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Chick-fil-A Plans to Pounce on Prime Perimeter Pad

January 19, 2015, 9:01 pm
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Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A plans to open a new freestanding location in an outparcel of Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody.  
The new Chick-fil-A will replace the current Macy's / Goodyear car care center near the corner of Ashford Dunwoody Road and Hammond Drive. 

As planned, the new Chick-fil-A would be just under 5,000 square feet and have seating for 110 and onsite parking for 43 vehicles.  An agreement was reportedly reached with Macy's that will allow for usage of their large parking parking lot to fulfill the required 49 parking spaces at Chick-fil-A. 

Macy's has likely made the wise decision (as they own the pad on which the care center sits) that it makes better financial sense to sell the site rather than continue to operate a business not in line with their long term objectives.  The care care center and the Macy's store itself, were both originally Rich's operations and were converted to Macy's following the purchase of Macy's by Federated and the subsequent name change of Rich's stores to"Macy's".  

(Macy's continues to operate another former Rich's care care center at North DeKalb Mall but it is a far less desirable / visible location.)

The freestanding Chick-fil-A at Perimeter Mall has reportedly been in the works for over two years.  As it stands now, the plan is to have the restaurant open this fall.   

Chick-fil-A already has a location within the Perimeter Mall food court, as well as a freestanding location in an outparcel of Perimeter Pointe, about a mile away.  Local businessman Alex Rodriguez is the operator of both Perimeter area locations and is reportedly in line to become the owner / operator of the new location.  If Rodriguez does become the operator of a total of three Chick-fil-A restaurants, he would become the first in Georgia, and one of only a handful nationwide to do so.  

Chick-fil-A also operates another location a few miles away on Jett Ferry Road.  After being rebuffed in their attempts to build a new location on the site of a shuttered Blockbuster Video on Mt. Vernon Road, the chain eventually opened in a former Arby's nearby.  What Chick-fil-A then opened was one of the first locations of "Chick-fil-A Classics," a smaller format, smaller menu, concept store that sources say has not done as well as had been projected.   

Chick-fil-A's website currently lists upcoming openings through March 12th, 2015, when they will open in Birmingham.  

As I previously reported, Chick-fil-A is also opening a new location on Northside Drive near Georgia Tech.  

With over 200 locations across Georgia, who knew the chain could still find more smart sites for new units?  

The Perimeter Mall area and the greater Dunwoody & Sandy Springs markets are very popular within the commercial real estate world.  And why not?  Mercedes Benz recently announced they will move their North American headquarters to Sandy Springs. While this move is huge, let's not forget that State Farm is currently underway with their own big project in Dunwoody. With the first of multiple planned buildings slated for completion in late 2016, the overall project will add some 3,000 State Farm jobs and a planned 175-room hotel. The Perimeter area is not without existing corporate headquarters with Cox, AutoTrader.com, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Krystal, Popeye's and Arby's already calling the area home.     

McDonald's built a new location at the corner of Ashford Dunwoody and Perimeter Center West in 2007 on the site of a former SouthTrust bank branch. A corporate location, the parcel cost McDonald's USA LLC $2.85 million to acquire, a "high water mark" for Atlanta, according to a company representative at the time. (I've thus far been unable to confirm a purchase price / lease cost for the new CFA site.) Wendy's opened a new modern location in an outparcel of Perimeter Pointe in 2012, a deal that was reportedly in the works for years.  Closest to the upcoming Chick-fil-A,  Starbucks opened a new freestanding location in late 2012 just off Ashford Dunwoody Road, at the cusp of 5 Ravinia.   

In addition to the existing development, a number of new projects are expected to either break ground or be completed in the coming months / years.  

A redevelopment of Sterling Pointe is already underway off Ashford Dunwoody Road and will include a Corner Bakery Cafe and a seven story, 132 room Hampton Inn hotel. Additionally, a four story, 124-room Residence Inn by Marriott is planned for Meadow Lane, behind the Spruill Arts Center, near Walmart. Although I had reported on both projects last year, more recently a concerned Dunwoody mother has created a facebook page in opposition the Residence Inn.  

Do you live or work nearby?  What are your thoughts on all the development in the area? What as yet unrepresented retailer or restaurant would you like to see open in the area?

Please share your thoughts below.  
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Genghis Grill Fails to Conquer in Sandy Springs

January 19, 2015, 10:52 pm
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Mongolian stir fry chain closed 

Dallas, Texas-based Genghis Grill has closed its restaurant on Perimeter Center West in Sandy Springs.  The restaurant was situated on the rear side of a center that also includes La Madeleine and Zoes Kitchen.  The center is anchored by REI and Goodwill and literally straddles the Sandy Springs / Dunwoody city lines.   

Genghis Grill entered the Atlanta market with a location in Buford near the Mall of Georgia in late 2010. A subsequent locationopened in Peachtree Hills in 2011, but about a year later was closed to make way for Lime Fresh Mexican Grill. (Lime Fresh didn't last long either, and today Cafe Sunflower occupies the space.)  

The Sandy Springs location of Genghis Grill had been open since 2011.  An email was sent to patrons this week making them aware of the closure.  

"After four years of operations we have decided to close our location at  1165 Perimeter Center W. We thank you for your support and patronage over the years.  Please visit us at our Buford location."


Additional locations in Camp Creek and Alpharetta were announced but never opened.  A total of ten locations were to have opened overall in metro Atlanta.  A Genghis Grill opened in Augusta in 2013 and reportedly follows the chain's new initiative of opening new locations in smaller cities.   


The Buford restaurant, off Buford Drive near the Mall of Georgia, will reportedly remain open.

Genghis Grill is not the only "create your own stir fry" concept to experience troubles in metro Atlanta.  

The original The Real Chow Baby closed on Howell Mill Road late last month while Chicago-based Stir Crazy closed their location in TOWN Brookhaven in 2012, after about a year in business.   
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Bits & Bites

January 20, 2015, 9:01 pm
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Forever Diamonds has closed its location just outside Bloomingdale's on the lower level of Lenox Square.  The store is situated between Aeropostale and Champs Sports.  

Atlanta-based Floor & Decor opened its newest store last week in McDonough.  The new store is located on Towne Centre Village Drive as I first reported last spring.  Another new location is slated to open later this year on East Victory Drive in Savannah.  

The next Boutique Bargains Warehouse Sale will be held January 23rd & 24th at the Shops Around Lenox. The annual sale will feature merchandise from twenty-three Atlanta boutiques with reported savings of 30-70% off retail prices. 

A new Zaxby's is coming to Peachtree City.  The new Zaxby's will be built on Joel Cowan Parkway (Georgia Highway 74) across the street from an existing Chick-fil-A and about a mile from Star's Mill high school.  

On a recent trip to Duluth I noticed that Sweet Talk had changed its name to 720 Cafe.  The Asian cafe and bakery opened last summer at Gwinnett Market Fair, near the intersection of Satellite Boulevard and Pleasant Hill Road. Across the street, Sweet Hut, a similar establishment, plans to open later this spring. Sweet Hut is an established name in Atlanta area with locations in Chamblee and midtown, whereas Sweet Talk was a new business.  According to a source, there was a legal dispute between the two businesses that led to the name change.  The new name, 720 Bakery, relates to the cafe's suite, #720, within the shopping center in which they are located.  This change reportedly took place "a few months ago." 

