Oops, They Did It Again: Another Austin Eatery Bites The Dust 🍴🔥

Mike Smith and his partner Chris Ragland thought they'd be the knights in shining aprons when they bought Aviary Wine & Kitchen last summer. Spoiler alert: They weren't.

After a year of trying to revive the restaurant post-Covid and a scorching summer, they've thrown in the towel. The duo announced this week that Aviary is permanently closed at 2110 S. Lamar Blvd.

Smith, who's managed places like Gumbo’s and Shoreline Grill, blamed "the cavernous financial hole we inherited" and "other external pressures" for the closure. He's not wrong, though. Austin's hospitality market is a dumpster fire right now. 🙃

“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.”

** Flashback to 2023: ** Austin restaurant veteran buys two beloved longtime neighborhood restaurants

Smith is now focused on paying employees and creditors. Good luck with that, buddy. 😬

No word yet on whether their other spot, Andiamo, will also kick the bucket.

Fun fact: Marco Fiorilo opened Aviary as a home décor shop in 2006 before turning it into a full-blown restaurant in 2017. He's still got his Wham Bam Bagels food truck, though. Silver linings?

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Stay tuned for more tragic tales of Austin's dining scene. This is a developing story. 🌮💥