Farm 255 closing July 19
Last week, Farm 255 announced that it will close on July 19. The pioneering Athens restaurant that spawned Farm Burger is best known for serving local, seasonal and sustainable food sourced from its own farm cooperative. And recently, chef Whitney Otawka seemed to have breathed new life into the concept. But according to a letter on its website, "over the last two years Farm 255's partners have moved on to other opportunities in food and agriculture fields, far away from the restaurant's heart of operations in Athens." 255 W. Washington St. 706-549-4660, www.farm255.com.
Branchwater open in Cumming
Chef Todd Hogan, who has worked at Indigo, Old Vinings Inn and Farm Burger Dunwoody, has opened Branchwater in Vickery Village in Cumming. The restaurant features steaks, seafood and cocktails in a casual setting with live music and patio dining. 5820 S. Vickery St. 470-239-4372, www.facebook.com/BranchwaterVickery.
Heirloom Market BBQ bad news
Last week, Heirloom Market BBQ posted on its Facebook page that it would no longer be open for "in house dining" and would be forced to offer only "to-go and catering" service. The change is due to parking problems and a decision by Cobb County and the Department of Transportation, according to the post. 2243 Akers Mill Road. 770-612-2502, www.heirloommarketbbq.com.
Ian Cox wins cocktail contest
Ian Cox, a manager and bartender at the Wrecking Bar brewpub in Inman Park, recently won the National Cocktail Contest of the United States Bartenders Guild hosted by Beefeaters 24, and soon will be off to the international competition in Prague to represent the USA. 292 Moreland Ave. N.E. 404-221-2600, www.wreckingbarbrewpub.com.
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