A new La Madeleine is reportedly no longer happening at Emory Point phase 2.  No explanation was given for the restaurant's decision to pull out, but there are reportedly "multiple interested parties" now in discussions for the space. 

Midtown nightclub / lounge combo Vanquish & Reign have both closed.  Their closures occurred seemingly unnoticed over two months ago.  At least one production, BET's "Being Mary Jane" has filmed at the club post its closure but not much else has gone on at the once popular nightlife establishments.  Both Vanquish & Reign opened in 2011 and are owned by Atlanta-based The Gidewon Group.    


Meridith Ford is now working with Riccardo Ullio and his U Restaurants. Ford was previously a dining critic at the AJC, and later Editorial Director at the Atlanta-based public relations firm The Reynolds Group.  Last February, Ford was named Director of Marketing & Communications at Here to Serve Restaurants, a job she held until a few weeks ago.  In her new role, Ford tells me she is working on PR and marketing efforts in addition to working as a pastry consultant/chef. Ullio's newest restaurant Novo, a casual Italian eatery, should open in the coming months in Dunwoody. 

Ace Hardware has opened its newest location at Juniper & 7th Streets in midtown.    The roughly 5,400 square foot store is located at 860 Juniper Street in the street level of the SkyHouse South apartments.  

Marco's Pizza plans to open a new location at 800 North Highland Avenue in Virginia Highland.  

Community Smith, "a protein-centric" neighborhood restaurant helmed by Chef Micah Willix, plans to open January 28 at the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown.  For those who have lost track, let me clear up a few things. Chef Willix spent over 5 years as Executive Chef at midtown favorite Ecco before departing in 2011 to become Executive Chef at short-lived Phipps Plaza restaurant Latitude.  Since Latitude's closure, Willix has been consulting with Community Smith marking both his return to midtown and his return to full time employment in the restaurant world.  Community Smith was most recently Briza, but opened in 2009 as Pacci.  The current Renaissance also opened in 2009 but as a Palomar Hotel, a boutique hotel from Kimpton, now a division of IHG.  The terrace space, which opened as Alto Rex and later was renamed Rooftop 886, will also be transformed.  "The Garden at Community Smith" will open on March 20 and will serve a separate yet similar menu.   

Kevin Gillespie announced yesterday that his next restaurant will be in Decatur and will be named Revival.  The new restaurant will occupy the former Harbour House Pub on Church Street which closed last month.  Revival "promises a fresh take on the traditional, family-style Sunday dinner, with a focus on farm-raised and artisan-prepared ingredients" according to an official release.   The release went on to say "We hope to showcase the dishes with a passion and precision that is largely unavailable currently.” I'm not sure what that means.  "Revival’s menu will offer a blend of meats, fish, and fresh vegetables, with seasonal options that change daily." Revival is slated to open in early June.  Kevin Gillespie rose to "celebrity chef" status during his appearance on season six of Top Chef. on which he was named "Fan Favorite." Then Executive Chef / Co-owner of Woodfire Grill in Atlanta, Gillespie later left to open his first restaurant Gunshow in Glenwood Park in 2013. Gillespie has been working on opening a barbecue restaurant called Terminus City Barbecue for over a year now, but has seemingly been unable to find the ideal location.   
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Soon You'll Be Able to Eat Your Masterpiece in Sandy Springs

January 22, 2015, 12:35 pm
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Da Vinci's Donuts to rise in Sandy Springs

Da Vinci's Donuts plans to expand from their single Alpharetta location to a second store in Sandy Springs.  Da Vinci's new location will be located at 5610 Glenridge Drive, within the Glenridge Springs mixed use project.  A number of restaurants already exist within the center including Qdoba Mexican Grill, Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe, Blue Moon Pizza, Firehouse Subs and Sushi Nami.  

Glenridge Springs is located behind the Haverty's building and has been open for a few years.  The space Da Vinci's will occupy has been vacant for some time. Ownership aims to have the new location open by mid-February, but hopefully no later than the end of the month.  

Da Vinci's features an assortment of donuts with various icings, toppings, and drizzles with which to "decorate" your donut.  In addition, Da Vinci's offers an assortment of teas, coffees and other beverages.  

Both Dunkin' Donuts and Krispy Kreme have been building new stores in metro Atlanta, but small independent shops have carved out devoted followings around Atlanta as well.

Independent shops such as Sarah Donuts in Norcross, Dutch Monkey Doughnuts in Cumming and Dough in the Box in Marietta, have successfully satisfied suburban tastebuds. Intown, Happy Donuts in East Atlanta, Sublime Doughnuts in Home Park and Revolution Doughnuts in Decatur have each cultivated a loyal clientele for their unique takes on the decadent treat.  Which is your favorite?  

Please share your thoughts below. 
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Vintage Buckhead Building Welcoming Numerous New Names

January 22, 2015, 11:32 pm
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The nine-story office building at 550 Pharr Road is getting at least three new non-office tenants.

You all know 550 Pharr Road, the building that stares at you once you turn left onto Pharr Road from Piedmont Road. Once a popular office building, 550 Pharr was for many years the home of consulting firm North Highland, but lost them to Terminus 200 in 2011. By 2012, the building had fallen into foreclosure. 

Investors brought in LA-based Coe Architecture and unveiled exciting plans that would turn the outdated office building into exciting and modern looking apartments.   Sadly, those plans (which renderings show would have added a street level pool and many balconies, among other updates) fizzled.  

A new group of investors purchased the building early last year and plan again to  lease it as an office building.  City of Atlanta building permits show a flurry of activity at the property with a number of businesses either open, or opening, in the building.  At least two medical offices and one marketing firm are now located within 550 Pharr.

In addition to the office space, additional leases were executed with fitness and restaurant tenants.  

Hastings, Minnesota Anytime Fitness plans to open a new 6,000 square foot gym on the street level of the building. Anytime Fitness, located in suite 100, is actively signing up "Charter Members" and will reportedly be one of the largest locations in metro Atlanta.  For what it's worth, Anytime Fitness is closing in on 100 locations in the state, with new locations also reportedly opening soon in Brookhaven, Cumming, Woodstock, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and a handful of other locations in smaller cities around the state.  
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Progress photo of Anytime Fitness in Buckhead posted yesterday 
Anytime Fitness, as its name suggests, allows for members to workout "anytime." Each Anytime Fitness location is open 24 hours / 7 days a week, similar to Workout Anytime, but different than mega facilities like LA Fitness and LifeTime Fitness that operate under more restrictive hours.  

There is no doubt that gym ownership can be a lucrative business, but one has to wonder just how many gyms an area can support.  Buckhead is already home to two LA Fitness locations, an Orangetheory Fitness, The Forum Athletic Club and a host of other small and medium sized specialty clubs. All of these options are in addition to those offered to apartment and condo owners within their buildings and to many office workers at their offices.  

Buckhead has already seen the failures of Crunch Fitness at Tower Place and Retro Fitness at Two Buckhead Plaza, but hopefully this latest addition will find its own niche and thrive.  Anytime Fitness hopes to open in March.  

