"Experimental concept" Cabana Grill Being Replaced by Pollo Tropical in Snellville

July 2, 2015, 9:56 pm

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Test restaurant being rebranded in Snellville 

Addison, Texas-based Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc. plans to convert their existing Cabana Grill on Scenic Highway in Snellville into their Pollo Tropical restaurant.  The Cabana Grill was a brand extension of their Taco Cabana concept and opened last April.  The newly built restaurant sits on an outparcel of a Lowe's Home Improvement store.  

I contacted Pollo Tropical / Cabana Grill's Dallas, Texas-based PR firm and was supplied the following statement regarding the conversion:  

“Cabana Grill is an experimental concept that now has two locations. We are converting our Snellville Cabana Grill location into a Pollo Tropical restaurant, a growing, iconic Florida brand that is also part of Fiesta Restaurant Group. Atlanta is a high priority market for Pollo Tropical’s expansion, which currently has seven other area locations and many more in the pipeline scheduled in the foreseeable future. We will offer management and team members jobs with the new restaurant as they will be part of our Atlanta development. We hope our Snellville guests will enjoy Pollo Tropical’s island-inspired menu that focuses on the brand’s signature flame-grilled, citrus-marinated chicken and authentic sauces and sides.”   

Timothy P. Taft – CEO Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc

I visited the restaurant a few times and was genuinely impressed with the Disney-like hospitality I experienced from general manager William Moses.  I witnessed him converse multiple times with customers new and old like family, rather than like patrons.  It's clear to me that while the concept seemingly did not prove successful, the efforts of Mr. Moses and his team definitely made a positive impact on the patrons.  

The Snellville / Lawrenceville corridor along Scenic Highway has been  especially popular with restaurants and as such, has made the area quite competitive. Del Taco and Chipotle Mexican Grill both operate relatively new locations in the area with each having better name recognition than Cabana Grill.  The pricing at Cabana Grill placed them in the somewhat difficult to define "flex casual" category where they were slightly below Chipotle and above Del Taco.  

A Pollo Tropical and Krispy Kreme were previously proposed on the site of a former  BB&T Bank nearby but that project failed to materialize.  When I confirmed in February that the deal was no longer happening, I was told that the site was "abandoned" in favor of an unspecified "alternate location," also in Snellville. The Cabana Grill location would seem to be that previously unspecified "alternate location."

A second Cabana Grill was proposed on North Druid Hills at Toco Hills but those plans were met with great neighborhood opposition.  There are reportedly plans to alter the design of the restaurant and open a Pollo Tropical instead but that deal is far from done, according to a well placed real estate source. 

Previously announced Pollo Tropical locations in East Cobb and Buford by the Mall of Georgia are both slated to open late this summer.  

Did you ever visit Cabana Grill, if so what did you think?  

Do you like Pollo Tropical?  

What is your favorite Mexican eatery along Scenic Highway?

Please share your thoughts below.  

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Walmart Pulls The Plug on Puny Prototype .

July 2, 2015, 10:05 pm

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Happier times at the Walmart on Campus at Georgia Tech

Mega retailer shuttering "campus" store at Georgia Tech.

Bentonville, Arkansas-based Walmart has decided to close its nearly two year old "Walmart on Campus" test store at Georgia Tech.  The store, dubbed "world's tiniest Walmart," was about 2,500 square feet and opened in August, 2013 on 5th Street at Technology Square.  The store's last day of business is today, July 3rd.  

The store was stocked with college essentials like writing implements, printers and paper as well cold cuts, snacks, ice cream and other food items.  The store also had a full service pharmacy with prescriptions (not directed elsewhere) being transferred automatically to the Walmart Supercenter at The District at Howell Mill.   

When it opened, the Georgia Tech location was the third of such "Campus" locations to open with the others being at the campuses of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville (3,300 square feet) and the second at Arizona State University (5,093 square feet.)  

An approximately 3,700 square foot store that opened near the University of Missouri in early 2014 was first announced as a "Campus" location but opened under the "Walmart Express" banner. A store representative indicated to me that the store will soon become a "Walmart Neighborhood Market." 

A 4,100 square foot store "Campus" store opened this past April at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and will reportedly remain a "Campus" store for now.  

I spoke with a Walmart representative who said of the possible closure of any other Campus locations "no way, that store (Fayetteville) makes way too much profit for them to close." I spoke with a store employee at the U of A store in Tempe who said her store is not closing either.  

Walmart reportedly runs each store with what one might call a skeleton crew of about ten employees.  The store is reportedly only staffed by a single employee during "off peak" hours of basically any time other than "noon-3pm."

A press release distributed by Georgia Tech gave no explanation for the closure in Atlanta. A facebook page specific to the Georgia Tech store has already been deleted.  A brief search of the interwebs returns several interesting theories from REDDIT users.  

"The side of Tech Square that Georgia Tech owns is (sort of) required to accept BuzzCard. If you don't accept BuzzFunds, Tech will raise the rent on the property until you accept BuzzFunds or leave. You either die a hero or live long enough to accept BuzzFunds."

"Yeah, apparently Walmart couldn't accept buzz funds because of some deal with Visa."

"What I heard is that the lease was up, and Wal-Mart wanted to buy the property from Tech, who refused. So Wal-Mart just left."

"I heard Walmart came under some new management for this region and the new guys just don't like the idea of a convenience store Walmart. Considering this was an experiment anyway they basically decided to shut it down."

Walmart has been aggressively expanding its "Walmart Neighborhood Market" concept in Georgia with about a dozen locations either recently open or in the works.  Last fall, the company announced it would rebrand their existing network of twenty-one "Walmart Express" stores under the "Walmart Neighborhood Market" moniker.

A roughly 12,000 square foot Walmart Express opened late last year in Ashburn, Georgia but was immediately rebranded under the Neighborhood Market banner.  Ashburn is located in Turner county, south of the city of Atlanta, between Cordele and Tifton.  The Ashburn store was the only "Express" store to exist in Georgia.  

The Express stores averaged 15,000 square feet, while the typical Neighborhood Market store is about 40,000 square feet.  By comparison, most fullsize Walmart stores are well in excess of 100,000 square feet.   

Doughnuts Returning to Buckhead, Coming to Brookhaven Too!

July 3, 2015, 2:36 pm

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Bon Glaze will be located between Full Cup and Bridge Boutique in Powers Ferry Square

Doughnuts returning to north Buckhead.

