Flying Machine restaurant must leave Gwinnett County Airport by Oct. 1 after 28 years
A competing bid for the Briscoe Field property lease has forced the beloved mom-and-pop eatery to find a new home — or close for good.
Source: gwinnettdailypost.com
The Flying Machine has served pilots, families, and Friday church groups at Gwinnett County Airport for 28 years. Now, owners Hokey and Joy Sloan have until October 1 to find a new home — or shut down entirely.
The Lawrenceville restaurant was forced out not by any failure of its own, but by a lease competition it had no part in. According to Fox 5 Atlanta, the Sloans' landlord bid to renew the property lease at Briscoe Field but was outbid by another business, which plans to repurpose the entire indoor space for its own operations.
Bottom line is we're going to have to move.— Hokey Sloan, owner
The Flying Machine has operated from the same spot since 1998, drawing a loyal crowd of aviation enthusiasts and locals who come as much for the view of the runway as for the food. For regulars like customer Gary Barteaux — who meets his church group there every Friday — the loss is personal.
It's kind of an institution around here.— Gary Barteaux, customer
It's really a great place to come, relax, watch the aircraft and eat some good food.— Hokey Sloan, owner
The Sloans say they are actively pursuing leads on new locations, but the search has run into a wall that will be familiar to many small business owners: commercial rent prices that a neighborhood restaurant simply cannot absorb.
We've got a couple of leads on some places but I'm just afraid every place is going to want too much rent. If we can't find another location, I guess we're just going to be done.— Hokey Sloan, owner
There is one longer-range possibility: according to Fox 5 Atlanta, the Sloans' former landlord may build on the opposite side of the airfield within a few years, which could eventually offer the restaurant a new home on familiar ground. But that timeline offers no relief before the October 1 deadline.
Why it matters — A 28-year community gathering spot for Gwinnett County families and aviation enthusiasts faces permanent closure unless its owners can find affordable commercial space before October 1.
⚠ Not yet confirmed
- The former landlord may build on the opposite side of the airfield within a few years, potentially providing a future home for the restaurant.
Reported by gwinnettdailypost.com, fox5atlanta.com
