ATLANTA — A beloved fixture in Atlanta's Midtown neighborhood will be closing up shop at the end of the month, according to its owner.
Maureen Kalmanson, the owner of Henry's Midtown Tavern, posted on Facebook on Tuesday that she had worked to renew the bar's lease at 132 10th St. but couldn't reach an agreement with the building's landlord.
The establishment will close on Thursday, Nov. 30, Kalmanson said.
When the restaurant opened the next day after the announcement, there were a lot of tears, hugs, and thank yous to the owner.
Customers said this isn't just an affordable restaurant but an inclusive place for diverse people and their furry friends, too.
"At the time that we opened Henry's, there were other gay establishments in the area, but nothing quite like what Henry's does, which draws people together," Kalmanson said.
That includes people of all races, sexual identities, and walks of life, especially ones that walk with paws instead of feet.
"Dogs teach us to be better people," Kalmanson said.
Kalmanson's love for animals is what birthed Henry's. The restaurant is named after her dog. However, the business also has to keep up with rent, reaching new heights in Midtown.
"It changes the environment. I mean, it changes who's here and who's out and about when things get so expensive," Kalmanson said. "They either have to be really big companies that can afford to do that or...smaller companies just, I think, will disappear in these kinds of environments."
Kalmanson is joining a plethora of businesses fighting the same fight. Still, the welcoming environment will always hold a place in her customer's hearts. Rachel Robinson said she works across the street and frequents Henry's often.
"It was really sad," Robinson said. "I don't know where we're going to go after work. This place was just so perfect."
Robinson said 10th Street won't be the same.
"There's such a diverse crowd that comes here," Robinson said. "It means a lot to Midtown. It's really a cornerstone of this area."
Supporters in Kalmanson's comments on social media offered to protest— to take a stand against the landlord. However, Kalmanson doesn't want that.
"I would like to get us to get together and celebrate," Kalmanson said. "I don't think the fight would be worthwhile. I don't know that we would end up on top. I appreciate that people feel that way."
All she wants is for whoever takes over next to continue the legacy.
"I'm not sure what will replace this, but I hope it's somebody that embraces this community for what it is," Kalmanson said.
"Drawn by the diversity and warmth of the Midtown community, serial restaurateur Maureen Kalmanson opened HENRY's in 2013 around the corner from her Italian restaurant - Campagnolo," the tavern's website explains. "The tree-lined corner of 10th Street and Juniper inspired her to build Midtown's biggest deck as a gathering place for the neighborhood to dine, drink, and socialize."
"I'm sad that Henry's is going to go away," Kalmanson said.
In her Facebook post, Kalmanson thanked everyone who spent time at Henry's over the years, particularly the LGBTQ+ community that embraced it as a hip but relaxed eatery and bar.
"I feel tremendous love and gratitude for the support, friendship, and good times we have shared over these last 10-plus years," Kalmanson wrote. "Your individual smiles, hugs, suggestions, craziness, and the many dog photos sent over the years to cover our walls have been integral to those feelings and to our success. I am proud of how Henry’s provided a safe and fun place for the LGBT+ community over the years, and I will miss connecting with you."
Kalmanson indicated she will continue to operate her original restaurant, Campagnolo, which is about a block east of Henry's on Piedmont Ave.