ROXX Tavern, a popular gay-friendly restaurant on Cheshire Bridge Road, will be temporarily closed.
In an emailed statement sent out on Saturday (December 4), ROXX owner Dean Chronopoulos announced that he and the restaurant will be taking a sabbatical.
“[A]fter nearly 22 years, Dean needs a rest,” the email sent to ROXX patrons reads. “I would like to take some personal time off. I would like to visit my elderly parents for an extended period of time at their home in New York. I would like to spend more time with my kids. My house and yard are in desperate need of several major renovations that have been put off for many, many years. And I would like to take this strange thing folks keep speaking of called a V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N.”
Chronopoulos cited the amplified construction following the recent fire on Cheshire Bridge as an opportunity to take the break. ROXX is currently open, and there isn’t yet a set date for the closure. According to Chronopoulos, the restaurant could close “in a few weeks” or “by the end of the month.”
Chronopoulos’ full statement is as follows:
Dear ROXXer,
Most importantly, I pray that you and your loved ones are healthy, happy and are doing well.
Secondly, ROXX is going to close temporarily.
Taking a break over the winter season.
Resuming service sometime in the Spring.
ROXX HAS ALWAYS STAYED OPEN
ROXX has been open and serving The Best Guests Ever non-stop for over two decades.
ROXX stayed open during the Great Recession.
ROXX stayed open during the I-85 Collapse.
ROXX stayed open / is open during the Covid pandemic.
ROXX is open during the current labor shortage.
ROXX is open during the current supply chain disruption.
ROXX is open during the current crazy spike in food prices (how does ROXX keep offering the Stupendous Steak Special?).
ROXX has always stayed open during these times because of YOU and all of our other guests who have taken care of their friendly neighborhood ROXX Tavern … and today, we are still doing well because of YOU. We all very much appreciate it and love you for it.
THEN WHY CLOSE NOW?
To be honest, after nearly twenty-two years, Dean needs a rest. I would like to take some personal time off. I would like to visit my elderly parents for an extended period of time at their home in New York. I would like to spend more time with my kids. My house and yard are in desperate need of several major renovations that have been put off for many, many years. And I would like to take this strange thing folks keep speaking of called a
V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N.
So as we enter our slower winter months along with the work on Cheshire Bridge Road and construction on nearby streets, I believe it is an opportune time to take a well needed break, catch up of many personal items and spend time with my family. Then come back and start again.
WHEN IS ROXX CLOSING FOR THE BREAK?
Could be in a few weeks.
Could be by the end of the month.
I have not finalized it yet, but will keep you updated.
IN SUMMARY
We remain open for a minute.
ROXX is on sabbatical for a while.
Dean gets a needed break (even though it sounds like I will be quite busy).
ROXX reopens sometime in the Spring.
So there you go. Or more accurately, there I go – for a little while. But I am here for now, so come on by and get you some ROXX!
We love ya. We always have.
And also, thank you so very much.
ROXX and Chronopoulos have been long-time favorites of Georgia Voice readers. ROXX was the winner of Best Sunday Brunch and Best Patio/Deck and Chronopoulos won Best Business Person at the 2019 Georgia Voice Best Of Atlanta Awards.