West Egg Cafe Shuts Its Doors: A Heartfelt Farewell to an Atlanta Favorite
Atlanta, it’s time to bid adieu to one of your beloved breakfast spots. West Egg Cafe, known for its scrumptious Southern comfort food, is set to close its doors for the last time on December 29. After almost two decades of serving mouth-watering dishes like fried chicken biscuits and shrimp and grits, the Johnson family, who owns the café, has decided to take a step back.
From Humble Beginnings
Opened in 2004 at 14th Street and Howell Mill, West Egg started out in an empty warehouse in a region that was largely made up of similar vacant spaces. Fast forward to 2010, the cafe made a move just a stone’s throw away, relocating to its current spot as the area transformed into the lively Westside Provisions District.
The Changing Times
However, times are changing, and unfortunately, West Egg Cafe has felt the pinch. The owners, Jennifer and Ben Johnson, shared in a heartfelt release that the café has been facing “declining in-person dining” post the COVID-19 pandemic, with more customers opting for online orders and third-party delivery services.
“Sales are down; costs are up,” they noted, adding that types of dining—the weekday breakfast and lunch crowd, in particular—have been hit hard. All these factors lead them to conclude that the location simply isn’t sustainable anymore.
A Grateful Goodbye
As they prepare to close, the Johnsons sent out a warm “thank you” to their loyal patrons, staff, and neighbors who’ve been integral to the West Egg family over the years. The couple is also committed to assisting their beloved staff during this transition, helping them find positions either within their other establishments or elsewhere.
A Family Affair
Perhaps most touching is the role West Egg has played in the Johnson family’s life. Their oldest child was born just a few months after the café opened, and the second child arrived a little after the cafe moved to its current location. As Jennifer put it, “They have never known a world without West Egg.” The sentiment of leaving a place that has felt like home for so long has left the family heartbroken.
Last Breakfast Together
If you’re a fan of the café, don’t despair just yet! The Johnsons are encouraging everyone to come and spend some time with them during the holiday season before they close up shop for good. They have planned their last day of service for Sunday, December 29, and want to make it a memorable farewell.
A Ray of Hope?
Even though the doors will close on this chapter, there’s a flicker of hope for the future. The Johnsons expressed that this isn’t necessarily the end. “This is goodbye for now. We will take a beat to consider the future,” they wrote, hinting that there’s a possibility of West Egg Café making a comeback down the road. Wouldn’t that be a delightful surprise for all the fans?
So, Atlanta, if you’ve enjoyed the cozy breakfast vibes at West Egg, now’s your chance to soak in the last few weeks before its departure. Say your goodbyes, fill up on those tasty dishes one last time, and perhaps you’ll see West Egg rise again in the years to come!
