed since January of this year, and more are listed for sale. Some of these include Humble Pie, Culinary Dropout and Pancake Social. The growing list of closures is due to the ongoing challenges faced by the restaurant industry and reflects broader economic pressures, including rising costs and shifting consumer habits, which continue to strain businesses in the food service sector.
West Egg, a popular West Midtown breakfast spot, closed their doors in late 2024.
“Since the pandemic, we have seen a decline in in-person dining as people no longer work regular hours in actual offices and meet virtually rather than in person. We have seen an ever growing percentage of our business move to online and third-party delivery services. Sales are down; costs are up. The economics of restaurants have changed, with weekday breakfast and lunch being hit the hardest,” they said in a letter to announce their closure.
The restaurant industry in Midtown Atlanta is currently facing mounting financial pressures. Due to ongoing inflation, an increased cost of ingredients have made it harder for restaurants to maintain reasonable menu prices without sacrificing quality. According to the National Restaurant Association, the producer price index for ingredients was 39.8% higher than its February 2020 level, underscoring the persistent cost challenges facing the industry. Until wholesale prices start trending lower across a broad range of commodities, food costs will continue to be an issue for many restaurants.
The rising cost of dining out has become a significant barrier for many consumers. With the rising food prices, menu options have increased in price, making dining out a luxury rather than a regular option for many. Additionally, parking expenses in urban areas add another financial burden, discouraging individuals from eating in sit-down restaurants.
Changing consumer habits also makes it difficult for restaurants to stay profitable. Since the pandemic in 2020, a rise in takeout, delivery, and cooking meals at home has accelerated. This shift has reduced foot traffic in restaurants, leading to a lower volume of in-person dining and decreased revenue from restaurant services.
“I know a lot of people DoorDash, especially on campus. Places that do to-go orders are getting more of the business because people don’t have to go out,” said Hannah Gibbs, first-year BCHM.
The decline in dine-in traffic, along with financial pressures, has led to a sense of uncertainty regarding the future of Midtown Atlanta’s dining scene. Local business owners continue to seek innovative solutions to attract customers and cut costs. Some have introduced various loyalty programs and adjusted their pricing strategies to draw in foot traffic, while other owners have begun incorporating more takeout-friendly options to maintain a dine-in experience.
West Midtown businesses have started taking advantage of the INMidtownATL mobile app which offers exclusive experiences and discounts to participating restaurants. Emmy Squared, a modern pizzeria, has used the app to offer perks for pickup and delivery services. Similarly, El Viñedo Local offers a redeemable discount after registering for the Midtown Alliance members program. These initiatives reflect ongoing efforts to sustain the restaurant industry and encourage customer engagement.
This issue also has a significant impact on college students who rely on these establishments for social spaces, dining options and part-time jobs.
When Ella Bohntinsky, first-year PUBP, was asked about her sentiments towards the closures, she replied, “I’m sad that Cultivate was closed in West Midtown because it was one of my family’s favorite restaurants to go to.”
She went on to explain that having familiar dining spots nearby made it easier to spend time with friends and family, especially as a busy student. With fewer options available, students may have to travel farther or spend more on meals, adding to the financial and logistical challenges they already face.
“All of the good [restaurants] close to Georgia Tech are starting to close,” Bohntisky vocalized.
Looking ahead, the question remains: What will Midtown’s dining scene look like in the years to come? While some businesses may be able to adapt and survive, many worry that independent restaurants will continue to struggle against rising costs and changing consumer habits.
Ultimately, with support from the city and community, West Midtown Atlanta’s lively dining scene has the potential to bounce back stronger. Although it is sad to see some local favorites go, these changes open the door for fresh culinary experiences, new local businesses and a reimagined dining scene that reflects the evolving needs of the community.