Goodbye to Son’s Place
August 17th, 2009 by Besha Rodell in News
There have been a lot of restaurant closings in recent months. The economy has taken its toll on everything from high-end powerhouses to tiny ethnic spots. But for me, losing Son’s Place is the most heartbreaking yet.
The soul food restaurant closed on July 31.
Son’s Place is the first restaurant I visited in the city that made me fall in love with Atlanta. The food, the feel, the people, the warmth, all spoke of a kind of hospitality you just don’t find outside of the South. I’ve had many arguments in the years since about whether the fried chicken lived up to its hype, or whether the cobbler was too sweet. Through it all, I’ve remained devoted. On days when I needed comfort and sustenance, Son’s Place is where I headed.
On the phone this morning, owner Lenn Storey said the economy is to blame. Customer traffic has dwindled so much in past months that he just couldn’t keep the restaurant open.
“Hopefully, we can reopen,” said Storey. “I don’t know. It’s a sad time for son.”
(Photo by Mara Shalhoup. Additional reporting by Robyn Baitcher)
August 17th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
I’m really about to shed a tear over this. They always had a chess pie on the buffet, too.
August 17th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Maybe they could have stayed open if they didn’t close at 3PM everyday. Bummer.
August 17th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
This is truly the end of an era. I got my (at least) weekly home cookin’ fix at Deacon Burton’s when I first moved to Atlanta, and have patronized Son’s since it opened. I am in tears. I dearly hope he will reopen when things get better.
August 24th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
This place was an institution! I used to dine here often for lunch when I worked downtown. Every relic of the glory days of ATL is being taken away one by one.
August 25th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
I will miss this place, I patronized his father’s resturant (Deacon Burtons’s) until it was bought out and then Son’s place. I hope they can reopen, but I completely understand their position. I will not say good bye, just so long for now.