In addition to our normal news coverage, What Now Atlanta is tracking ways Atlanta’s businesses are adapting to the novel coronavirus and the challenges it brings to brick-and-mortars.
Brezza Cucina has permanently shuttered its expansive Ponce City Market (PCM) restaurant, a source with first-hand knowledge of the closure confirmed with What Now Atlanta (WNA) Thursday.
The Italian eatery from celebrity Chef Jonathan Waxman is currently in the process of vacating its Old Fourth Ward home of five years.
Employees could be seen packing up the restaurant’s kitchen Thursday.
Brezza Cucina was an original PCM tenant having opened its doors in 2015. PCM made its debut on August 25, 2014.
It’s unclear why the restaurant pulled the plug but a document obtained by WNA Thursday with mention of Brezza Cucina’s current financial situation points to COVID-19 as the culprit.
“Brezza is planning to move to a new location, and we’ll let you know as soon as plans are finalized,” Andrew Cacioppo, the restaurant’s executive chef, later told WNA in a prepared statement.
PCM started reopening its doors in late-May after temporarily closing to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and landlord Jamestown Properties announced earlier this year it would aid its tenants worldwide in reopening with a $50,000,000 fund.
Brezza Cucina reopened May 22 in conjunction with the mixed-use development and then closed down again on Saturday, June 6.
“We hate telling you bad news, but it’s true,” the restaurant posted to its Instagram page over the weekend.
“We think we opened back up a bit too soon so we’re going to take a beat and reset for a little bit. Don’t worry, we’ll be back so keep an eye out here and we’ll keep you updated! But before we do that, we’ll be open until 7 p.m. tonight and we’d love to see you!”
Developing…
[Editor’s note 1: this article was updated with a prepared statement from the restaurant’s Executive Chef Andrew Cacioppo.]
[Editor’s note 2: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly evolving as is its effect on Atlanta, and the City’s businesses and its residents. Click here for What Now Atlanta’s ongoing coverage of the crisis. For guidance and updates on the pandemic, please visit the C.D.C. website.]
One Response
Restaurant closings are sadly becoming a daily occurrence.
It’s really gonna get ugly when people start losing their homes/apartments.
My client closed their offices mid-March.
I applied for unemployment in April.
Since I am a freelancer, I had to apply for unemployment (and get turned down) before I could apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).
I received a letter on May 8th stating that I qualified for PUA, and they indicated the amount I am
eligible to receive.
I have received no further communication from GDOL, and I haven’t received a dime in benefits.
SMH.
I just read an article that said middle management jobs will be the next to go…
Good luck to my fellow Americans, I think we’re all gonna need it.