News Summary
Bastone, a popular Italian restaurant known for its house-made mozzarella, has closed after three years in West Midtown, Atlanta. The closure follows the recent shut down of Bartaco, with economic challenges and rising operational costs cited as key factors. Chef Pat Pascarella indicated that difficulties in balancing multiple restaurant operations played a role in the decision. While some local eateries continue to thrive, the restaurant landscape in West Midtown faces significant changes, with many recent closures prompting ongoing discussions about the area’s culinary future.
Atlanta – Bastone, an Italian restaurant renowned for its house-made mozzarella, has officially closed after three years of operation on Howell Mill Road in West Midtown, Atlanta. The announcement came via the restaurant’s Instagram account, marking another significant closure in a neighborhood grappling with economic challenges affecting the dining industry.
The closure occurred just 10 days following the shutdown of neighboring restaurant Bartaco, which cited a decision not to renew its lease as the reason for its departure. Chef and owner Pat Pascarella, who operates the Porchetta Group that includes other restaurants such as the White Bull, Grana, and Alici Oyster Bar, acknowledges that the decision to close Bastone was complicated by numerous factors, including ongoing economic challenges, rising costs of goods, and the lingering effects of COVID-19.
Pascarella has expressed that while the closure is bittersweet, it may provide an opportunity to reassess and refocus efforts on his more successful establishments. He highlighted the struggles Bastone faced, indicating that unresolved issues regarding pricing increases on ingredients led to customer dissatisfaction and ultimately weakened the restaurant’s position in a competitive market. He emphasized the need for learning from mistakes and shifting attention to more viable ventures within his group.
The restaurant landscape in West Midtown has faced substantial shifts, with significant closures impacting local dining options. Over a dozen restaurants have shut down recently, with eight of those closures occurring just in January 2023. Contributing factors to these closures include a reduction in in-person diners, declining sales, increased operational costs, traffic problems, and limited parking availability for patrons.
Despite these challenges, some establishments are managing to thrive and adapt. Restaurants like Marcel, a Michelin-recommended steakhouse, have renewed their lease for ten years, while Cooks & Soldiers has also decided to continue operations in the area. In a push to enhance customer accessibility, The Interlock in West Midtown has reduced parking rates amid rising costs.
As the restaurant industry continues to navigate a turbulent environment, new openings are also on the horizon. Big Bad Breakfast is set to launch in Buckhead, taking over the former Cultivate Food & Coffee location. Such developments signal a mix of continuity and change within the local culinary scene.
Pasarella’s decision to close Bastone reflects broader economic trends impacting many local eateries. The restaurant had built a reputation for its specialty pasta dishes and enticing happy hour specials, yet despite these draws, it could not withstand the pressures created by the economic climate. His insights into the management challenges faced, particularly the difficulty of balancing attention among multiple restaurant operations, reveal the complexities of maintaining a successful business in the current environment.
As the community adjusts to the loss of another dining establishment, the ongoing conversation around the future of West Midtown’s restaurant scene remains open. With some success stories emerging alongside closures, the district illustrates the ongoing resilience of the food and hospitality industry in Atlanta amid evolving consumer preferences and economic realities.
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Additional Resources
- Eater Atlanta: Bastone Closes in West Midtown
- AJC: Simple Math Led to Closure of Bastone
- Fox 5 Atlanta: Italian Restaurant Bastone Closing
- Wikipedia: Restaurant Closure
- MSN: K5 Hospitality Hiring Amid Restaurant Closures