Local husband and wife team Kelly and Kenny Keith are opening a pair of new artisan doughnut shops.  The pair already operate Kelly's Cakes, a gourmet, special event cake bakery, currently without a physical location.   The new doughnut shops to be named Bon Glaze will open in north Buckhead and Brookhaven in late August and late September respectively.

In north Buckhead, Bon Glaze will open in a roughly 600 square foot space at Powers Ferry Square, previously home to Yum Yum Dessert Co.  The gourmet cupcake shop, born from a food truck by a similar name, opened last April but did not last long.  

The Keiths plan to convert this space to serve primarily as a walk-up counter.  For now the plan is to stay open from 7AM until 4PM during the week, and until 10PM Friday through Sunday. Kelly told me that they may stay open later if there is demand from neighboring businesses such as Bartaco, The Ivy and Johnny's Hideaway.  

The north Buckhead location will mark a return of the tasty treat to the same shopping center where in late 2013 Dunkin' Donuts closed their popular outpost.  Bartaco opened earlier this year in a completely rebuilt space where Dunkin' once operated.  

In Brookhaven, Bon Glaze is the doughnut shop I announced in February as "Glaze Doughnuts." The shop, located in Brookleigh Marketplace on Johnson Ferry Road, will be about 1,700 square feet and will serve as the "flagship" location. Kelly plans to bake cakes for "Kelly's Cakes" from the kitchen of the Brookhaven shop.  

In addition to cake and yeast doughnuts with such toppings as bacon and Nutella,  Kelly told me she is in the final stages of perfecting a gluten free doughnut!  Bon Glaze will also offer assorted flavors of thick cut bacon strips, although a bacon supplier has not been chosen. Various fresh coffees will be offered in addition to fresh squeezed orange juice, something that was absent from prior tenant Planet Smoothie's menu, and is hard to find in general.  

I can't speak to the logistics of the parking/access situation at Brookleigh Marketplace as I have yet to visit, but Powers Ferry Plaza is sure to create some challenges.  While Bartaco is hugely popular, its patrons also monopolize a lot of the nearby, upfront parking.  Small shops near Bartaco, like Tuxedo Frame Gallery and VUE Eyewear both have reserved parking for their patrons for this very reason.  Bon Glaze, which will primarily serve a morning clientele, should be OK, but if evening business picks up, as they hope, parking could quickly become an issue.  

What are your thoughts on this new concept? What is your favorite type of doughnut/place to get doughnuts?  How late is too late for doughnuts?

Please leave your thoughts/comments /suggestions below. 

Black Walnut Cafe Coming to Peachtree Corners, Plans to Open Next Year

July 6, 2015, 9:44 pm

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Black Walnut Cafe 

The Woodlands, Texas-based Black Walnut Cafe has purchased land for a third location in metro Atlanta.  The newest location will be built on Peachtree Parkway, near Peachtree Corners Circle, adjacent to the new-ish Chase Bank.  The restaurant will be located across the street from J.Alexander's (Redlands Grill) at The Forum.  Although located nearby, Black Walnut Cafe is not part of Fuqua Development's Peachtree Corners Market.  

The casual breakfast, lunch and dinner eatery previously secured  the former Old Hickory House in Dunwoody, as as well as a vacant parcel in Alpharetta.  In Dunwoody, it's likely that the building, which sits on Chamblee Dunwoody Road, will be demolished and rebuilt. In Alpharetta, the restaurant will be built at the corner of Windward and North Point Parkways.  Currently, the subject property is vacant, situated between Georgia's OWN Credit Union and Twisted Taco. 

Black Walnut Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and most entrees are around $8-13 with few items crossing the $20 threshold.  All locations feature a full bar, as well as assorted coffee and gelato options.  

Started in 2002, Black Walnut Cafe currently operates in Texas exclusively, with eleven locations open and a twelfth coming soon.  

According to Chris Routledge, Vice President at Colliers International, who handles site selection for the brand locally, plans call for as many as seven locations for the chain over the coming years.  Routledge also said that the company has delayed construction on the existing locations to achieve what he called "critical mass," which he said was reached with the third location.  Pending permitting and construction delays, Routledge said the three restaurants should open nearly simultaneously in about six to nine months.   

Have you been to Black Walnut Cafe?  If so, what are your thoughts?  Where else would you like to see Black Walnut Cafe open?  

Please share your thoughts below.  

Eddie Bauer Returning For A New Adventure at Perimeter Mall

July 6, 2015, 11:19 pm

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Athletic and outdoor apparel retailer returning to Perimeter Mall

Bellevue, Washington-based Eddie Bauer is planning a new store at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody.  The new store will be on the upper level of the Macy's wing in the former Sephora store. (Sephora previously relocated to a new, lower level space near Von Maur.)  The new Eddie Bauer store will be about 5,500 square feet and is slated to open in early 2016.  

Eddie Bauer previously operated a 5,700 square foot store at the mall but closed it in early 2001.  At the time of the closure, a spokesperson claimed the space " just wasn't large enough to accommodate Eddie Bauer."

Back when Eddie Bauer first existed at the mall, Nordstrom was relatively new and the mall's other anchors were Macy's Rich's and J.C. Penney.  Today, the mall is still anchored by Nordstrom and Macy's (in the Rich's space) but the former J.C. Penney was demolished and rebuilt for Dillards while the Macy's became Bloomingdales, which is now Von Maur.   Then Perimeter Mall was owned by Rouse, today it's owned by General Growth Properties (GGP). 

This is not the first time a retailer has exited the mall, only to reopen again years later.  Furniture and interior decoration retailer Z Gallerie closed its Perimeter Mall location in 2009 only to reopen in a different space in 2011.  

Eddie Bauer also previously operated a large store at Mall of Georgia in Buford but it closed in 2013.  Eddie Bauer continues to operate full line stores at The Avenue East Cobb and The Avenue West Cobb as well as outlet stores at Sugarloaf Mills and North Georgia Premium Outlets. 

Interestingly, personnel at the local Eddie Bauer stores seemed to be unaware that a new store was opening despite many job postings across the internet for the new Perimeter store.  

Over the years, Eddie Bauer has gone through a number of ownership changes including at one point being owned by General Mills.  The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in 2005, and again in 2009.  

Are you excited for Eddie Bauer returning to Perimeter Mall? Who else would you like to see open / return to Perimeter Mall?  What is your favorite outdoor apparel retailer?

Please share your thoughts below.  

