![Patrick Kuhen [far left] with his Bon Ton colleagues.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CsXtHfxGFMuOLSWYNvoE6RWuwO0=/0x0:960x720/2420x1613/filters:focal(368x340:520x492):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56351609/20992795_455480958178152_5203344538951999063_n.0.jpg)
Patrick Kuhen, head bartender at Midtown’s Bon Ton Boil House, has died. He was 31. Kuhen was killed in an automobile accident around 4 a.m. Thursday morning.
Bon Ton temporarily closed on Thursday. The restaurant plans to reopen on Friday.
“We, here at Bon Ton, are heartbroken at the news of Patrick’s death,” reads a statement from the restaurant. “He was our head bartender, he was a co-conspirator, a leader, a mentor, a confidant, a counselor, a gentleman, a scholar, most importantly he was a true friend, and one of the most genuinely good people many of us have had the pleasure of knowing. His generosity of spirit, and conscious honesty, obvious passion for life, and open nature inspired all of us. We were so very fortunate to have known him, even for such a short time and had looked forward to witnessing his evolution both professionally in the industry and personally as an amazingly alive human being. His absence is deeply felt and he will be missed and forever remembered.
“We thank you for your patience as we mourn our dear friend. Our heart goes out to his family, and other friends as they deal with this tragic loss.”
Kuhen was stopped on his motorcycle at the intersection of Clifton Road and Ponce de Leon Avenue when he was struck by a silver Porsche SUV, reports 11 Alive. Atlanta Police arrested the driver of the SUV and believe he may have been under the influence of alcohol, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Bon Ton will host an event to celebrate Kuhen’s life at the restaurant this Monday, August 28, from 5 p.m. to midnight.
