A popular Gainesville eatery for nearly 20 years is closing its doors forever in late March.
Scott's Downtown Restaurant has announced this week that they will be closing for good after Saturday evening, March 22nd. A press release from Scott's Downtown says the decision was "not ours willingly", but because of forced closure following circumstances since the frozen pipes and flooding incident in December 2022, and recent impending sale of the Bradford Street building by their current landlord.
Scott's Downtown has served the patrons of Hall County for 18 years. An official statement made the announcement as follows from Thursday, March 6th:
"To My Dear Friends, Staff, Loyal Customers and the NE Georgia Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I must share the difficult news that Scott’s Downtown will close its doors at 131 Bradford Street on Saturday, March 22nd. This decision is not ours willingly — we are not closing due to financial struggles, lack of business, or any operational issues within our control. Instead, we are being forced to leave due to circumstances that have unfolded since the flood from frozen pipes in December 2022, including significant delays in restoration, lease complications and ultimately, the impending sale of the building by the current landlord.
For almost 18 years, I have worked tirelessly to make Scott’s Downtown a cornerstone of this community. When the December 2022 flood devastated our space, my team and I did everything in our power to reopen as quickly as possible. However, the renovation process—one that should have taken mere months in my estimation—stretched far beyond what most would consider reasonable. These prolonged delays placed an enormous financial burden on us, making it increasingly difficult to recover, particularly when only 50% of the restaurant was operational for over half a year without the benefit of the Lounge due to ongoing renovation postponements.
When it became clear that we could not sustain these conditions indefinitely, I sought legal counsel to find a solution. Unfortunately, despite my best efforts, and due to erroneous legal advice, the landlord terminated our lease, and shortly thereafter, agreed to sell the building to a new owner who has chosen not to continue with Scott’s Downtown as a tenant. The result is a heartbreaking, forced closure of a business that has served this community with passion and dedication for nearly two decades.
This is not how I envisioned our journey ending. Through the years, we have weathered countless challenges—numerous construction projects, infrastructure overhauls, a pandemic—all while remaining committed to providing a place where our guests could gather, conduct business, celebrate, and create lasting memories. That is much of what makes this loss so difficult.
To our loyal guests, who have trusted us with your important business and social occasions, special moments and celebrations—you have been the heart of Scott’s Downtown. Your support and kindness have meant the world to me, and I am forever grateful for the time we’ve shared. These final days will be a chance to say goodbye, share stories, and enjoy one last meal or drink together.
Though I do not yet know what the future holds, I do know this: we did everything in our power to continue. I move forward with my head held high, proud of the incredible community we built together. My passion for hospitality remains, and I hope to see many of you again either in a new endeavor or as a fellow patron. Many things have been left unsaid in this letter intentionally, but I will be more than happy to share with anyone, one on one. Until then...
With deep gratitude,
Scott"
http://accesswdun.com/article/2025/3/1288983/popular-gainesville-restaurant-to-close-permanently-in-late-march