Chef Deborah VanTrece Closes Latin Soul Food Restaurant Serenidad in Cascade Heights Atlanta | Eater Atlanta

"Opened in Cascade Heights and closed just shy of five months after its debut, this Latin-soul restaurant from chef Deborah VanTrece focused on soulful Caribbean and Latin American cooking with dishes inspired by Mexico, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil. VanTrece said the decision to shut was driven by impending competition from two new Latin-focused restaurants in the neighborhood and by “significant plumbing repairs,” and she plans to replace the concept with a new restaurant she will lead drawing on her earlier life abroad and European travels. Staff were alerted to the immediate closure via an Instagram post from chef Whitney Thomas, who said she was in disbelief after having to inform the kitchen team; it remains unclear whether Thomas will lead the new project. VanTrece framed the move as choosing collaboration over direct competition as Cascade Heights builds out a dining destination, and she continues her partnership with developer Shea Embry." - Beth McKibben