Bits & Bites

July 7, 2015, 9:48 pm

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The Sheraton Atlanta Downtown, located at 165 Courtland Street, will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation this fall.  The renovation will provide the hotel with 43 new suites for a total of 63 suites (826 total rooms) – "the largest suite to guest room ratio in the city." What today operates as the Sheraton originally opened in 1965 as Marriott Hotel as seen in the artist's rendering, available thanks to the work of Greg Germani of Atlanta Time Machine.  Sheraton's renovation follows those of competing downtown hotels such as the Westin Peachtree Plaza and the Hyatt Regency Atlanta.  The Hyatt's renovations last year culminated with the reopening of their iconic Polaris restaurant after about a ten year absence.  

The Staples store at Midtown Place shopping center is undergoing renovations.   Following the Staples-Office Depot/Max merger this past February, many Staples stores have closed locally including locations in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, and Roswell.  

A one time Shoney's restaurant on Mountain Industrial Boulevard in Tucker has been demolished for a new McDonald's.  The freestanding restaurant had gone through a number of name changes over the past few years, but was vacant most recently.   The parcel is adjacent to an existing QuikTrip.  As I reported last week, another one time Shoney's in Marietta will soon be demolished for a new Bojangles'.  

A new nearly 36,000 square foot Ashley Furniture Home Store is planned for 5980  North Point Parkway in Alpharetta.  

A new restaurant called "Herban Fix Vegan Kitchen" plans to open later this summer at The Reynolds, a condo building at 565 Peachtree Street.  The 6,302 square-foot space was previously home to Dogwood Restaurant until its closure in 2011.   The restaurant's location at Linden Avenue and Peachtree Street places it just south of midtown and just north of downtown, something that hurt the Peasant's business as well. Hopefully given their niche they can attract enough people to make the restaurant successful, but it will definitely be an uphill battle.  

The Breadgarden on Amsterdam Avenue in midtown is closing with their last day currently scheduled for Saturday. 

Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. is planning a large expansion and renovation of its Kroger store on Hartley Bridge Road in Macon.  Kroger plans to add about 45,000 square feet, which includes converting existing vacant retail space and a approximately 10,000-square-foot addition.  The existing 56,529 square foot store, built in 1995, would swell to over 100,000 square feet.  The renovation and expansion in Macon is similar to improvements currently underway in Decatur where Kroger is enlarging their store at North Decatur Square.  

South City Kitchen on Crescent Avenue in midtown reopened yesterday after being closed last week for a light remodel.  

Asheville, North Carolina-based Earth Fare opened their new 24,000 square foot store today at phase two of Emory Point on Clifton Road.  The Emory Point store is the chain's fourth in Georgia, joining locations in Athens, Augusta and Peachtree Corners.  

Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market also opened their new 24,400 square foot store today at Brighten Park (fka Loehmann's Plaza) on Briarcliff Road near North Druid Hills Road.  The Brighten Park store is the chain's thirteenth in Georgia with a fourteenth planned for Roswell.  

Popular Midwest Chain Culver's Plans Expansion in Georgia

July 8, 2015, 9:01 pm

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New to market fast casual operator coming to Dawsonville.  

Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin-based Culver's plans to open their first Georgia store in Dawsonville.  The new freestanding restaurant would be built on a vacant approximately 1.4 acre parcel adjacent to an existing Captain D's on South 400 Center Lane near its intersection with Dawson County Industrial Park Road.  The site sits just off Georgia 400, slightly north of the North Georgia Premium Outlets.  

The proposed location  is what the company calls a "Metro-L 2015" unit.  The prototype first debuted in 2009 and gets slight tweaks annually, according to a company representative.  The Dawsonville restaurant will be about 4,200 square feet and have seating for 108 patrons.  

Culver's was started in Wisconsin in 1984 by Craig and Lea Culver, along with Craig’s parents George and Ruth. Similar to Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, Culver's is still owned by its founding family.   The first Culver’s opened in the family’s hometown of Sauk City, Wisconsin with today over 540 locations, largely in the midwest.  The company does have a few locations scattered around Florida, Tennessee and South Carolina but the Dawsonville location will be the first in Georgia. 

Culver's is most well-known for their frozen custard and signature ButterBurgers. A ButterBurger is best described as having had butter applied to the "crown" of the bun to enhance the taste.   Culver's owns the trademark on "ButterBurgers," which is likely the reason Buckhead's Big Al's Butter Burgers tweaked their name to "Big Al's Butter Made Burgers." 

Culver's menu also includes a variety of sides such as Wisconsin cheese curds, onion rings and cole slaw, as well as assorted salads and soups.  A friend also raved about the restaurant's chicken tenders, which come four to an order or as a filet in a sandwich.  For health-conscious diners, Carver's even offers gluten free buns from Udi's.

I spoke to Tom Goldsmith, Director of Development for Culver's, who said pending permitting, the Dawsonville location should begin construction later this year and open early next year.  Goldsmith indicated that the chain has franchise partners looking to open as many as six locations next year with at least three already "in the works." According to Goldsmith each currently planned Georgia location will be owned & operated by separate franchisees.  

Goldsmith would not comment on specific cities, but did say that there are no current plans for any units within the city of Atlanta.  I'd suspect areas such as Canton, Carrollton, Acworth, McDonough, Woodstock and Athens, among others, could be potential locations for the chain.  

Wichita, Kansas-based Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a similar concept, operates two locations in Georgia: one in Athens, another in McDonough.  

Have you been to a Culver's?   If so, what are your thoughts? Where would you like to see the next Culver's open?

Please share your thoughts below  

Local Church Pursues Higher, Better Use for Land

July 9, 2015, 9:01 pm

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Local church looking to have land redeveloped

Peachtree Baptist Church, located at the corner of Briarcliff and LaVista Roads, is looking to have about an acre of unused land developed into a 20-unit, "high rise" residential condominium building of up to five stories.  The land sits to the rear of the church, adjacent to a cemetery and neighboring Public Storage facility.  

The application filed by  "C12 Group of Atlanta" seeks to rezone about .8 acres of church property from R-75 (Single-Family Residential) to O-I (Office Institutional) to allow construction of the condo building. The subject property is located on the south side of LaVista Road, approximately 510 feet west of Briarcliff Road at 2108 Briarcliff Road. The property has approximately 20 feet of frontage along LaVista Road.  

The development would offer "1-3 bedroom floor plans typical of an upscale, in-town lifestyle," according to information supplied to the planning commission. "Office Suites" of between 500-1,500 square feet are also proposed for at least one of the buildings to allow for "neighborhood convenience and professional offices." 

