Chef Gerry Klaskala Sold Buckhead Restaurant Aria
The longtime owner retired after 25 years, handing over the Atlanta institution to Andrés Loaiza.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Dining Out
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After 25 years of leading the Buckhead dining establishment, Gerry Klaskala sold the restaurant Aria to Andrés Loaiza. Klaskala originally opened the doors on East Paces Ferry Road in 2000.
Why it matters
The sale marks a significant leadership transition for an Atlanta culinary landmark that has maintained a high reputation for decades. Aria was recognized as a James Beard finalist for Outstanding Hospitality in both 2025 and 2026.
The menu at Aria includes items such as the $42 salmon dish, which uses a unilateral poaching technique, and the $48 poached halibut. Additional pricing ranges from $5 for bread to $16 for desserts and $17 per glass of wine.
The players
Gerry Klaskala
The founder of Aria who led the restaurant for 25 years.
Andrés Loaiza
The current owner of Aria who joined the restaurant staff in 2007.
Austin Goetzman
The executive chef at Aria who started in the summer of 2026.
Joseph Harrison
A chef who served at Aria beginning in 2025.
The details
Andrés Loaiza, who first joined the staff in 2007, now takes control of the restaurant following the retirement of its founder. Executive chef Austin Goetzman, who took his role in the summer of 2026, has since reworked the menu to maintain the eatery's culinary standards.
Timeline
Gerry Klaskala opened Aria in 2000.
Andrés Loaiza joined the staff at Aria in 2007.
Joseph Harrison became the chef at Aria in 2025.
Austin Goetzman became the executive chef in the summer of 2026.
Culture Shift
The transition at Aria highlights the evolution of long-standing Atlanta culinary institutions as they move from founder-led models to new ownership. This shift mirrors broader trends in the dining industry where established reputations are maintained through careful succession planning.
Regular patrons will continue to see menu changes implemented by executive chef Austin Goetzman. Diners should expect to pay current menu pricing, such as $33 for the citrus-cured hamachi or $36 for the roasted eggplant steak, when visiting the Buckhead location.
The takeaway
The change in ownership serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership continuity in maintaining high service standards for long-running establishments. Loyal guests can track the evolution of the restaurant's identity through the new menu selections introduced by the current chef.
Further reading
For more on the local food scene, see our Atlanta Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Atlanta Jewish Times.
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