Olmsted, a beloved Brooklyn restaurant known for its seasonal menu and locally sourced fare, will close on August 17, 2025. Since its opening in 2016, the restaurant has earned a reputation as the most sought-after dining spot in Brooklyn for its innovative and fresh food.
Highlights
- August 17, 2025, will mark Olmsted’s final day of service.
- Chef Greg Baxtrom took to social media to reveal the restaurant closure.
- The chef revealed that the restaurant was in the process of being saved, but the efforts fell through.
Beloved Brooklyn Restaurant Olmsted to Close this August
Olmsted was named in honor of Frederick Law Olmsted, a landscape architect who had designed iconic spaces in New York City like Central Park and Prospect Park. The restaurant initially planned to focus on steakhouse-style offerings but quickly evolved into a more produce-driven, seasonal concept.
With a focus on locally sourced ingredients and inventive seasonal dishes, Olmsted became a neighborhood favorite. Over the years, Chef Baxtrom expanded his footprint to two more eateries on Vanderbilt Street.
While those ventures have since closed, Baxtrom is preparing to say goodbye to Olmsted, his last remaining concept on Vanderbilt Avenue. In a social media post, Baxtrom shared the reasons behind the closure, citing personal challenges and a desire to uphold high standards.
“Deciding to close a restaurant is never based on a single decision, but rather on many factors. Nearly five years ago, when I got sober, it became clear that I needed to prioritize my mental health over the restaurants if I was going to continue living,” Baxtrom said.
“However, I find it challenging to practice this in real life. When they need me, I come running. I have no desire to leave the industry I love; it brings me so much joy. I love creating new restaurants that are more than just places to eat,” he added.
Giving Back to the Community
In his social media post, Chef Baxtrom noted that he has enjoyed his collaborations with chefs and ensured that his restaurant supported local and national charities.
“We have enjoyed collaborations with some of the most exciting and talented chefs out there, including Alinea. It’s important to me that my restaurants support local and national charities that matter to me and the team,” he said.
Baxtrom said he was proud to support causes meaningful to his team, noting that community giving was core to Olmsted’s mission.
“I was proud of how much of our revenue we spent at the Farmers Market. Through Olmsted, we have raised money for the LGBTQ+ community, women’s reproductive rights, Ukraine, mental health initiatives, and more. We were a soup kitchen during COVID for nearly a year. Giving back has been a significant part of our identity,” he said.
Nearly a decade after opening, Chef Baxtrom shared that Olmsted could no longer operate at the standard he holds for his restaurants.
“I am announcing that I will be closing Olmsted, closing this chapter and starting a new one with fresh restaurant opportunities that can meet our high standards here in NYC and across the country,” he concluded his post.
As Olmsted prepares for its final service on August 17, the restaurant leaves behind a reputation for inventive cuisine and community engagement.