A second, but different, fitness facility will also open in the new 550 Pharr.  CORE Buckhead, currently located at 359 East Paces Ferry Road will relocate to suite 440 in 550 Pharr. CORE's current home is reportedly slated for demolition as part of the ongoing redevelopment around Buckhead Village and Buckhead Atlanta.  
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Inside CORE's current Buckhead studio 
"CORE is a boutique movement studio offering private and semiprivate Pilates, GYROTONIC® and Redcord instruction." 

The nearly 3,400 square foot  facility is being custom-designed and plans to open in the coming weeks.  

Bangkok Station, Thai Grill & Bar will also open in the street level of the tower in suite 101. The 7,600 square foot restaurant will feature an outdoor garden and patio along paired with a rustic, loft-like interior.  Images on the restaurant's Facebook page even show a mock train track being construction on the patio.  
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Progress on the mock-train track 

Bangkok Station will feature authentic Thai fare such as "Khao Sawy" (Northern Thai Noodle Curry Soup) Gai Tod Hat Yai  (Gai = chicken, Tod = deep fried and Hat Yai = a city in Songkhla province of Thailand.)  According to the restaurant's new Facebook page, the restaurant may also feature some "Asian Fusion" dishes as well. 
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Artist rendering of the dining room and bar at Bangkok Station
While a full menu is not yet available, photos of planned dishes and what looks to be a very modern, yet authentic interior, give me high hopes for this restaurant.  With established favorites like Nan Thai Fine Dining in midtown and Little Bangkok on Cheshire Bridge, Bangkok Station need only compete with Annie's Thai Castle in Buckhead.   

Current plans call for Bangkok Station to open "in March." 
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John Gianoulidis Is A Few Bottles of Windex Away From Opening His New Restaurant

January 24, 2015, 11:47 am
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A glimpse inside the downstairs of Kafenio 
A new restaurant is coming to College Park.

John Gianoulidis plans to open Kafenio, an all day Greek restaurant on Main Street in historic downtown College Park. 

Kafenio, Greek for cafe, opens in place of "Our Place," a bakery & cafe that previously occupied the space and also featured live jazz.  The space is just over 4,100 square feet over two levels.    

Gianoulidis describes the restaurant as "an upbeat and modern version of the traditional Mediterranean cafe." Plans call for the restaurant to be open for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner with full coffee & espresso service in addition to a variety of spirits and craft beers.  Food options will include an assortment of  Mediterranean-inspired salads, sandwiches, pastas and "Mediterranean based small plates." 

According to Kafenio's facebook page, the downstairs will have a "full-service event space." 

Plans call for Kafenio to open "summer 2015."

Gianoulidis currently operates ParkGrounds "Coffee Unleashed," on Flat Shoals in Reynoldstown.  Previously, Gianoulidis was co-owner of Pallookaville Fine Foods in Avondale Estates and also ran a food stall called "The GREEK Gyros & Pizza"at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market downtown. 
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Basilico A Bust in Roswell

January 25, 2015, 9:09 pm
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Mediterranean restaurant shuttered in downtown Roswell.

Basilico, which served Mediterranean fare, opened this past August, and closed January 10th.  Basilico owner Nasser Samad also owns Cedar's Mediterranean and Ray's Pizza in midtown.  The 7,000 square foot Roswell restaurant was located in an endcap of a Clocktower Place, a shopping center on Atlanta Street, not far from historic downtown Roswell.  

For ten years, the restaurant space was home to Sugo restaurant from Castellucci Hospitality Group, but closed March, 2013.  Shortly after the Sugo closure, Dominick's, an Italian restaurant, opened.  Dominick's closed this past July ahead of the Basilico opening.  Sugo's Johns Creek location remains open as do Dominick's locations in Buford, Lawrenceville, Norcross and Watkinsville.  

With Basilico lasting less than six months, one has to wonder what went wrong. Basilico's facebook page says of the closure, "It was a strictly business decision and was needed." The restaurant was reportedly a partnership and there was also talk of a "partner split" causing the closure. 

The restaurant had a perfect five star rating on Yelp, albeit with a small sample size of only eight reviews.  Additionally, on a recent trip to Table & Main in historic downtown Roswell, I noted that they had nearly 7,000 check-ins on facebook compared to Basilico's 124.  For what it's worth, Table & Main has been open for over four years but clearly Basilico was lacking in the patron department. 

Steve Josovitz of The Shumacher Group is againoffering the space for lease.  Josovitz has previously represented revolving-door-restaurants such as HOLA! Mexican Cantina in Decatur and Saskatoon in Buckhead, among others.  

Did you ever dine at Basilico?  If so, what were your thoughts?  Is Basilico's closure a loss for the neighborhood? What would you like to see open in its place?  

Please share your thoughts below.  
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Bantu Jumping The Gun On Second Location?

January 25, 2015, 9:20 pm
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Bantu adding second location

Bantu Noodles, a  fast casual "Asian fusion" restaurant, has already signed a lease for a second restaurant less than six months after launching its first.  

Banu was conceptualized by Ciaran Duffy, an Irishman who traveled extensively to China and fell in love with the cuisine. Duffy is listed as "The Chef / President" on the restaurant's website.  Additionally, according to Bantu's website,  Duffy has "twenty years in the kitchen." During this time, Duffy has reportedly worked at "some of the best restaurants and private clubs in the South and worked alongside some of the world's best chefs."


Bantu's new location will be at the corner of Peachtree & Seventh Streets in midtown, in the lobby level of the Viewpoint condo building.  The space, measuring 3246 square feet, was previously a Sprint store, and before that, Clear.  Plans call for the new Bantu to open in April.

The first Bantu opened last fall in Avalon in Alpharetta. I went once and have spoken to others that have gone since. As sad as it is to say, it was one of my worst overall restaurant experiences of the past few years. The food, the aesthetics, the atmosphere, the layout, it was basically all bad.  

Bantu lists "Fast, Casual, and a Great Value" as a tagline of sorts on their website.  Interestingly though, I found their food slow to appear and overpriced considering the portion size. They do earn high marks for a sleek design that is appealing and effectively positions them within the "fast casual" segment.  

Design aside, a brief glance at Bantu's Yelp reviews give credence to my observations as the restaurant has over 40 reviews but only a 2.5 overall rating.  

Among the more alarming reviews were ones such as:

"SAVE YOUR MONEY! Over priced and flavorless. Got up and left food sitting on the table. Food served lukewarm."

"Horrible. Everything is horrible. Water and coke is good that's about it.  Pad Thai tastes like it was made from lime juice.  Asian bbq pork udon broth has no flavor. Steam bun was pure grease and fat. You've been warned."

Both of the above reviews are from November, about a month after opening.

"Had the Pad Thai here and was really unimpressed. Just a lot of weird Flavors going on here, and WAY too many bean sprouts. (For my taste at least) and it really upset my stomach. I was expecting this place to be more like a Tin Drum, which is one of my favorite places but this isn't even a comparison. I probably wouldn't come back. I will say the restaurant has a really cool vibe about it, the food however is lacking."

"High prices, terrible service, SLOW kitchen, mediocre food. I will not be returning any time soon."

