[Ay Caramba] Contemporary Mexican Eatery Alma Cocina to Close in Buckhead

Alma Cocina will close its Buckhead restaurant on December 20 after nearly six years in business.  The contemporary Mexican restaurant first opened February 4, 2020, just ahead of the pandemic.  

News of the restaurant's closure was first reported by The AJC [paywall] which indicated that lower office occupancy and reduced business travel were key factors in the decision to close the restaurant.  A downtown location which opened at 191 Peachtree Street in 2012 will remain open.  

When Alma Cocina opened at Terminus (3280 Peachtree Road, #100), it replaced BrickTop's, the project's original tenant in the space which debuted in 2007 and closed ten years later at the end of 2017.  

The Mexican restaurant is owned by Atlanta-based Fifth Group Restaurants which will also continue to operate Buckhead restaurants South City Kitchen at 3350 Peachtree and Ecco at Phipps Plaza.  

A new concept, quick-serve Asian eatery Yum Chao, was to have opened in a space adjacent to Alma Cocina in Buckhead but those plans were abandoned during the pandemic. 

A listing Tuesday indicates that Steve Josovitz of The Shumacher Group is marketing the Alma Cocina space for sale.  The listing suggests the space is available as a "keep or convert," but that the name, recipes, business, trademarks, books, and records are not available. 

According to the listing, the landlord (Cousins Properties) will not approve any late-night clubs, lounges, hookah bars, or music venues.

The restaurant comes with an eye-popping "all in" rent of $27,500 per month and is being offered for $450,000, "which includes all furniture, fixtures, equipment and the right to transfer lease."

Are you surprised to see Alma Cocina close in Buckhead?  What is your favorite Fifth Group restaurant?  In your opinion, what is the best neighborhood for restaurants in metro Atlanta?

Please share your thoughts below.