Kirkwood neighborhood calls restaurant’s bluff.
Jak’s All Inn has closed in Kirkwood.
Formerly a dive bar called Aces Bar and Grille, the restaurant at 1992 Hosea L. Williams Drive closed in May with plans to reopen under a new name and concept.
Josh Adam Kahn, who opened Aces six years ago, reopened the dive bar as Jak’s All Inn, implementing some “family-friendly” options — something he felt would turn his business around during a slowed economy.
“We didn’t let children into [Aces],” Kahn told What Now Atlanta in an interview earlier this year. “We need to appeal to families.”
The name, taken from Kahn’s initials, was his way of calling a spade a spade.
“After this, I’ve got no more money to invest,” Kahn said. “I’m all in.”
Just a few weeks open under the new concept and Kahn has pulled the plug.
Several attempts to reach Kahn went unanswered. A trip to the location Friday during normal business hours confirms the restaurant is closed.
11 Responses
Too bad for Josh. He took a risk and it didn’t work. I had a feeling this wasn’t a good idea when the original article broke. I can understand the desire to expand the appeal of the place to a wider demographic to attract more business but in the end it looks like they simply spread themselves too thinly.
It’s too bad they only gave the new concept a few weeks. Kirkwood can support… and deserves… a good bar with a good menu and beer list. Most of Kirkwood is now going to the Oakhurst watering holes.
Its because there is not enough density in Kirkwood. Thats the only reason that anything, anywhere would close. Not enough density. Needs more apartment buildings.
We used to go there, but after the owner’s rude refusal to re-do a Coke for my daughter (fountain was out of syrup and it was watery) we never went back. Some people should not be allowed to own a bar, if you catch my drift…
If Density was the issue how has it been open for 6 years. In Kirkwood the issue with restaurants has been quality and consistency. So far we’ve ended up with a few pubs that have taken advantage of the neighborhood’s support, but no restaurants that have worked to not only benefit from the loyalty of the neighborhood but also serve as a destination for those in surrounding areas.
Josh has some major personal issues which was a big part of his failure. He alienated many in the neighborhood and showed his a** several times at the bar in front of patrons. I never wish bad on anyone, but most of his wounds are self-inflicted. In neighborhoods like Kirkwood, not only knowing, but also liking the owner/management are criticial for success. “Density” isn’t the issue….just look at La Petite Marchet which is right across the street. She’s been wildly successful b/c she does things right, is popular in the area and happens to also have great, consistent food. A good concept, with consistent food and friendly service will thrive in K-Wood.
There are no high density apartments in Oakhurst. The vegan restaurant in Kirkwood is even doing well and that is a targetted niche. I went into Jak’s All In. Looked at the menu, and there was something off about the entire experience that turned me off. A new coat of paint and an upscale styled menu does not make a new restaurant. I hate to see anything close, but it happens.
GOOD! He deserves it. Aces was a great bar for the neighborhood. If he wanted a family restaurant he should have opened it in Roswell or something.
Agree with you CB. Kirkwood needs to relax on the whole “everything needs to be family friendly.”
It is annoying and not everyone has kids, nor does everyone want to go eat and drink with a bunch of screaming kids running and screaming.
Kirkwood’s historic district has promise, but needs development. Right now only the ghetto Bar and Grill is the only option (food & theme sucks). Urban Pie is BYOB, but good pies. If Ace’s could be replaced then Hosea developed down the street towards the old Chicken place and solid businesses that give more options, people would come into Kirkwood.
Having 1 restaurant isn’t going to bring people in from outside the n’hood unless it is by a big Chef (Kevin Rathbun or something) or being a second option for the Esso patrons.
Also everyone commenting @junter, I’m pretty sure he’s mocking Urbanist w/ his apartments comment.
I used to live in Kirkwood. If the businesses there are going to survive, they will need to do so based on business from the immediate area.
NO ONE will make Kirkwood a destination any time soon. There are too many other options in Oakhurst, Decatur, Candler Park, Little 5, even Va-Hi that are too easy to get to and well-established.
And yes, it is clear that this was a shot at Urbanist.
Yeah, we went in there once just to have the owner treat us like we were not welcome, so I feel it probably had something to do with the way people got treated there.
Were hoping for some great new spots with a better vibe to open up here in Kirkwood.
The area is so nice and a feel like it has so much potential.
GO Kirkwood GO!