What began as a deep but much smaller hole in front of Sufi’s Kitchen on Peachtree Road in Buckhead, has now turned into a large sinkhole that swallowed the Persian restaurant’s sign on Monday afternoon. It’s also threatening neighboring restaurants R. Thomas Deluxe Grille and Bell Street Burritos.
On Sunday, a representative for R. Thomas told WSB-TV that the hole went right up to Sufi’s patio. They were afraid it would widen and cave in if not addressed soon by the city. Surrounding restaurants have been complaining for weeks about the hole and low water pressure.
When reached for comment on Sunday, the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management told WSB-TV they were “investigating” the issue that could “cause water disruption for both residents and businesses in the vicinity.” They also said they would address “any chance of road erosion” should it become a possibility.
“Unfortunately, for the past 40 days water has been leaking in front of our neighbor’s restaurant or should I say gushing now there is a 15-foot sinkhole on Peachtree Street. Unfortunately, R Thomas will close tonight and see what kind of remedies the city of Atlanta will give us to fix the water issues,” a statement posted to R. Thomas’s Facebook page on Monday afternoon reads.
Two photos of the large sinkhole accompany the post. Water can be seen gushing beneath where the sidewalk has collapsed, taking Sufi’s sign and part of the patio with it.
It’s unclear how long R. Thomas Deluxe Grille will remain closed, or if Sufi’s Kitchen and nearby Bell Street Burritos have also closed temporarily.
Rough Draft reached out to R. Thomas Deluxe Grille, Sufi’s Kitchen, and the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management for comment on the sinkhole and plans to repair the damage. Check back for updates.
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