"C12 Group" is a Greensboro, North Carolina-based organization whose mission is to use biblical principles to guide business owners through their hosting of round-table discussions. "The C12 Group is not about networking. It’s not another business-centric Bible study. It’s an objective advisory board for brainstorming and decision making, learning what you don’t know and focusing on areas you need to sharpen."  

In the case of this project, Beau Fields, C12 North Georgia Territory Chair, a 17-year veteran of the real estate industry, is assisting the church in the planning and execution of their development.   Fields has experience owning, building, and operating real estate developments, but says that the church plans to transfer ownership of the project to a development company once it is approved.

The group has also filed a Special Land Use Permit (SLUP) to increase the building height from the approved two story level, to the desired five stories. 

The Planning Commission denied the proposal on Tuesday, but it will be heard before the Board of Commissioners on July 28th.   

If eventually approved, this new parcel would be joined with a previously approved 1.9 acre adjacent site.  The 1.9 acre site at 1587 LaVista Road was approved in 2007 for 50 units in two buildings, but stalled in 2008 amidst the economic crisis that limited the availability of capital.  

The project, originally called "Emory Pointe," has been renamed "LaVista Pointe"   

Emory Point (sans the "e") is a large mixed use project that Atlanta-based Cousins opened on nearby Clifton Road in 2012. A second phase of the project will be completed soon, highlighted by the recent opening of Earth Fare. 

The Cloverleaf School, a private, non-profit elementary school, currently operates from Church-owned property and will relocate ahead of the planned development.  The school, which will offer kindergarten through 6th grade for the 2015-16 school year, plans to move next month to a nearly 10,000 square foot facility at 1894 Ludovie Lane, not far from the Northlake Library. The school specializes in educating children with ADHD, high functioning autism, Asperger’s, anxiety, and other learning differences.  

While the intersection of Briarcliff and LaVista Roads is no doubt a great location for those wishing to be close to both Emory and Buckhead, the area is already quite congested. A big plus to potentially living at the development: the cemetery and storage facility should make for exceptionally quiet neighbors.

What are your thoughts on the proposed development? Would you want to live in one of the planned condos?  Do you think the additional 20 units should be approved or is 50 units already too many for the area?   

Please share your thoughts below.  

*Don't forget to follow ToNeTo Atlanta on Twitter and like it ToNeTo Atlanta on Facebook for additional  local and industry news.  

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Lenox Square Lands Another Luxe Lifestyle Brand: MCM

July 10, 2015, 9:57 am

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Beats x MCM collaboration

Popular lifestyle brand coming to Buckhead

MCM or Modern Creation Munich, plans to open a new store at Lenox Square in Buckhead.  The nearly 2,500 square foot store will open in the former Kate Spade boutique on the first floor of the Luxury Wing.  Kate Spade relocated to Phipps Plaza last year.  

According to a building permit filed this week with the City of Atlanta, $100,000 will be spent to convert the space to suit MCM's needs.  

MCM previously operated a store at Lenox Square in the late 80s and early 90s near where Urban Outfitters is today, but it closed about 20 years ago.  

The MCM label, which originally stood for Michael Cromer Munich, was founded by Michael Cromer in 1976 in Munich, Germany.  The company's pricey leather suitcases and handbags became popular during the 1980s for being "ostentatious and flashy." At the height of the brand's popularity in 1993, it operated 250 stores worldwide, with sales of a quarter billion dollars.  Following a 1995 investigation of Cromer for alleged tax evasion by German tax authorities, MCM's financial stability was questioned.  In 1997, the company was restructured, and its stores and trademark rights were sold.   

"In 2005, the worldwide rights to the MCM brand were acquired by Sungjoo Group, a South Korean retail business founded by Sung-Joo Kim. Kim re-launched the brand in 2006 with a new store in Berlin and appointed German designer Michael Michalsky as MCM’s creative director." Since 2006, the brand has again become quite popular and additional stores and wholesale accounts have been added around the world.  Today the brand has twelve "flagship boutiques" along with being in over 300 branded, specialty and departments stores in 35 countries.   

MCM is known for their signature bags and purses but also offers select other small goods and shoes. The brand's MCM logo pattern, called Cognac Visetos, is found on most of their products, often printed on coated canvas.  In addition, the brand recently introduced a new collaboration, Beats x MCM, that pairs the brand's signature logo with the now Apple-owned Beats headphones and speakers.  

One of the most popular MCM items is their assorted backpacks that start in the $600 range and can go as high as nearly $2,000.  The MCM logo belts and hats are also popular pieces of the collection. Most belts are priced around $300, hats around $400, and made of coated canvas and leather.  

Personally, it amazes me that brands like Louis Vuitton, Goyard and MCM are able to command the prices they do for products made of coated canvas.  Leather products from the likes of Bottega Veneta and Salvatore Ferragamo seem far superior in craftsmanship and value to comparable items from other designers.   The only MCM I like is Mid Century Modern. 

MCM is already carried at three stores in Lenox Square, two just in the Luxury Wing: Neiman Marcus and Pure Denim. Bloomingdale's also carries the line.  

MCM is just the latest brand to choose the established success of Lenox Square over the new Buckhead Atlanta.  I broke news earlier this year of Escada's plans to open a new boutique at Lenox Square, adjacent to the MCM store. Lifestyle brand Tory Burch will open a second Buckhead store at Lenox Square, with an existing store at Phipps Plaza. Tesla and CH Carolina Herrera opened in Lenox Square last year, while Diane Von Furstenberg added a signature boutique to the mall earlier this year. 

What are your thoughts on the MCM brand?  Are you willing to spend big bucks on coated canvas because of its cache, or do you prefer quality leather pieces?  What are your thoughts on the Buckhead Atlanta project and how it has impacted Lenox Square, either for better or for worse?  

Please share your thoughts below.  

The Drought Is Over! More New Apartments Coming to Buckhead!

July 12, 2015, 9:24 pm

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Berkshire at left, Pollack Shores project center, Post Collier Hills at right

300+ more units destined for suddenly crowded westside street.

Atlanta-based Pollack Shores Real Estate Group plans to replace a south Buckhead office building with a 345-unit apartment community.  The company recently demolished the mid-rise office building just off Collier Road, within view of I-75 Northbound. 

