Omnivore - Repast closing permanently tomorrow night

I just spoke to Joe Truex, who delivered the sad news that Repast will be closing after tomorrow night’s service. Truex, who has owned Repast with his wife and co-chef Mihoko Obunai since early 2006, was announced as Scott Peacock’s replacement at Watershed in May. At that time, the couple announced that Obunai would continue as Repast’s chef and owner. But two months later, they feel that the economy and notoriously slow summer months cannot sustain the restaurant.
“”It’s a hard thing to do, but it’s the responsible thing to do,” Truex said.
Because the couple own the space, they are actively seeking a tenant. Truex said that they had already been contemplating renting the space and moving Repast to a smaller location closer to the couple’s home in Decatur. He said that some incarnation of Repast is still a possibility down the line, but he thinks Obunai is more likely to do something other than a full scale restaurant.
I hadn’t eaten at Repast since Truex left, but the last few times I went I felt as though it was at the top of its game. I’ll especially miss the wine list, which was one of the most thoughtful in the city.
The restaurant will be open for dinner tonight and tomorrow night.
(Photo courtesy Repast)