In a surprise post Sunday, a popular Brookhaven restaurant has announced it is closing. Onetime Buckhead Diner chef Joey Riley opened Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub (1410 Dresden Drive #100) at the street level of the Village Place apartments in November 2010.
In his post, Riley thanked the community for 14 years of support:
"With a heart full of gratitude for the love and support of my customers, I must announce that the time has come for me to move on. The 14-year run of Kaleidoscope has meant SO much more to the staff and me than simply providing food and service to the folks of Brookhaven. With you, we have laughed harder than we ever thought possible, made lifelong friendships, and shared the ups, downs, and crazy times of each other’s lives. You have meant the world to us."
Riley made no mention of his plans post closure, but did indicate that they will celebrate the restaurant in the coming weeks.
"It’s never easy to say goodbye, so let’s at least make it fun. Rest assured that we have plans in the works to commemorate the past 14 years. We’ll toast you with loads of sudsy pints, share favorite memories and meals, and exchange hugs that will last long enough to make us all cry! In the meantime, please come in and find me or your favorite staff member, and let’s make our final times together as wonderful as all the rest. Here’s to you, my Kaleidoscope family🍻💚… With love and appreciation -Joey Riley"
When Kaleidoscope opened in 2010, it occupied a roughly 3,500 square foot space at the corner of Caldwell Road and Dresden Drive. Following the closure of neighboring business Yoforia, Kaleidoscope expanded along Dresden, taking on the frozen yogurt shop's 1,200 square feet, adding seating and expanding the menu. According to a site plan for the project, the current Kaleidoscope space is 4,749 square feet.
Riley, along with then business partner Doug Gross, opened Jefe's Tacos & Tequilas in TOWN Brookhaven in September 2016 but had closed the business by January 2018. Red Pepper Taqueria today occupies its former space. Gross went on to join Lagarde American Eatery in nearby Chamblee as their general manager in late 2019.
This past November it was revealed that Gross will later this fall open his own concept, Confab Kitchen and Bar, at the new Parkside on Dresden mixed-use development, a stone's throw from Kaleidoscope. According to the announcement, the 3,600 square foot Confab Kitchen and Bar is “inspired by the dining culture of Europe,” designed to be “a convivial gathering place designed for people to eat, drink and converse with friends around food, beer, wine and spirits.”
Former Rathbun's and Noble Fin partner turned restaurant consultant and realtor Cliff Bramble is offering the "fully equipped" Kaleidoscope for $495,000. The listing indicates that there are two years remaining on the existing lease with options. A replacement restaurant can be nearly anything except for Mexican or Hookah concepts.
Are you surprised that Kaleidoscope is closing in Brookhaven? What is your favorite Brookhaven area restaurant? What would you like to see open in place of Kaleidoscope in Brookhaven?
Please share your thoughts below.
8 comments:
Atlanta has consistently been a community characterized by transience, serving as a starting point for individuals aspiring to succeed. This transitory nature is evident in the retail and restaurant industry, where establishments seem to close abruptly, often without a specific cause other than the owner seeking a fresh challenge due to boredom. This phenomenon appears to be relatively distinctive to Atlanta, causing frustration for residents who wish their cherished establishments could endure beyond a decade or so.
@Anon 2/12/24 1:26: You think this is unique to Atlanta? The place is closing because it is not making money, not because the owner is just looking for the next challenge or due to boredom. Successful restaurants don't close except in extremely rare and unusual circumstances. Haven has been open for over 20 years. When you visit you can see why - it still draws the crowds. There's a lot of restaurants around town that have been open for a very long time.
this is shocking
It makes a crap ton of money
You have a very low bar for what shocks you.
And the bar is up your fanny.
"Successful restaurants don't close except in extremely rare and unusual circumstances."
In fact, successful restaurants close far more often than the "extremely rare" description, usually due to lease expiration/renewal issues. Perfect example (among many) is recent closure of the very successful Midtown mainstay (10 years) Henry's Midtown Tavern.
"Henry’s is closing at the end of the month due to an all-too-common Atlanta reason — skyrocketing rent."
This just sucks & I love everyone here- Joey Jared Nick & Lando are some of the best people on the planent and can only wish nothing but success in their future endeavors- thank you for 14 yrs!
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