Another Austin Eatery Bites the Dust – Thanks, Bidenflation!

Well, folks, it's official: Aviary Wine & Kitchen has flown the coop for good. Mike Smith and his partner Chris Ragland thought they could save this longtime Austin joint, but alas, the economy—and likely those pesky leftist policies—had other plans.

The duo threw in the towel this week, shuttering the wine bar and restaurant at 2110 S. Lamar Blvd. They pointed fingers at "financial challenges" and "external pressures," but we all know what that really means: Bidenflation and woke city regulations.

Smith, who's managed places like Gumbo’s and Shoreline Grill, said:

“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. 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 is now focused on setting up payment plans to settle debts with employees and vendors. No word yet on whether their other restaurant, Andiamo, will suffer the same fate.

Marco Fiorilo originally 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.