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.
The Vista Room at Napoleon’s Grill, the Decatur music venue and events space that debuted in 2016, has permanently shuttered, the company Sunday announced on its Facebook page.
“We are sad to announce that The Vista Room has closed permanently,” according to the social media posting.
“On [March 10] we laid off 20 of 25 staff members, canceled all shows, and cooked and served take-out meals from our sister restaurant Napoleon’s Grill, which has remained viable on a shoestring for 90 days, and we expect that to continue.”
As with a running list of restaurants and retailers that have permanently closed down in recent weeks, Owners of The Vista Room are citing financial hardship brought on by the novel coronavirus.
“As an independent, we simply cannot sustain the massive overhead losses, which will now run thru at least August (six months) and even then, judging by the surprising lack of attendance at restaurants and gyms the last month, people will hesitate to come until 2021.”
Music venues are one of the last remaining “non-essential” businesses to reopen following an Executive Order from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp to close down in early-April to slow the spread of COVID-19.
As per Kemp’s most recent mandate, those venues are allowed to come back online on July 1.
Here’s the rest of The Vista Rooms’ statement:
Without operating at capacity both the performers and the venues lose too much to make it make sense. We have discussed this with our landlord and they have two new strong prospective tenants looking seriously at taking the space (sorry non-music venue tenants). We enjoyed four years of effort from hard work, passion, and fun believing in our mission of a unique music venue focused on the BEST hospitality from our incredible staff for both the Audiences and the Artists, backed with restaurant-quality food & service, and supported by the top sound and production techs in the city plus a wide spectrum of great live music! The Vista Room didn’t fail—we were squashed by a bug! But we are all alive and moving on down new trails as the world deals with COVID-19. Thank you to everyone that came and played—you were all magnificent! Until we meet again, keep your chest out, head up, and see you on the other side!”
[Editor’s note: 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
That sounds like they might have a very reasonable landlord!
Shame on other landlords for not having any consideration for what’s going on out there….