2 East Cobb Restaurants Closing

Two East Cobb restaurants -- one a longtime part of the local dining scene and the other considered a new, rising star -- have closed or will be closing. 

The Empress of China II, located in the Market Plaza Shopping Center at 1255 Johnson Ferry Road, is closing on Monday after 32 years in East Cobb. 

A notice on the restaurant's website said the closing was due to "the current financial climate" and the retirement of the owners. 

The food blog Atlanta Eater reported on Wednesday that has closed its doors, leaving a note in the door thanking patrons and informing them of the news. 

The brainchild of former Sal Grosso chef and Brazilian immigrant Alex DeGrossi, Botekim opened last July to rave reviews (, AJC) for its non-churrascaria fare, and in the heart of a hotbed of Brazilian restaurants in the Powers Ferry Road corridor.

Earlier this year East Cobb Patch readers rated it their favorite . 

In with East Cobb Patch in March, DeGrossi said that "we saw that the community was missing a good and affordable family restaurant."

In other East Cobb restaurant news, closed Tuesday after 31 years of business in the Powers Ferry area. But owner Christos Giannes is reopening his Greek family-style restauarant under the name Kouzina Christos at the refurbished Terrell Mill Village Shopping Center, across the street from Botekim. 

The new establishment, located adjacent to the new L.A. Fitness center, will include an expanded food and cocktail menu and patio dining.