Atlanta’s iconic Sun Dial restaurant atop the Westin Peachtree Plaza has re-opened two months after a 5-year-old’s death. But visitors will have to get up from their tables in order to take in the panoramic views.
The floor isn’t moving, a restaurant spokesperson said Wednesday.
“The rotating feature is not in operation,” an emailed statement to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution read. “The viewing deck is open for a 360 degree view of the city.”
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The restaurant was temporarily closed for eight weeks after a North Carolina boy died after getting stuck between a piece of furniture and a wall. Charlie Holt was having lunch with his family on April 14 when he wandered away from his table, according to investigators.
Restaurant patrons were startled by the screams of the boy, whose head was stuck. The rotating floor was shut off, and witnesses rushed to help the boy’s father free him.
“He must’ve put his head in that position just perfectly, perfect timing,” Gustavo Anzola said the day after the boy’s death. “Everything came together perfectly for this kid to get himself in this position.”
But Charlie was unconscious when he fell into his father’s arms, according to a witness. The boy was taken by ambulance to Grady Memorial Hospital, but did not survive.
“Words cannot express the depths of our sorrow,” George Reed, hotel manager of the Peachtree Plaza, said in an emailed statement after the boy’s death. “Our thoughts remain with the family."
The boy’s death is believed to be the first accident of its kind at the restaurant, which opened in 1976.
The restaurant declined Wednesday to release details about changes made following the boy’s death. It was not known whether the rotating floors would be re-started. The restaurant re-opened Friday with little fanfare.
“The restaurant is currently accepting individual and event reservations and is serving its summer menu featuring both seasonal and signature dishes,” a spokesperson said in an email.
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