Located at 1888 Emery Street, the new project is located behind the recently completed 256-unit Berkshire Howell Mill (fka Crescent Howell Mill) near Howell Mill and Collier Roads.  The new development was originally going to be called The Flats at Howell Mill, but is now called "Millworks," and will have one, two, and three-bedroom apartments.

Additionally, Millworks will reportedly offer a “resort-style pool,” outdoor kitchen and bar with cabanas, a dog park and spa, bocce ball courts, a game room, and a multi-purpose art and events studio." Millworks is scheduled to have its first units available in late 2016. Matrix Residential, the multi-family residential management division of Pollack Shores, will manage the property. 

Emery Street is just a short, narrow street, and I worry that this added traffic will make what is already a congested area, worse.  Adjacent to Millworks is a rear access to Post Collier Hills where I witnessed a steady stream of vehicular traffic. Ask anyone who works or lives in the area and you will hear how dreadful traffic in and around the Collier / Howell Mill intersection is now,  and this development would seem to make that situation even worse.  

As I mentioned earlier this year, there are also an alarming number of new rentals planned or under construction in central Buckhead. On Maple Drive specifically, I worry that such a dramatic increase in residential units will have an adverse effect not only on traffic, but on the quality of life for those living or working in the area already.  

Millworks is only one of many projects Pollack Shores has either built, proposed, or is presently building in metro Atlanta.  

Pollack Shores’ current Georgia projects include "Steelworks" on Mecaslin Street between 16th and 17th Streets near Atlantic Station, and "Citizen Perimeter" in Sandy Springs, on Hammond Drive at Peachtree Dunwoody Road. 

Additionally, Pollack Shores has redeveloped a large portion of the Colonial Homes development with another portion under construction.  The Jane, a 280-unit community, is complete. The Monroe, an upcoming 217-unit community, is currently under construction. Colonial Homes dates back to the 1940s and is adjacent to Bobby Jones Golf Course and the Beltline making it an especially desirable location.  A portion of the original Colonial Homes project has been saved, renovated and renamed "CoHo," and is operated by Atlanta-based Tribridge Residential, according to its website.  

Pollack Shores is also said to be in talks for additional developments in midtown and Sandy Springs, among others. 

Do you live on the Westside or near the new project?  What are your thoughts on all the recent development?  Did you ever live in Colonial Homes?  

Please share your thoughts below.  

New Cidery Looking for "Sweet" Success on Westside

July 13, 2015, 12:07 pm

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Craft cider coming to Atlanta 

Urban Tree Cidery plans to open late this fall at 1465 Howell Mill Road on Atlanta's Westside.  The cidery will occupy an approximately 4,000 square foot space most recently home to Eclectia, a popular props store.  Eclectia closed months ago, but according to their Facebook page they are still available for production rentals.  

Urban Tree is being opened by Dr. Timothy Resuta and his wife Maria. Dr. Resuta's practice specializes in cosmetic, implant and reconstructive dentistry, and is located at 3280 Howell Mill Road, in the Northwest Medical Building, just a few miles from the cidery. Perhaps the good doctor can tweak that "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" saying in marketing the new business.  

A number of building permits have been filed with the city of Atlanta including one from May that describes the project:

"URBAN TREE HARD CIDER, LLC URBAN TREE HARD CIDER, LLC FARM WINERY WITH TASTING ROOM WITH MALT BEVERAGES, WINE AND DISTILLED SPIRITS CONSUMPTION ON PREMISES WITH CUSTOMER DANCING AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT"

Although a facebook page for Urban Tree is active, details are scarce regarding possible distribution or bottling.  I'd suspect that bottling, whether in growler or in individual bottles, is being planned and would follow the initial opening.   A source close to the project indicates that Urban Tree Cidery will offer two traditional ciders as well as seasonal specials.

The Westside is already home to Monday Night Brewing, a craft beer operation on nearby Trabert Avenue, while Red Brick Brewing, Atlanta's oldest-operating craft brewery, is located on Defoor Hills Road.  In addition to the Westside operations, SweetWater Brewing Company, Three Taverns Brewery, Orpheus Brewing,Wild Heaven Craft Beers and Second Self Beer Co. all operate breweries in metro Atlanta.  

Personally, I'm far more of a cider fan than a beer fan, so for me this opening is rather exciting.  While national offerings from the likes of Strongbow, Woodchuck, Crispin, and Angry Orchard are nice, having a local option will be great! 

What is your favorite cider?  What flavor combination (i.e. cinnamon, ginger, etc.) is your favorite cider?  What do you think of all the breweries in Atlanta?  

Please share your thoughts below.  

Tom Ford Files Permits Despite Lack of Confirmation by Buckhead Atlanta

July 14, 2015, 2:28 pm

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Tom Ford files first permit(s) with City of Atlanta 

I first broke news of Tom Ford's planned opening in Buckhead Atlanta this past October.  The plan at that point was to open in Buckhead Atlanta, reportedly after first considering space in Phipps Plaza.  Buckhead Atlanta reps were quick to deny a deal was done, and while there was great interest at first, the story died soon after. Flash forward to March and Atlanta Magazine is saying "It's official: Tom Ford is coming to Buckhead Atlanta." The story was prompted by Tom Ford logo signage being installed in a corner, Peachtree Road-facing space at Buckhead Atlanta, but still brought no "official" confirmation.  

In the months that have followed, no perceptible work has occurred at the space and the company has remained mum on its plans only confirming "we will open in Buckhead next year." 

A "Commercial Alteration" permit filed July 6th with the city of Atlanta and associated with 3393 Peachtree Road (Lenox Square) lists the owner as  "Buckhead Lenders, OMB" (OliverMcMillan). The permit describes the space as 620 square feet with an estimated cost of construction of $143,000.  

The permit describes the project as: 

"Tom Ford Women's Collection: Interior finishes and millwork. New non-load bearing partitions, floor covering, and new ceiling. MEP's to be secured separately."

Also on July 6th, a "Commercial Quality Control Review" permit was filed with the city of Atlanta for  "Tom Ford-Ste A156" at 3035 Peachtree Road (Buckhead Atlanta).  The permit refers to the owner as  "STREETS OF BUCKHEAD DEV CO AT LLC THE." Like the first permit, the space is described as 620 square feet with an estimated cost of construction of $143,000.  

This would seem to be just a typographical error on the part of someone at the City of Atlanta (hard to imagine, right?) but still an interesting development. 