"Food is mediocre at best! Will NEVER come back here. Had to order more white rice to combat all the soy sauce in my daughter's fried rice. Honestly, ready-to-make Asian food from the market is better than this place."

The above three reviews are all from this month, certainly well past any acceptable opening days / week jitters.  

All of this to say Bantu ain't exactly killin' it, so one has to question the thought process of opening a second location.  

I seriously don't understand people who without even six months under their belt, sign leases for additional locations. Midtown, especially on / just off Peachtree Street, has a record of being tough on restaurants.  

Not that it will help Bantu's business, but Jeanette & Co. Bakery is also opening in a shoebox (904 square foot) space in Viewpoint.  The small bakery specializes in Macarons and other French pastries and has two locations in South Florida.

In addition, Starbucks has temporarily relocated to Viewpoint (former Evos space) as their nearby location was demolished to make way for a new condo project.  Seventh, aptly named given its location at Peachtree and Seventh Streets, will house Starbucks in its street level with the coffee shop expecting to reopen in their new space later this fall.  

It's never my intent simply to bad mouth a business but this decision is a head scratcher to me.  I'm not in the restaurant or retail business, but one metric that's used in both is a measure of stores / restaurant open at least one year.  It's unfair and unwise to make growth decisions / projections based on the results of such a small period.  

Have you been to Bantu?  If so, what were your thoughts? Do you think it's wise to open a second location so soon after a first location and with such negative reaction?  

Please share your thoughts below  
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Zaxby's Finds a Nest on Cobb Parkway

January 27, 2015, 12:27 am
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Future home of Zaxby's
More chicken coming to Cobb Parkway

Athens-based Zaxby's plans to open a new location on Cobb Parkway in an outparcel of an existing Target store.  The new Zaxby's will be built on the site of an old recently demolished Ethan Allen furniture store.

An adjacent Bally Total Fitness was also demolished, with another larger restaurant reportedly in talks for that space.  

The Target store was originally a Richway with the entire parcel now owned by Target.  Target is reportedly selling the two outparcels to the the respective restaurants.

A long since empty storefront to the left of Target is also getting a new tenant with Bealls Outlet currently under construction.  

Zaxby's has been extremely active in metro Atlanta over the past few years with its number of overall Georgia stores now eclipsing that of crosstown rival Chick-fil-A.  Each restaurant chain has over 200 locations in Georgia, but Zaxby's is in the lead with a few more as of this month.  

Chick-fil-A restaurants are often larger, with more "moving parts" and a more extensive menu.  For its part, Chick-fil-A recently opened a new location in Emerson, Georgia and has new locations coming soon near Georgia Tech and  outside Perimeter Mall.  

Zaxby's has added a number of new locations to Cobb countyalone over the past twenty-four months or so.

It's likely that Zaxby's is hoping to capitalize on the increased traffic that the upcoming SunTrust Park will bring.  In case you missed it, the Atlanta Braves are scheduled to relocate in 2017 to SunTrust Park, currently under construction about a mile away.  
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Bits & Bites

January 27, 2015, 9:01 pm
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A new bar & restaurant called Copa Cabana is coming soon to East Cobb.  The new eatery will be located in the Target-shadow-anchored Merchants Festival shopping center. The center has welcomed a number of new eateries in the past year with both Which Wich and Chequer's Seafood + Steak opening. (Chequer's relocated from Dunwoody and replaced sibling restaurant, Houston's.)  

A new business called Cigar City Club is coming to Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The 4,000 square foot "club" will offer assorted tapas and hookah at the corner of Roswell and Spruell Springs Roads near Fountain Oaks Shopping Center.

Buckhead Atlanta has signed leases with three additional retailers. Billy Reid will open a 2,104-square-foot boutique on Bolling Way this summer.  Billy Reid's existing location at Westside Provisions will remain open.  Davidoff of Geneva will open its first Atlanta store, a 3,047-square-foot shop on Bolling Way later this spring.  The store will offer premium handcrafted cigars, tobacco products and accessories.  Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery will open a 13,183-square-foot showroom on Bolling Way this summer. The Ferguson store will sell top-of-the-line fixtures for higher-end condos and homes.  Italian-made luxury apparel retailer Les Copains will introduce its French-inspired threads to Buckhead Atlanta at its first U.S. store.   The 933-square-foot store will also be located on Bolling Way and is scheduled to open in the summer.  Luxury swimwear maker Vilebrequin will open its first Atlanta store, a 827-square-foot location on Buckhead Avenue, this summer. Vilebrequin is carried at department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom and sells men's, women's and kids' swimwear and clothing.  Men's bathing suits start around $230 and can go up to $1,150 for a Swarovski-decorated palm tree pair.  Calypso St. Barth, currently with locations in Westside Provisions and Avalon, is also reportedly opening in Buckhead Atlanta but has not officially confirmed the new store.  

The former home of Belly General Store in Virginia Highland will reportedly reopen as Jimmy Jones Bourbon & Bar & Grill.  As I first reported last month, Belly abruptly closed but claimed to be reopening elsewhere.  A "new business (food)" was then said to be replacing their former home. The operators of Jimmy Jones performed assorted renovation tasks  (building, plumbing, and electrical work) without proper permits and will reportedly be assessed "double fees" for the infractions.  

My friends over at Scoop OTP report that Seth Hendricks, owner of the Virginia Highlands Goin’ Coastal, will be taking over the former Sixes Tavern in Canton. (Sixes Tavern has since relocated to Cartersville.)  The space, located on Sixes Road, will be renamed The Butcher & The Bottle and will be helmed by Chef John Bertrand of the Virginia Highlands Goin' Coastal.  The new eatery will  "gastro-pub style" with a menu priced slightly lower than Goin’ Coastal.

The newest Atlanta area location of Athens-based Your Pie will open January 31st in Dunwoody.  The new restaurant is located in Sembler's Perimeter Place, specifically in a former Five Guys.  The Perimeter location has been plagued by delays, as it was originally slated to open last October.  Your Pie is similar to Atlanta-based Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint, and offers personal pizzas for about eight bucks.   Your Pie has been expanding around metro Atlanta as of late with new locations in Snellville, Buckhead and Suwanee.

Meatball Bar & More has closed in the Fashion Cafe at Lenox Square.  The ill-fated meatball shop just opened last month, and may have just set a record for speedy closure in the popular Buckhead mall.  

Google Fiber is coming to nine metro cities. Google announced yesterday its plans to bring its super fast broadband service Google Fiber to Atlanta, Avondale Estates, Brookhaven, College Park, Decatur, East Point, Hapeville, Sandy Springs and Smyrna.  The announcement was void of timelines or costs leaving many with more questions than answers.  Google executives reportedly plan to lay enough fiber to stretch "from Atlanta to Canada and back." No firm timeline for completion was set forth, nor was it announced what city would be first to receive service. One speaker did let slip that it would likely be a "couple years" completion process. Google will deliver "gigabit" internet service which is described as "internet speeds up to one gigabit per second, 100 times faster than basic broadband." Google Fiber will also provide customers hundreds of HD TV channels. There will be both free (with nominal set up fee) and pay service available once the installation is complete.  Currently, Google Fiber is available in Kansas City, Missouri, Provo, Utah and Austin, Texas. Along with Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham and Nashville were announced to be receiving the service.  

