The Saddest Restaurant Closings in Atlanta, July 2025
Atlanta saw major restaurant closures this summer. Here are the ones we are saddest to see go.
Mukja Korean Fried Chicken closes in Midtown
In a heartfelt, tearful post, owner Sean Chang announced the closure of his Midtown staple, Mukja Korean Fried Chicken, citing health concerns. 'I am at a complete loss for words and wished that this wasn't the end but at the end of the day, health comes first above all else,' writes Chang in the post. Mukja opened in 2020, making Eater Atlanta's best restaurants in Midtown and best restaurants for fried chicken lists. The restaurant used Korean flavors and ingredients to create its famous fried chicken in sauces like Korean sweet heat and soy garlic. 'Maybe Mukja makes a comeback, but for now, I can't even think about it if I'm putting one step in the grave,' says Chang.
Major fire shuts down Paolo's Gelato Italiano in Virginia-Highland temporarily
After more than 25 years in business, Paolo's Gelato Italiano has closed temporarily in Virginia-Highlands after a major electrical fire ripped through the space on June 30. No injuries were reported. 'The damage is very significant. While Paolo does have insurance, it won't cover everything,' says the post on Instagram. The gelato shop has started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for repairs.
Jang Su Jang's original Duluth location sold
Jang Su Jang, or 'The Meeting Place,' has been a beloved Korean restaurant in Duluth for over 20 years, but that location recently sold to new owners. The original owners still run the second location in downtown Alpharetta. Jang Su Jang is known for dishes like galbi (barbecue beef short rib), bibimbap, and soondubu (tofu stew).
Mellow Mushroom in Decatur closes suddently
The Mellow Mushroom in downtown Decatur closed abruptly on June 16, following a social media announcement. The pizzeria location was open for nine years at 340 West Ponce de Leon Avenue. Co-owner Harvey Brown told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that local competition made it too financially taxing to keep the location open. Find the full report here.
Related The Complete List of Atlanta Restaurant Closings
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This must be Sawtelle
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