Popular Puerto Rican restaurant Porch Light Latin Kitchen has permanently closed in Smyrna after nearly six years.
The eatery announced the closure in a post on its Instagram account:
Chef-owner Andre Gomez opened Porch Light in November 2015 at 300 Village Green Circle, serving a variety of Latin staples including empanadas and the popular citrus-brined beer can chicken.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution awarded the restaurant a rare three-star review in 2016.
Gomez told the AJC that closing the restaurant was bittersweet.
“We’re sad, but we’re also happy and relieved to move on,” he said.
He cited the overall difficulties of the restaurant industry, which have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to the desire to spend more time with his family, as the primary reasons for the decision.
While Gomez said he might reopen Porch Light in a different location in Smyrna in the future, for now he’s going to focus on his family and regrouping after a difficult couple of years.
“I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to do it and bring people together,” he said, “The outpouring from the community has been amazing.”
Gomez will continue to make and sell salsas and burritos under his Jose Sucio brand, which he has been selling at locations of Stout Brothers beer shops.
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