Aviary Wine & Kitchen closed this summer in its 18th year in operation.

The South Austin eatery and wine bar recently suffered from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and further impacts from Central Texas's heat wave. After nearly closing last year, new owner Mike Smith of the Hearth and Counter group said Aviary's final "comeback attempt" had failed thanks to tough local business conditions.

“Unfortunately in this business we have to face the reality that not every comeback attempt will be a success,” Smith said in a statement. “Between the cavernous financial hole we inherited and other external pressures that we, like other Austin businesses operating in highly desirable commercial spaces are facing, we had to make the difficult decision to cut our losses and cease operations."

Amid the restaurant's summer closure, announced Aug. 22, Smith said he's now aiming to pay off Aviary's staff, vendors and creditors.