Popular downtown Macon restaurant closes immediately. ‘Circumstances have changed’

Lights were off and windows were taped up in brown paper at an Asian restaurant and speakeasy bar Monday afternoon in downtown Macon.

Kinjo Kitchen and Cocktails, and Black Cat Liquor & Libations – a cocktail bar below the restaurant at 497 2nd St. Suite A – announced their immediate closures on Instagram earlier Monday.

Kinjo, known for its upscale Asian-fusion cuisine, was expected to get a new menu, undergo renovations and be temporarily closed starting Aug. 23, according to the restaurant’s Instagram. It was going to “reopen as a new concept.”

Black Cat and its menu were expected to remain the same, according to Chelsea Hughes, owner of both businesses.

But “circumstances have changed,” the restaurant said, and the venues are closing permanently.

It was unclear why the venues closed.

But the closures were “not the way we envisioned,” Kinjo said on Instagram.

The social media posts thanked guests and staff for their memories and support.

“This door is closing sooner than we imagines, we are endlessly thankful for the community and connections built here,” Kinjo said. “Serving you has truly been a privilege we will never forget.”

Hughes did not respond to The Telegraph’s request for comment.

Ryan Griffin, owner of G&A Central Georgia Properties, which owns the building that housed Kinjo and Black Cat, denied The Telegraph’s request for comment.

The real estate company was still listed as the owner of the property on Tuesday, according to public property records.

This story was originally published August 18, 2025 at 3:42 PM.