The team behind Bon Ton, the Vietnamese-Creole restaurant that opened earlier this year in Midtown , is mourning head bartender Patrick Kuhen after he was killed in a crash early this morning. He was 31 years old.
The eatery released a statement regarding Kuhen's passing:
"We here at Bon Ton, are heartbroken at the news of Patrick’s death. He was our head bartender, he was a co-conspirator, a leader, a mentor, a confidant, a counselor, a gentleman, a scholar, most importantly he was a true friend, and one of the most genuinely good people many of us have had the pleasure of knowing. His generosity of spirit, and conscious honesty, obvious passion for life, and open nature inspired all of us. We were so very fortunate to have known him, even for such a short time and had looked forward to witnessing his evolution both professionally in the industry and personally as an amazingly alive human being. His absence is deeply felt and he will be missed and forever remembered. We thank you for your patience as we mourn our dear friend. Our heart goes out to his family, and other friends as they deal with this tragic loss."
Bon Ton partner Eric Simpkins said, "It's been a hard day, our work family has been in shock and dismay, but attempting to cope together at the restaurant today. One thing the city's industry does well is community. He really meant a lot to all of us. Easily one of the best bartenders I have known, and an even better human being and friend. One of our lighthouses really."
The crash occurred at about 4 a.m., when a man driving a silver Porsche SUV crashed into Kuhen, who was coming home from his shift and stopped on his motorcycle at Ponce de Leon Avenue and Clifton Road. The driver, who Atlanta police said they think might have been under the influence of alcohol, is in police custody.
Bon Ton has planned a "Remembering Patrick" event to be held at the restaurant, at 674 Myrtle St., on Monday, Aug. 28.
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