Mary Mac's Tea Room roof collapse: Iconic Atlanta restaurant closed 'temporarily'

ATLANTA - The roof of an iconic Midtown Atlanta restaurant has partially collapsed after a series of storms overnight.

In its nearly 80-year history, Mary Mac's Tea Room has hosted politicians, tourists, and everyday Georgians. Now, the Atlanta dining institution will have to face repairs that may be costly.

Why is Mary Mac's Tea room in Atlanta temporarily closed?

Early Wednesday morning, FOX 5 cameras saw bricks and splinters of wood scattered on the road in front of Mary Mac's Tea Room.

An official with the department said firefighters responded just before 4 a.m., following storms and heavy rain overnight. Officials have not confirmed exactly what caused the partial collapse. 

Atlanta Fire Rescue said no one was injured.

Police blocked off multiple lanes on Ponce De Leon Avenue Wednesday morning while crews worked at the scene.

There is no word on how long the repairs may take.

Atlanta reacts to partial roof collapse at Mary Mac's Tea Room

The restaurant posted on social media that it would be temporarily closed due to the situation.

"We apologize for any inconvenience and will provide an update on our reopening date as soon as possible," the restaurant wrote on Instagram.

Saddened patrons flocked to the comment section. FOX 5 met with a few who live nearby.

"I ate there first when I was in college in the 70s," said John Black, a nearby resident.

Walter Mitchell, who works next door, said he saw the damage early Wednesday morning when he arrived for his shift.

"We eat right in that dining room, so I'm just glad that nobody was inside of the building when it happened," he said.

History of Mary Mac's Tea Room

Started in 1945 by Mary MacKenzie, Mary Mac's Tea Room was one of 16 tearooms in the city and served 75 guests.

Today, the restaurant is the only tearoom that remains and has expanded to more than 13,000 square feet with six dining rooms.

In its time in operations, Mary Mac's has welcomed the Dalai Lama, President Jimmy Carter, the late Congressman John Lewis, and many more luminaries.