Avalon has announced a number of new openings scheduled for "the first half of 2015."  Marmi, Boston Proper, Piedmont Nails, Johnny Was and Bonobos will all add metro locations with their planned openings at Avalon in Alpharetta.  The most notable of the new additions are Johnny Was, currently with a shop at Phipps Plaza, and Bonobos, currently with an area store at Buckhead Atlanta.  Bonobos is opening what they refer to as a "Guideshop," or a place to try on and confirm sizes of clothing, but not actually purchase anything. 
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Versace On The Move at Phipps Plaza

January 27, 2015, 9:01 pm
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Signage announcing the new home of Versace at Phipps Plaza
Fashion house getting a new home

Versace will soon move to a new space at Phipps Plaza.  The fashion house is currently located in a 1,989 square foot  space near Saks Fifth Avenue on the mall's main level.  The new location will be slightly larger at nearly 2,300 square feet.  The new space, also on the main level, is closer to Nordstrom and was for many years the Juicy Couture store.  Kate Spade & Company (fka Fifth & Pacific, and before that, Liz Claiborne) sold Juicy Couture in late 2013. Last year all remaining traditional Juicy Couture retail stores closed. 
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Versace's current store at Phipps Plaza
Versace previously reduced the size of their Phipps Plaza location in 2009, and in the process heavily renovated their current space, giving it a far more modern look and feel.  A sales associate at Versace indicated the new store will not carry any "new" merchandise or product lines, just an expanded variety of existing merchandise.  The new Versace should open by late summer / early fall. 
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Is a Whole Foods Market Coming to Chamblee? ...It Certainly Looks Like It!

January 28, 2015, 9:01 pm
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A new Whole Foods Market is slated to anchor a new center in Chamblee

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Artists rendering of the proposed Peachtree Crossing development (click image to enlarge)
A new 9+/- acre center called "Peachtree Crossing" is being proposed by Fairburn, Georgia-based S. J. Collins Enterprises.  The new center would be located on the former Oxford Chemical Corporation property (5001 Peachtree Boulevard), located between Peachtree Boulevard and Peachtree Road, at Johnson Ferry Road. Given the parcel's past use as a chemical plant (for nearly 50 years), this project has been in the works for a while as officials at various agencies work to confirm the successful remediation of the property. 

In addition to to the former Oxford plant, a number of adjacent parcels will also likely be part of the redevelopment. 
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The current home of Ashe-Simpson Garden Center 
Ashe-Simpson Garden Center and a former Krystal are among those other buildings likely destined for demolition and inclusion in the project. A Hertz rental office (in a former Taco Bell) and a Texaco gas station are not currently included in the project, but sources say negotiations are underway to include those parcels in the redevelopment. 
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The former Krystal and former Taco Bell in background 
According to a site plan of the property I've obtained, Peachtree Crossing will be anchored by a 45,000 square foot "Major Tenant A" in addition to a nearly 13,000 square foot adjacent junior anchor labeled "Major Tenant B".  Over 64,000 square feet of additional space is also listed including a roughly 4,000 square foot freestanding restaurant and a nearly 3,000 square foot bank.
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Proposed Peachtree Crossing site plan (click image to enlarge)
I won't speculate as to what restaurants or banks might be interested in space in the proposed center. I do believe, however,  that the writing is on the wall that the "Major Anchor A." aka "National, Upscale Organic Grocer" is Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market.

S.J. Collins lists eleven shopping centers on their website which they've either developed or redeveloped.  Of those, seven were anchored by Whole Foods Market, one more by The Fresh Market, with the remaining three as yet unannounced. The firm's most recent Whole Foods Market-anchored center was the redevelopment of Washington Crossing in Augusta last summer.
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An aerial shot of the proposed property (click image to enlarge)
With the nearly 45,000 square foot former Harris Teeter on Peachtree Road in Brookhaven Plaza still controlled by Kroger,  this new center would be be the second best option for a grocer such as Whole Foods to reach  Chamblee/Brookhaven, "Cham/Haven" consumers.  

Local civic leaders and real estate sources are all tight-lipped on details of the development.  After speaking with multiple real estate contacts, it became clear to me that the "major anchor" no one wanted to refer to by name was in fact, Whole Foods Market. 

Whole Foods co-CEO Walter Robb detailed the chain's plan to triple their store count "to 1,000 and boost sales by opening locations in underserved areas and smaller markets"in a 2012 Bloomberg article.  

The recently opened Whole Foods Market in Alpharetta at Avalon is 48,000 square feet, while the new Whole Foods slated for Kennesaw in 2016 will be "approximately 45,000 square feet." Both of these locations, as well as their approximate sizes, would seem to be in line with the chain's growth goals and the size of the "major anchor" at Peachtree Crossing.  

Well placed sources indicate that while discussions are ongoing with the aforementioned "National, Upscale Organic Grocer," a lease is not yet signed.  Additionally, those same sources indicate that the project is very much dependent upon an executed lease with Whole Foods Market.  One source went as far as to say, "without Whole Foods, the project would be dead." 

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Whole Foods, the industry leader in the "organic grocery" market, has seen increased competition in its segment as new players enter the market and existing players expand.  

Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market plans to open a new store at Brighten Park (fya Loehmann's Plaza) in May.  Asheville, North Carolina-based Earth Fare opened their first metro Atlanta store earlier this month in Peachtree Corners, and will add another in Phase 2 of Emory Point later this spring.  Another Earth Fare is planned for Forsyth later this year. Last, but certainly not least, is Phoenix, Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market who entered the Atlanta market last year with a store in Snellville.  Since then, new stores have opened in Dunwoody, Norcross, Johns Creek and Cumming. Later this year, Sprouts stores are slated to open in Smyrna, Sandy Springs, Midtown and Roswell with other locations "in the works." 

The site plan indicates that in addition to the retail and restaurant components, a number of other "amenities" will also be part of Peachtree Crossing.  Several "Pocket Parks," a kids play area, public art area, pedestrian trail connection to the Chamblee Multi-Use Trail (a.k.a. Keswick Trail), and EV charging stations are all planned for the project.

I contacted Jeff DeHart ("Partner / Development") at S.J. Collins and was furnished the following response on January 15th:

"We are working on a prospective project in that area but have a long way to go.  We are in the very early stages of seeing if something is viable.  There are numerous hurdles including land entitlements that must be cleared." 


"There are no announcements to make at this point regarding potential anchor retailers because of the very early stage of the process.  We have seen keen interest from many retailers but need to complete our due diligence."


These comments seem innocent on their own, but when you consider an entire  marketing brochure, site plan, and demographic study are available online describing the property in seemingly precise detail, it looks further along.


If all goes according to plan, Peachtree Crossing is currently projected for completion "Spring 2016" with some already calling it the most exciting development to happen in Chamblee in decades.  

Chamblee's City Council changed the name of Peachtree Industrial Boulevard to Peachtree Boulevard in 2008 in an effort to rid the city of their "industrial" reputation. 

The city has welcomed a number of new projects over the past decade, most notably a Lowe's Home Improvement store and a Walmart Supercenter.  