I contacted a concierge at Buckhead Atlanta who said the Tom Ford store would be opening "next year," but they were as yet unaware of exactly when.  I also contacted someone at the Atlanta offices of Buckhead Atlanta who, when asked about the Tom Ford store at Buckhead Atlanta, claimed they could not comment as to its existence and / or a planned opening.

As I've mentioned before, Tom Ford positions itself as a premium luxury brand selling items at prices that could make the normal man's jaw drop.  Among the more pricey goods are  $600+ long sleeve button down shirts and $670 to nearly $1700 belts, as well as $1500+ pumps for women.

Can metro Atlanta support such a high-end store?  Given the sales struggles at the project thus far, is Tom Ford making the right decision in opening in Buckhead Atlanta over Phipps Plaza?  How many things have you bought at Buckhead Atlanta, exclusive of restaurants?  

Please share your thoughts below.   

Bits & Bites

July 14, 2015, 9:01 pm

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Despite the fact that Ford Fry's Rocket Farm Restaurants has denied that their upcoming north Buckhead eatery will be a second location of Superica, there's a new sign on the building that says "Superica Coming Soon." The sign appears to have been placed there by property owner Regency Centers.  According to Fry, the new restaurant will be a blend between his The El Felix eatery in Avalon and Superica at Krog Street Market.  

New Jersey-based fitness franchise Retro Fitness has closed its Cobb Parkway location at The Promenade shopping center. The gym was located to the right of center anchor Best Buy in a plaza also home to Scalini's Italian Restaurant. The approximately 14,000 square foot gym which opened in 2010 was the first of two locations, the second being in Buckhead.  The Buckhead location, at Buckhead Plaza (3050 Peachtree Road), opened in early 2011 but was closed by late 2012.  While the company still has over 100 locations, they are almost entirely all in the northeast.  

In other fitness news, a new 6400 square foot location of Workout Anytime is nearing completion in Marietta on Roswell Road at Marshalls at Eastlake Shopping Center. The facility combined a number of spaces including the former home of Giga-bites Cafe. (Giga-bites Cafe has since reopened nearby in the Restaurant Depot-anchored Parkway Village Shopping Center.)

Mint by sandpiper has opened at 245 North Highland Avenue in Inman Park.  The store, which I announced this past May, sells both clearance items from the sandpiper store in Vinings, as well as select consignment items.  

Havana Restaurant, aka Havana Sandwich Shop, has reopened in its original location on Buford Highway near North Druid Hills Road. I first broke news of this planned opening in March and while the opening was slightly delayed, many in the area are excited to have it back.  Going forward, both the second location, 3979 Buford Highway in Chamblee, and the original location, 2905 Buford Highway in Brookhaven, will be open for service.   

A new Jason's Deli is coming soon to Savannah on Mall Boulevard near the new Kroger Marketplace.  

Kafenio opened this past Monday on Main Street in College Park. The casual eatery offers "all day Greek fare" and is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.  

On the heels of the recent demolition of the former Kroger / Harris Teeter at Brookhaven Plaza, previously reported tenantsTotal Wine and Stein Mart have been officially announced as "coming soon." The Total Wine store will be 15,238 square feet, while the Stein Mart will be 28,000 square feet.  The former grocery anchor space was 44,680 square feet.  

Burger 21 plans to open July 27th at Chastain Square on Roswell Road in north Buckhead. Burger 21 opens in place of Scenario, and before that, Chopstix, in the Publix-anchored center. The approximately 3,100 square foot restaurant is the second in the state for the Tampa, Florida-based chain.  One location is open in Buford near the Mall of Georgia with others in the works in Johns Creek and Kennesaw. 

Also in Chastain Square, Cafe Ago, which finally opened last September in place of Cafe Prego, has closed. The 1,200 square foot restaurant was located behind Starbucks, next to The UPS Store. 

Sandy Springs Sushi and Steak Gone in the Blink of An Eye

July 20, 2015, 12:52 pm

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Restaurant closes and nobody notices.

Fujiyama restaurant seems to have closed just a few short months after opening.  The Japanese sushi and steakhouse restaurant opened in December in place of Kobe Steaks at The Prado in Sandy Springs.  According to a timeline created from various reviews, the restaurant seems to have closed sometime between late March and mid April.  

Fujijama's predacessor, Kobe Steaks, a similar hibachi restaurant, closed last May after about 40 years in business.

Interestingly, signage at The Prado reflects both restaurants as being open. 

Signage visible from Roswell Road reflects that Kobe Steaks (and sibling restaurant Joli Kobe) are both open, whereas they are both closed. 

A directory adjacent to the restaurant indicates that Fujiyama occupies suite M011, the former Kobe space.  That same directory, while updated in include the recent opening of Pizza Crosta, and closure of Yogurt Mountain, still refers to the bank at The Prado as RBC Bank.  As readers will recall, the local assets of RBC Bank were purchased by PNC Bank in 2011, with the deal having closed in early 2012.  

Fujiyama's website and associated Yelp.com page remain active with no mention or indication of the closure.  

Did you have the opportunity to dine at Fujiyama before its closure?  If so, how was it? What should replace the approximately 9200 square foot restaurant?  

Please share your thoughts below.   

Hammocks Team Opening "Under the Cork Tree" at The Prado

July 20, 2015, 2:30 pm

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New restaurant coming to The Prado

Jason Sheetz and William Sigley of Hammocks Trading Company plan to open "Under The Cork Tree" later this year at The Prado in Sandy Springs.  The duo, both veterans of Here To Serve Restaurants,  opened Hammocks Trading Company a few miles north of The Prado, also on Roswell Road, in late 2012.  Whereas Hammocks is a southern seafood-centric restaurant, Under The Cork Tree promises to be a "wine-centric Mediterranean inspired restaurant." 

Under the Cork Tree will occupy the nearly 6,800 square foot space left vacant since this past January when Joli Kobe closed after about 30 years in business.    

The restaurant gets its name from the story of Ferdinand the Bull. While Ferdinand's other friends played around and butted their heads, Ferdinand preferred to stay in the shade under the cork tree.  According to the restaurant's ownership, "Think Fedinand the Bull, capable of feats of great strength but really wants to smell the flowers... (and wine)".

According to Sigley, the restaurant will feature a tapas bar on the right, while a more fine dining, "white tablecloth" experience and private dining, is available on the left.  

According to a memo sent to patrons of Hammocks, "Diners can expect flavors from Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, N. Africa, Israel etc.... Tangines, wood fire oven, sous vide, etc." 

Interior designer Abbi Williams of Red Door Design Studio is being tasked with the renovation of the restaurant.  Current plans call for Under The Cork Tree to open in October.  

