Rising inflation, supply chain issues claim these Macon, Warner Robins restaurants
Although more than 50 new restaurants opened this year in Middle Georgia, nearly half as many closed their doors for good.
Some were brand new such as The Hot Chik in Warner Robins that closed within three months of opening, with owners citing food and labor costs and a desire not to cut quality.
Others that closed had been in business for several years with a strong customer base such as the Macon Beer Co., in operation for six years, and Taste and See Coffee Shop and Gallery, open for nine years.
The Macon Beer Co.’s closure was attributed to rising inflation and supply-chain issues, while Taste and See Coffee Shop and Gallery struggled with staffing shortages. Both were in downtown Macon.
In addition to staff shortages, La Bella Vita Italian Kitchen, open only a year in downtown Macon, struggled to overcome the impact of COVID-19.
One restaurant, Ladda Bistro, also in downtown Macon, was forced to close due to the owner’s health.
While many of the closures were in downtown Macon, several other restaurants have opened this year in downtown Macon with more on the way.
Exceptions
Not all restaurants closed permanently. Some relocated.
Two thriving Chick-fil-A restaurants in Houston County strategically closed because they’d outgrown their existing space and moved to newly-constructed bigger and better stores.
Macon Water Ice closed its location at The Shoppes at River Closing to relocate downtown for a bitter fit.
Cluck N Waffles was expected to reopen at the Mercer Landing in Macon after closing its doors at the Publix at Gunn Battle in Warner Robins but that didn’t pan out.
The owner says he’s considering a new build. Meanwhile, he’s concentrating on his other food spot, The Georgia Dog in the Houston County Galleria in Centerville. He and his wife also operate a food truck.
Meanwhile, the Brownbrook Market relocated to a space in the Houston County Galleria in Centerville for better exposure, closing its storefront, 100 North Houston Lake Boulevard, Suite F, Centerville.
Closure list
Atlanta Bread Company, 2624 Watson Blvd. Suite A, Warner Robins
Barberitos at 4921 Riverside Dr., Suite C., Macon
Bossa Novas at 490 Cherry St., downtown Macon
Brownbrook Market at 100 North Houston Lake Boulevard, Suite F (relocation)
Cake ‘n Shake, 115 Margie Drive, Warner Robins, (owners reopened as Essential Bowls)
Chick-fil-A at 1867 Watson Blvd., Warner Robins, (relocation)
Chick-fil A at 1600 Sam Nunn Blvd., Perry, (relocation)
City Cafe, 2830 Riverside Drive, Macon
Cluck N Waffles, 6011 Watson Blvd. Suite 380, Warner Robins (Byron mailing address)
Dough Bro’s Pizza Joint, 6001 Watson Blvd, Warner Robins (Byron mailing address)
Dough Bro’s Pizza Joint, 3955 Arkwright Road, Suite E, Macon
El Ranchito, 726 North Davis Drive, Suite B, Warner Robins
Greek Village Express, 6001 Watson Blvd., Suite 300, Warner Robins (Byron mailing address)
La Bella Vita Italian Kitchen at 347 Cotton Ave., downtown Macon
Ladda Bistro at 442 Cherry St., downtown Macon
Lazy Donkey at 379 Third St., downtown Macon
Lazy Susan’s Tapas Bar at 428 Second St., downtown Macon
Macon Beer Company at 458 Second St., downtown Macon
Macon Water Ice at 5080 Riverside Drive, Suite 208, (relocation)
Michael’s on Mulberry at 588 Mulberry St., downtown Macon
Mr. Pingo’s House at 3001 Vineville Ave., Macon
Ricky’s Taco Shop at 518 Cherry St., downtown Macon
Sweet of Life at 778 Ga. 96, Suite 130, Warner Robins (Bonaire mailing address)
Taste and See Coffee Shop and Gallery, 546 Poplar St., downtown Macon
The Hot Chik, 670 Lake Joy Road, Suite 400, Warner Robins (Kathleen mailing address)
Wandee Asian Market, 2786 Riverside Drive, Macon
Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, 670 Lake Joy Road, Suite 150, Warner Robins (Kathleen mailing address)