Lowe's Home Improvement opened a new store on the site of a former 15 acre Frito-Lay plant in 2001.  A Discount Tire Co. was built in an outparcel of the center followed by a freestanding Zaxby's in an outparcel of the property years later.  
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The Walmart-anchored Chamblee Village opened in 2006 and represented the redevelopment of a 13.5 acre former BellSouth facility.  The center is located at the corner of Chamblee-Tucker Road and Peachtree Boulevard and is also home to assorted smaller stores.

Last year, a number of new projects were announced in Chamblee that could be bring even more growth and opportunity.  
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The Blee on Peachtree seemingly being used as storage for excess Audi vehicles 
The Blee on Broad Peachtree, a redevelopment of Chamblee Plaza, is slowly progressing, just north of Peachtree Crossing.  Once anchored by a Winn-Dixie, the center had more recently fallen on hard times.  Thus far, the only noticeable change is the addition of Adrenaline GX.  The workout facility was known as Adrenaline Fitness when in their previous home at Peachtree Boulevard & Malone Drive.  The Blee on Peachtree's developer, Trinity Development, has apparently run into some financing issues, causing development delays.  

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Parkview on Peachtree is also in the works on Peachtree Boulevard in Chamblee.  The mixed use project would be built in place of the shuttered Great Gatsby's collectibles & antiques shop, about a block north of Peachtree Crossing. (Great Gatsby's relocated to a new space not far away at Peachtree Boulevard & Sexton Woods Drive.)
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The Olmstead is a 283-unit apartment complex planned for the former International Farmers Market property at Chamblee-Tucker Road and Peachtree Boulevard. The property sits across the street from Chamblee Village and held a groundbreaking this past fall.  In addition to the residential component, there will reportedly be both retail and restaurant options at street level. 


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Site of the former International Farmers Market where The Olmstead will be built 
A little further away, but worth mentioning, is Coro Realty Advisors'Brookleigh Market project on Johnson Ferry Road in Brookhaven.  The project already includes hundreds of apartments and was recently joined by a Primrose Schools early learning center.  A two-story Pure Taqueria, originally planned for the former gas station at the corner of Johnson Ferry Road and Peachtree Boulevard, is currently under construction.
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The two-level Pure Taqueria under construction in the background  
Having grown up not far from Chamblee, it's great to see such interest in the area, especially from such a respected company as Whole Foods.  I'm hopeful that everything will fall into place and that Peachtree Crossing will come to fruition. 
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The first of many planned public hearings on the proposal is set for February 12th at 6pm at the Chamblee Civic Center on Broad Street.  Developers plans to go in front of the City’s Architectural Review Board on February 3rd, then to the City Council on February 17th.

What are your thoughts? 

What additional shops or restaurants would you like to see open in Peachtree Crossing? Is there a different Chamblee area development you are more excited about?  Have you grown up nearby?  If so, what are your earliest memories of the area?  

Please share your thoughts below.  

The Chamblee Post contributed to this article. 
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Paul's Restaurant & Social Vinings Listed For Sale, Chef Paul Reportedly "Retiring"

January 29, 2015, 9:01 pm
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Paul's Restaurant in Peachtree Hills
Paul Albrecht is apparently retiring.

Chef Paul Albrecht has listed his metro area restaurants for sale citing "retirement." Chef Paul, now in his 70s, is known to many in Atlanta as the co-founder of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group.   Chef Paul was also one half of Pano's & Paul's restaurant, which opened in 1979 in West Paces Ferry Shopping Center. (Pano's & Paul's closed in 2008 and is reopening...?)

Paul left Buckhead Life in 1998 and opened a single restaurant in Florida. In 2002, Albrecht returned to Atlanta and became Executive Chef / Managing Partner at Spice in midtown.  After leaving Spice, Paul's Restaurant opened in Peachtree Hills in 2005.   Social Vinings, near Vinings Jubilee, followed in 2008.

While Albrecht's restaurant group, Great Food Group Inc., today includes just two restaurants, the group previously included a number of others.  A casual burger eatery called The Burger Club was open in Vinings Jubilee from 2009-2010.  The Burger Club's closure brought the arrival of the Vinings Fish company, which lasted until 2012.  Dos Amigos Cantina, a Mexican eatery, opened in 2012 in a former Black-Eyed Pea restaurant on Spring Road in Smyrna.  Albrecht's foray into Mexican fare was not well received, and it closed in 2013.   

Chef Paul previously announced plans to open four restaurants in "Peachtree Hills Place," a residential community for residents ages 62 and older. One of the restaurants would have been open to the public with the remaining three reserved for residents and their guests.  The project would have been built adjacent to Paul's current Peachtree Hills restaurant. After announcing the project in 2007, and scheduling an opening for 2009, the entire project remains stalled.  

The sales offering indicates that both the 4,700 square foot Paul's, and the 6,800 square foot Social Vinings, were profitable in 2014.  

What is your favorite memory of a Chef Paul restaurant? 

Please share your thoughts below.  
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Tom + Chee Secures "Home Run" Location on the Westside

February 1, 2015, 9:00 pm
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Grilled cheese franchise headed to the westside 

Cincinnati, Ohio-based Tom + Chee plans to opens its next Atlanta area location on the westside.  The new grilled cheese and tomato soup eatery will open at the new Westside Ironworks redevelopment on Howell Mill Road, across from Westside Provisions.  

Tom + Chee will be located in a 2,650 square foot space, with visibility from Howell Mill Road.  

Barcelona Wine Bar from Norwalk, Connecticut-based Barteca Restaurant Group is also opening in the project.  Barcelona will be located in a roughly 4,000 square foot freestanding building, the only space shown to have a patio.  

Tom + Chee entered the Atlanta market this past April with a location in Kennesaw near the intersection of Ernest Barrett & Cobb Parkways.  A new Tom + Chee is scheduled to open this Friday in Alpharetta near North Point Mall.  Another location in Buford near the Mall of Georgia is expected to open in early March.   

Tom & Chee specializes in assorted "gourmet" grilled cheese sandwiches, but is perhaps most famous for their "grilled cheese doughnut." Yes, that's exactly what it sounds like. 

Friends Corey Ward and Trew Quackenbush started selling grilled cheese sandwiches from a tent in Cincinnati in December 2009.  In 2013, the "cheesy" duo convinced Barbara Corcoran and Mark Cuban of ABC's Shark Tank that their simple idea was worth serious money.  The two sharks  invested $600,000 as equal partners with a 30%  stake in the company.  The cash infusion allowed the entrepreneurs to renovate their existing locations and expand their franchise offerings.

A Shark Tank "Update" episode is scheduled to air tomorrow at 8PM on ABC, Channel 2 WSB, locally.  

This past July, the company relocated their company headquarters, relocated their original restaurant to a space 50% larger, and laid off six employees from the corporate team.  

Tom + Chee co-founder Trew Quackenbush said of the layoffs "It's something we have to do to make sure we keep growing in the right way."  Quackenbush went on to say that "rapid growth" made them "overshoot."  Quackenbush also said that while the company has 180 stores "under contract," finding "home run" retail space has been difficult.

There is no doubt that the visibility that the westside location provides the eatery is a "home run." I wonder, though, how the chain will afford what is surely premium rent in a new development with such a moderately priced product.  