When open, Under The Cork Tree will join new dining options at The Prado such as Pizza Crosta, which opened this past May in the former Evos spot.  

Particularly since its redevelopment, The Prado has been a very difficult development for eateries with two frozen yogurt shops (Yoreka and Yogurt Mountain) having closed, while a previously announced Bruegger's Bagels simply never opened.  Local sources tell me that while Barberitos and Marlow's Tavern remain open, their sales are lower than other similar locations of each chain.  

As I mentioned in a separate post today, Fujiyma, which opened in place of Kobe Steaks, is also closed at The Prado, just a few short months after opening.  

Just outside the perimeter, at Parkside Shops in Sandy Springs, veterans from midtown's recently-shuttered Veni Vidi Vici are opening an Italian restaurant called il Giallo Osteria & Bar.  The 8,200 square foot restaurant will be located near the rear of the center, close to Cliftwood Drive, and should open late this fall. 

Are you excited about the opening of Under The Cork Tree?  Are you a fan of Hammocks?  What is your favorite restaurant at The Prado?

Please share your thoughts below. 

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Waffle House Continues to Cover Atlanta

July 20, 2015, 9:04 pm

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Local restaurant chain continues metro growth

Norcross-based Waffle House has inked a deal to open what will be its fourth location in downtown Atlanta. The newest Waffle House will open at 300 Marietta Street, suite 105, in the Luckie Marietta District.  The approximately 2,400 square foot space that Waffle House will occupy is directly below Der Biergarten and adjacent to Twin Smokers BBQ and STATS.  

A Waffle House spokesperson I contacted tells me the restaurant should be open by April 2016.  (A Luckie Marietta District spokesperson claimed the restaurant was track to open "by late 2015.")

It would seem that Waffle House has been rather pleased with the downtown restaurants, and with good reason.  A local source tells me that the Waffle House at Andrew Young International Boulevard and Centennial Olympic Park Drive is the busiest unit in the "southern region." The Centennial Park location opened in early 2013, preceded by downtown locations on Lower Alabama Street at Underground Atlanta and at Georgia State's Parker H. Petit Science Center on Piedmont Avenue near Decatur Street.  

Waffle House also opened a location on 5th Street in midtown at Technology Square, adjacent to Georgia Tech. Last year, location-based mobile application Foursquare recognized the Tech location as the number one Waffle Housein the nation as calculated by number of "check-ins." 

Another new Waffle House which I first announced in January is coming to Northside Drive near Cook-Out. Permits filed earlier this month indicate that construction will soon begin in earnest with the building slated to be 1,635 square feet and cost just under a half million to construct. 

A Waffle House location that has been in the works in downtown Decatur for months is finally under construction and will reportedly open in late August. Based on the slow progress on site,  I'd expect it to actually open later in the fall.

Additionally, as I reported in March, a Waffle House with a drive-thru  recently opened in Stone Mountain.  Both the downtown locations and the drive-thru unit exemplify Waffle House's efforts to bring Waffle House to locations other than freestanding buildings. 

Taziki's Going For Growth in Georgia : Decatur and Buckhead Locations Coming Soon

July 21, 2015, 1:15 pm

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Growing chain continues metro expansion

Birmingham, Alabama-based Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe plans to end 2015 with six units in metro Atlanta with the possibility of adding another six in the coming years.  The fast casual chain entered metro Atlanta in 2012 with a location in Sandy Springs at the  "Glenridge Springs" development, near the Haverty's building.   Taziki's added a location on Windward Parkway in Alpharetta in late 2013. Last spring the chain opened in Athens in the Bottleworks on Prince Avenue.  

Today the chain opened its newest location, in Suwanee on Old Peachtree Road.  Here, Taziki's joined Nashville, Tennessee-based I Love Juice Bar in a newly built center just off I-85 and adjacent to an existing Home Depot.  

As I previously announced, Taziki's upcoming Decatur location will opened alongside a new outpost of Highland Bakery at 315 West Ponce de Leon Avenue. While a drive-thru I Love Juice Bar was also proposed for the property, the concept was panned by the city of Decatur and ultimately abandoned.  

The sixth Georgia location of Taziki's will open in the Fashion Cafe at Lenox Square.  In the Buckhead mall, the Mediterranean eatery will replace the recently shuttered Subway restaurant.  In Lenox, Taziki's joins fellow fast casual operators such as Chipotle Mexican Grill and Freshii. Taziki's will hope to fill the void left by longtime Mediterranean eatery Hovan Gourmet which closed in the Fashion Cafe in late 2013.

In case you've never been, Taziki's has similarities to Zoës Kitchen, and with good reason. 

Marcus & Zoe Cassimus started  Zoës Kitchen in 1995, and in 1998, Keith & Amy Richards opened Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe.  According to a well placed source within Zoës Kitchen, Keith Richards first approached Zoës Kitchen about opening a franchise, but after being trained,  he departed and eventually opened Taziki's.  

Both are fast casual restaurants featuring Mediterranean fare, and both started in Birmingham, Alabama.  

Today, Zoës is headquartered in Plano, Texas, has about 150 locations in sixteen states, and as of last year is a publicly traded company.  Taziki's remains based in Birmingham and has 47 open or opening locations in 14 states.  

Personally, I prefer the offerings of  Zoës to those of Taziki's.

Have you been to both  Zoës Kitchen and Taziki's?  If so, which do you prefer?  Do you think Taziki's will do well in Lenox Square?  What is your favorite Mediterranean dish?  

Please share your thoughts below.  

Bits & Bites

July 22, 2015, 9:01 pm

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Krispy Kreme has closed its popular location on Cobb Parkway for what it projects to be a two month remodel. As a result of the remodel, the store will increase in size by 250 square feet to about 3,000 square feet.  Improvements are planned for the parking lot, drive-thru, bathrooms and interior space. 

A new Hot Topic store is coming to  The Shoppes at River Crossing in Macon.

Drew Van Leuven of Seven Lamps & partners from Cypress Street Pint & Plate reportedly hope to have their new restaurant Tavern Pointe open next week.  The restaurant replaces  LPC (La Pietra Cucina) at 1545 Peachtree Street in midtown or "Uptown" as property owner Dewberry Capital calls it.  

