Atlanta landmark restaurant closing

Atlanta Restaurants & Food

Pano's and Paul's will shut its doors for good on Valentine's Day, just five days short of its 30th anniversary. But Pano Karatassos plans to open two new restaurants later in 2009.

Pano's and Paul's restaurant in Buckhead will close Feb. 28, 14 days later than owners originally had planned to shut the doors. Seen here on a recent night, Jessica Vincent, carrying the cheese tray to a table, has waited tables at Pano's and Paul's for four years.

Mark and Mary Lou Fabian have been dining at Pano's and Paul's since 1992 when they moved to Atlanta. Pano Karatassos says he plans to open a new restaurant, Pano's later this year.

Chef Gary Donlick goes over the menu with the staff before opening.

Pano's & Paul's helped bring Atlanta dining into national prominence in the late '70s and early '80s.

The fried lobster tail was one of Pano's & Paul's signature dishes.

Chef Gary Donlick in the kitchen with salmon.

Pano's and Paul's restaurant has been known for its fine service, cicular banquettes and signature fried lobster tails.

The private banquet room in the back of the restaurant.

"I don't think of it as closing," said Pano Karatassos. "I think of it as a move." He plans to open Balon Rouge, a stylish brasserie in the Sovereign, and Pano's, in the St. Regis Atlanta.

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Pano's and Paul's restaurant in Buckhead will close Feb. 28, 14 days later than owners originally had planned to shut the doors. Seen here on a recent night, Jessica Vincent, carrying the cheese tray to a table, has waited tables at Pano's and Paul's for four years.

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