According to the Kennesaw franchisee, there are currently three active franchise groups in metro Atlanta, each with their own territory.  

Today Tom + Chee operates a total of 20 locations with about a dozen more (including Alpharetta & Buford, but excluding Westside), listed as coming soon.  

Have you been to a Tom + Chee?  Did you see Tom + Chee on Shark Tank?  Do you think a "gourmet grilled cheese" eatery is a winning recipe for restaurant success?  


Please share your thoughts below.  
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Indigo Sees Green in Atlanta With Plans for Third Area Restaurant

February 1, 2015, 9:01 pm
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O-Ku is coming to the Westside 

Charleston, South Carolina-based Indigo Road Hospitality is bringing another restaurant to Atlanta.  O-Ku, an "authentic Asian" restaurant will open in the upcoming Westside Ironworks project on Howell Mill Road.  

O-Ku will be located in a roughly 3,200 square foot space close to the center of the property. Barcelona Wine Bar from Norwalk, Conneticut-based Barteca Restaurant Group is also opening in the project.  Barcelona will be located in a roughly 4,000 square foot free-standing building, the only space shown to have a patio.  

Indigo Road started in Charleston in 2009, and today includes a total of six restaurants in "the Holy city." Late last year, the group opened a satellite location of its Oak Steakhouse in Avalon in Alpharetta and will soon open a new Italian restaurant, Colletta, also in Avalon.

Current plans call for Colletta to open this Thursday, February 5th. O-Ku will follow in the fall, likely in late September or early October.  

Sources say the group is planning to open "a number of other concepts" in metro Atlanta.  
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Buford Busting Out With A Planned Hooters Opening

February 2, 2015, 9:01 pm
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The updated Hooters logo introduced in 2013 
A new Hooters restaurant is coming to the Mall of Georgia 

Atlanta-based Hooters plans to open a new restaurant at the corner of Mall of Georgia Drive and Mall of Georgia Boulevard in Buford.  The planned 8,500 square foot free-standing restaurant would be in an outparcel of Dillard's., The Hooters would be built on a previously undeveloped site adjacent to an existing Bank of America.   
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The vacant parcel to the right of Bank of America is where Hooters plans to open 
Plans label the restaurant as "Proto IV Building" likely relating to a new prototype buildout. Hooters has been trying to change its image as it fights both typical sportsbar competition and competition from the likes of  Twin Peaks and Tilted Kilt.  
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This new look Hooters opened in Slidell,LA in 2013 
Hooters started in Clearwater, Florida in 1983 and practically invented the "breasaurant" industry.  

Mimi's Cafe, LongHorn Steakhouse and Romano's Macaroni Grill are all located nearby.  

Mall of Georgia has welcomed a number of new restaurants over the past year or so including The Cheesecake Factory and local concepts Tin Lizzy's Cantina and Marlow's Tavern. 

Hooters has existing area locations in Duluth on Gwinnett Place Drive and in Lawrenceville on Duluth Highway.  

A new Hooters is also in the works in Douglasville where it will open in a renovated existing restaurant.  The new Hooters will open at 6855 Douglas Boulevard, across from Arbor Place Mall.  The space was built as a Smokey Bones BBQ and was most recently home to S'more BBQ.  Hooters previously operated a Douglasville location on Concourse Parkway but it closed in 2011.  
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Bits & Bites

February 3, 2015, 9:01 pm
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College Station, Texas-based Grub Burger Bar opened its second Atlanta location yesterday.  The new Grub opened at Brighten Park, fka Loehmann's Plaza, near the corner of Briarcliff and North Druid Hills Roads.  Grub Burger Bar opened in place of longstanding tenant Lettuce Souprise You, which closed this past July.  The first Atlanta area Grub opened at Akers Mill last April.  A number of additional locations are reportedly in the works in the greater Atlanta area.  

In other Brighten Park news, Plato's Closet has now moved to its third home in the center in just the past few years. Once located to the left of the Loehmann's space (upcoming The Fresh Market), the store moved to the right, next to the UPS Store, not long ago. Now Plato's is in a nearly identically sized (square footage wise) space all way on the far end of the center, between Clothing Care and The Pet Set.  

Laurend Abraham has rebranded his south Buckhead eatery, Euro Hookah Lounge. Previously known as Tantra, and specializing in Mediterranean fare and hookah, the business became Vin Vie Bistro, a "French Steakhouse," this past May. Euro Hookah Lounge launched last month and features hookah and Mediterranean fare.   The new name and theme seem to be an attempt to return the business to the Tantra days.  

Avis has relocated their Buckhead area rental office from Pharr Road to the Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center on Lenox Road.  

American Eagle Outfitters has closed its location at Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth.

Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub plans to expand their restaurant into the former Yoforia next door.  The frozen yogurt shop closed a few weeks ago, and its space will reportedly become an extension of the Kaleidoscope bar.   

Fresh off its acquisition by Coach, Stuart Weitzman is renovating its store in the first level of Neiman Marcus at Lenox Square.  The store was previously renovated around 2009 to give it the then current wavy white lines similar to the store at Perimeter Mall.  The Lenox Square store is slated to reopen late next month.  


A new Krispy Kreme has opened on Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth.  The new Krispy Kreme opened last week at the corner of Pleasant Hill and Old Norcross Roads in the Micro Center-anchored center.  An existing Krispy Kreme, about three miles away, and also on Pleasant Hill Road, (next to a Chick-fil-A Dwarf House) closed in favor of the new store.


Aldo's  Cafe in Tucker has closed.  The Mediterranean / Italian eatery was located in a small center on Hugh Howell Road, adjacent to Publix.  

The new Varasano's Pizzeria at Perimeter Mall is now scheduled to open "in the spring." The restaurant is located on the upper level of the Dunwoody mall and makes use of two spaces that were not previously equipped as restaurants. The Varasano's team has experienced more challenges than originally anticipated in combining and building out the space.  Varasano's at Perimeter Mall was originally announced last summer with a planned opening last fall.  
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A sign at the renovating Champs location directs customers to their temporary location near Kenneth Cole.  (Kenneth Cole closed last summer to make way for Topshop)
Champs Sports is in the midst of expanding and renovating their store at Lenox Square in Buckhead.  The new store will occupy both the current space as well as the adjacent former Forever Diamonds space.  The athletic apparel and footwear retailer has temporarily set up shop in the former C. Wonder spaceone floor above its existing store.  

Jack Spade will be closing its Atlanta boutique in Westside Provisions by the end of the month.  The store opened in March 2013.  Kate Spade & Co, the brand's parent company, announced last month it would close all Jack Spade stores as well as the lower priced Kate Spade Saturday stores. Kate Spade Saturday will be reintroduced within Kate Spade New York stores, while Jack Spade will continue to be available via its e-commerce platform, as well as its wholesale partners such as Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom.  

La Creperie has opened in the Fashion Cafe at Lenox Square.  The crepe eatery  offers a total of seventeen different crepe varieties inclusive of two breakfast crepes.  Customers can also opt to "create their own crepe." Given the food court struggles of a previous vendor offering gourmet waffles, I'm curious how this shop will fare.  

