Aviary Wine & Kitchen Shutters After Brief Revival Attempt

Mike Smith and partner Chris Ragland purchased Aviary Wine & Kitchen in the summer of 2023, aiming to revive the longstanding restaurant that faced closure due to financial struggles from Covid and a historically hot summer. However, their efforts were short-lived, as the duo announced this week that they had permanently closed the wine bar and restaurant at 2110 S. Lamar Blvd.

Smith, formerly in management at Gumbo’s and Shoreline Grill, cited initial economic challenges and Austin’s hospitality market pressures as reasons for the closure. "Between the cavernous financial hole we inherited and other external pressures that we, like other Austin businesses operating in highly desirable commercial spaces are facing, we had to make the difficult decision to cut our losses and cease operations," Smith said. "Area eateries are being hit hard right now. A popular eatery not far from Aviary closed just a few weeks ago, despite attracting large crowds. It’s unfortunate that this is what dining establishment owners in Austin are facing right now."

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Smith's current focus is on establishing payment plans to meet financial obligations to employees and other vendors and creditors. The impact of Aviary's closure on Andiamo, another restaurant under Hearth and Counter hospitality, remains unclear.

Marco Fiorilo initially opened Aviary as a home décor shop in 2006 before transforming it into a full-service restaurant and wine bar in 2017 with partner John Coronado. Fiorillo continues to operate two locations of the Wham Bam Bagels food truck.

This is a developing story.