Red Pepper Taqueria reportedly permanently closed its Brookhaven restaurant as of 8PM December 31. Signage at the restaurant confirms tonight's early closure but suggests that it will reopen albeit with more limited hours - closed on Mondays - and will no longer sell alcohol!
Located in TOWN Brookhaven, the Mexican eatery first opened in the mixed-use development in 2018 when it replaced Jefe's Tacos & Tequila, a separate but similar restaurant.
The closure of Red Pepper Taqueria in Brookhaven follows the closure of Red Pepper locations in Toco Hills and Buckhead earlier this year. ToNeTo Atlantareported this past March that three of the group's four locations were being marketed for sale. The Buckhead restaurant was the only location not being marketed for sale. The Dunwoody restaurant, the group's newest, opened in 2021 and is located in a freestanding building along Ashford Dunwoody Road. The building is owned by Red Pepper owner Justin Karam with the restaurant expected to remain in business for now.
Karam and his family have been involved in assorted businesses in metro Atlanta for decades with their interests including the six-unit D&K Suit City chain of discount suiting and accessories stores. The Karams also own Kabob Land, located next door to the former Red Pepper in Buckhead, as well as Chelo, an upscale Mediterranean eatery on Alpharetta Street in Roswell.
Prior to Jefe's Tacos & Tequila's September 2016 opening, the roughly 4,100 square foot space was home to Noche, which had occupied the space since early 2011, shortly after TOWN Brookhaven opened. Noche closed abruptly on October 5, 2015 along with all other Here to Serve restaurant concepts amidst a liquidity crisis.
Red Pepper's closure at TOWN Brookhaven follows the closures of The Wing Guru and Urban Wok at the project earlier this year. Chef Robert Gayle of Chef Rob's Cafe & Bar in Sandy Springs is planning to open Jerks Caribbean Grill, a smaller, simpler version of his original sit-down restaurant in the former Urban Wok space in early 2025.
Are you surprised to see Red Pepper Taqueria close in Brookhaven? What would you like to see open in place of Red Pepper in Brookhaven? What is your favorite taqueria in town?
Please share your thoughts below.