Midtown Celebrity Chef Restaurant Closes

Atlanta, GA -- The Spence, which was opened by chef Richard Blais in 2012, closed over the weekend.

The restaurant's final day of operation was Saturday.

In a statement to Eater Atlanta, Concentrics Restaurants founder Bob Amick said, "The Spence proved to be an exciting concept just as we had hoped. We weren't actively looking for buyers, but when we were approached the deal made a lot of sense. We are not at liberty to discuss who the buyers are at this time as it's still confidential.

"However, we wish the new owners all the best as we look toward focusing on three new Atlanta concepts (Nexto and two hotel properties with details to be announced soon) as well as several concepts across the country opening in 2016 to 2018."

The Spence was located at 75 Fifth Street, and is rumored to be of interest to other well-known names on the Atlanta restaurant scene.

Blais is perhaps most recognizable as the winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, he went on to train at The French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse, and el Bulli.