Athens’ iconic Grit restaurant—a staple on Prince Avenue for the past 36 years—says it is closing after October 7, two weeks from tonight. The owners, in a statement, blame in part the impact of the coronavirus pandemic for their inability to continue operations in Athens.
From WSB TV…
The Grit specializes in vegan and vegetarian food, and occupies a historic building on Prince Avenue that was once owned by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe. The restaurant was founded in 1986 and published a cookbook in 2001. In 2020, the Grit was one of the first Athens restaurants to convert a side street into a parklet where guests could dine during the pandemic.
“Unfortunately, things have changed due to the pandemic and we’ve had to reevaluate our business goals,” owners wrote on Facebook. “So, it is with heavy hearts, but with a hopeful eye on the future, that we announce that we are closing our doors at the end of evening service on Friday October 7th 2022.”
General Manager Jay Totty told the Athens Banner-Herald that the Grit’s staff was notified before the announcement was made.