TUMI is opening a new location on the upper level of Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody.  Tumi has an existing store at Lenox Square as well as a licensed location (in partnership with Mori Luggage & Gifts) at Phipps Plaza.  

Macy's has agreed to purchase Washington, D.C.-based cosmetics retailer Bluemercury.   Macy's paid a reported $210 million for the chain that today operates 60 locations throughout 18 states, in addition to a growing online operation.  Bluemercury plans to open an additional 20-30 locations by the end of 2015.  Bluemercury locations also offer spa services like facials, massages and waxing.   The chain previously operated a location at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, but it closed around 2009. Last summer, Bluemercury re-entered the Atlanta market with a location in Buckhead adjacent to Whole Foods Market.  

A new Marco's Pizza is coming soon to Piedmont Peachtree Crossing in Buckhead.  The Kroger Fresh Fare-anchored center is already home to Pie Bella, another pizza restaurant.   Marco's Pizza in Buckhead will open adjacent to one of my favorite casual eateries, Chow Bing. Marco's has been aggressively expanding its Atlanta presence adding new locations both intown and OTP.  Other new Marco's are coming to 800 North Highland Avenue in Virginia Highland and to 2555 Delk Road in Marietta.  
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Bonefish Grill Dropping Anchor at Akers Mill

February 4, 2015, 9:01 pm
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Seafood eatery planned for Akers Mill

Tampa, Florida-based Bloomin' Brands plans to open a new location of their Bonefish Grill concept at Akers Mill Square next year.  The casual seafood restaurant plans to erect a new structure near the corner of Riverwood and Cobb Parkways.  The freestanding restaurant would be built in place of existing parking, with Mattress Firm to its left and Sam Ash Music to its right.  
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Bonefish Grill plans to build a new restaurant in place of the words "Future Development." 
Akers Mill Square has recently been a very popular center for fast casual and casual restaurants.  Grub Burger Bar, Pollo Tropical, Corner Bakery, and Zoes Kitchen have all opened in the center over the past couple of years.  Additionally, LongHorn Steakhouse expanded and relocated in the center, while Tin Drum Asiacafe plans to open in the coming weeks. 

Bonefish Grill has three existing locations in metro Atlanta in Alpharetta, Buford and Snellville.  A fourth location opened in December of 2012 at Emory Point near Emory University but closed this past February.  

Plans call for Bonefish at Akers Mill Square to open early in the first quarter of next year.  
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Sprouts Farmers Market Planning to Take Root in East Cobb

February 4, 2015, 9:05 pm
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Sprouts Farmers Market coming to East Cobb

Phoenix, Arizona-based Sprouts Farmers Market is planning a new location in East Cobb. The new Sprouts will be nearly 29,000 square feet and will include newly created space in Providence Square shopping center.  The spaces Sprouts will occupy were most recently an Office Depot and a few smaller storefronts.  The Sprouts is also adding additional square footage to the rear of their space. The large Office Depot had played host to a stupid-large Mattress Firm in the interim. Mattress Firm has now relocated to a roughly 5,000 square foot space to the right of Sprouts. 
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Providence Square site plan pre changes / expansion related to Sprouts 
Providence Square is anchored by The Home Depot and is also home to a T.J. Maxx / Homegoods combo store, as well as Rack Room Shoes and Dress Barn.  A freestanding Chili's has been a property mainstay for years along with La Madeleine.  An Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint opened in the center in 2013, and Chicken Salad Chick opened in the center last year.  
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Updated site plan reflecting the enlarged space that Sprouts will occupy 
The Fresh Market has an existing nearly 22,000 square foot location about a mile away on Johnson Ferry Road in Woodlawn Square. Trader Joe's also operates a 12,000 square foot store in the area at Pine Straw Place. Additionally,  category leader Whole Foods Market opened a 45,000 square foot store in Merchant's Walk in 2013.  

Although not a direct competitor, a new nearly 48,000 square foot Walmart Neighborhood Market opened this October in nearby Olde Mill Shopping Center.  

Sprouts has been aggressively expanding their presence in metro Atlanta. Sprouts entered Georgia last year with locations in Snellville, Dunwoody, Peachtree Corners and Johns Creek. Sprouts opened its fifth Atlanta area store last month in Cumming at Lakeland Plaza in a former Stein Mart. 

This year, new Sprouts locations in metro Atlanta are already expected in Roswell, Midtown, north Buckhead / Sandy Springs, Smyrna.  

According to the Sprouts Farmers Market website:

"Sprouts Farmers Market works to deliver the best possible shopping experience, helping customers live a healthy lifestyle at an affordable price—not just buy groceries. Sprouts is a healthy grocery store offering fresh, natural and organic foods at great prices."

Personally, I've visited a number of Sprouts both locally and in their home state of Arizona.  I've found their pricing unexciting and in many categories, as much as, or more expensive than, everyday prices  at Kroger and Whole Foods.  Sprouts, like basically any retailer, does offer great "door-buster" pricing when a new store opens, but in the months that follow, the prices seem far from "great." 

Sprouts is not alone in their expansion plans for metro Atlanta.  Asheville, North Carolina-based Earth Fare is also planning a number of new stores.  With one metro Atlanta store now open in Peachtree Corners, new stores are in the works in Cumming and near Emory University.  

What are your thoughts of Sprouts Farmers Market? How does Sprouts stack up against other similar grocers? Do you think Sprouts is over-expanding locally? 

Please share your thoughts below.   
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Andretti Accelerates Towards Opening of Second Location

February 5, 2015, 12:36 pm
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Andretti Indoor Karting & Games coming to Marietta
Roswell-based Andretti Indoor Karting & Games will open a second location later this summer. Located at 1255 Roswell Road in Marietta, the new Andretti will occupy the former Burlington Coat Factory at Town & Country Shopping Center. (The building originally opened as Woolco in 1969. Burlington occupied it for over 30 years before closing recently.) 
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The upcoming Andretti as Woolco in 1969
The original Andretti Speed Lab as it was then known, opened in early 1999 on Alpharetta Highway in Roswell.  

Andretti Indoor Karting and Games officials reportedly spent months examining different opportunities and determined that Marietta's "focus on economic and community development" were best suited for their new location. The Marietta Andretti can be seen from I-75 northbound and is a stone's throw from the Big Chicken. 

According to an official release, the Marietta location will feature "Sodi RTX electric karts, two Andretti designed multi-level tracks, boutique bowling and laser tag." The arcade area will offer more than 120 video games in addition to "a challenging ropes course, XD 7D Motion Theater and CXC racing simulators featuring iRacing." 

Andretti Marietta will also feature "Andretti Grill," a full bar/ restaurant serving guests dishes prepared by an executive chef. In addition to the full service restaurant, the facility will offer a unique domed Sky Bar overlooking the tracks, which will allow guests to follow the action while enjoying their favorite drinks. The Marietta location will also feature over 10,000 square feet of event space for corporate events, parties and celebrations.   

The new location is just over 105,000 square feet, compared to the original location which measures just under 98,000 square feet.  

The additions to the offerings at Andretti seem to better compete with new offerings such as Main Event and Dave & Busters.  


Although not involved in an ownership capacity, company namesake and former NASCAR and Formula One driver Mario Andretti remains "involved" in the enterprise. 
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