Beverly Hills-based boutique candy shop Sugarfina plans to open a kiosk location at Lenox Square in September.  The artisanal candy shop will mark the group's first boutique on the East Coast.   Rosie O’Neill, a former marketing executive for Mattel's Barbie brand, co-founded Sugarfina in 2012 with now husband Josh Resnick.  The company is something like a blend of Sweet Factory, Godiva and Dylan's Candy Bar. Godiva, of course, operates a cafe and store on Lenox's upper floor, while Dylan's merchandise is at times carried by Neiman Marcus and the Ralph Lauren store (Dylan Lauren is, after all, Ralph's daughter.)  Sweet Factory was Lenox's last "candy store," but it closed not long after its kid friendly neighbor F.A.O. Schwarz left the mall in 2003.  Sugarfina offers items such as dark chocolate sea salt cashews, super sour hearts (gummies) and bourbon marshmallows. Sugarfina has five stores in California (three in the greater Los Angeles area and two in San Francisco) and is opening a sixth location in San Jose this August.  A store at Americana at Brand, a popular lifestyle center in Glendale, California, previously closed.  The Atlanta location will likely compete with fellow Beverly Hills import Sprinkles for shoppers'"snack" dollars.  

Cafe M. Rouge aka Moulon Rouge,  (in the old Cafe Intermezzo on Peachtree Road), has reportedly closed. Signage on the building announces that a new Spanish tapas restaurant will be opening in the space soon.  A number listed for the business rings through to what seems to be a residence and my request for comment went unanswered. It's my belief that the new business will be operated by the existing owners. 

A new location of Nashville, Tennessee-based I Love Juice Bar is coming to Johns Creek Promenade on Medlock Bridge Road in Johns Creek.  The new juice bar joins previously announced tenants Dunkin Donuts, Zoës Kitchen, Moe's Southwest Grill, The Original Mattress Factory, It's About Time, Salon Lofts, Jersey Mikes and Burger 21 in the new center.  Currently, there are I Love Juice Bar locations open in Suwanee on Old Peachtree Road near the new Taziki's Mediterranean Café, and in Toco Hills Promenade near Publix.  As previously announced here, there is also another I Love Juice Bar coming to the former Yoforia in Morningside.  

The Arby's at East Lake Shopping Center on Roswell Road will soon begin renovations.  The store, one of the more dated in the area, will receive an upgrade similar to that of the recently renovated Arby's on Howell Mill Road.  

In other Arby's news, a previously announced new location coming to downtown Atlanta will reportedly soon start construction.  The new Arby's will open at street level within 34 Park Tower at 34 Peachtree Street.  

A new, two-story liquor store called Citi Wine & Spirits will soon start construction at the corner of Carpenter Drive & Roswell Road in Sandy Springs.  The new store replaces what had most recently been vacant land at 5861 Roswell Road. 

Sweet Hut Bakery & Cafe is now open in Duluth on Pleasant Hill Road.  

The former Drury Inn on Jimmy Carter Boulevard is getting closer to becoming a Hampton Inn.  The hotel has been undergoing renovations for months but should be completed by late September, as that is when they are accepting reservations for.  

A new pizza shop called Pizzeria Lucca is being proposed at 96 Bulloch Avenue in Roswell.  

Chef Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow plans to open his newest restaurant, Revival, tonight on Church Street in Decatur. Revival replaces Harbour House Pub, a seafood-centric eatery that closed at the end of last year.  Revival will feature traditional southern fare.

Yet another "grocery store" is being proposed in Columbus, in Muscogee county.  The new store would be built at the intersection of Buena Vista and Floyd Roads.  As with previously mentioned"grocery stores," this store is being developed by Chattanooga-based Polestar, a developer often responsible for the development of new Walmart Neighborhood Market stores.   That being said, I'd say it's safe to assume this will ultimately turn out to be another Walmart Neighborhood Market store.  

Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop and Kale Me Crazy Headline Gateway Additions

July 24, 2015, 9:13 am

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Sandy Springs "Gateway" project lands three new tenants

The new 21-acre mixed-use "Gateway" project in Sandy Springs has officially secured leases with three new tenants.  

Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop, a Knoxville, Tennessee-based business, has leased a 1,530-square-foot space. (Hopefully this new business is not confused with Atlanta's Buttermilk Kitchen, a breakfast eatery, also on Roswell Road near the project.) Buttermilk Sky Pie sells pies that are handmade daily from scratch.   Buttermilk currently operates two locations in Knoxville as well an an online business.  The Sandy Springs location will be the chain's first out-of-state franchise but will open around the same time as another Tennessee franchise location in Franklin, just outside of Nashville.  

Atlanta's "upscale organic juice and smoothie bar" Kale Me Crazy has signed a lease for a  850-square-foot space.  This will mark Kale Me Crazy’s fourth location in the Atlanta market. Existing Kale Me Crazy locations are open in Inman Park and Decatur with other locations coming to Brookhaven and midtown.  

BLAST ELEVATE YOUR WORKOUT, a HIIT boutique fitness concept, is opening their flagship studio in a 2,765-square-foot space. This is a relocation of their Buckhead studio, currently at 56 East Andrews Drive.

In addition to these newly announced tenants, a number of other new-to-market and growing restaurants and retailers are slated to open in the project.  

PNC Bank, pH Wine Merchant, Spa Sydell and Luxury Nails will all reportedly open in the new center.  The center will also be home to three Mexican concepts, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Cheeky Mexican Taqueria and a new eatery from the Verde Taqueria group.  

Asheville's Tupelo Honey Cafe,  Birmingham's Urban Cookhouse, and yet another location of Phoenix, Arizona-based  Sprouts Farmers Market round out the expected openings.  Sprouts is currently scheduled to open September 2nd. 

A relocated CVS Pharmacy has already opened in the project. (The CVS relocated from Powers Ferry Square, about a mile south, in North Buckhead.) 

Overall, the 121,071-square-foot mixed-use development project consists of 630 apartment units, a 20,000-square-foot office component, and 100,000 square feet of commercial/retail space.  Gateway is located at the intersection of Roswell Road and Windsor Parkway in Sandy Springs.  (Work to better align Windsor Parkway has begun and can be seen from Roswell Road.)  

What are your thoughts on this upcoming development?  Will you shop at Sprouts in lieu of Whole Foods or The Fresh Market?  What new eatery are you most excited about?

Please share your thoughts below.  

Angry Chef Abandons Timone's, Last Service Sunday Evening

July 25, 2015, 3:18 am

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Morningside eatery to close, Diner next? 

Timone's,  "pizza, grocery, deli" will close after dinner service on Sunday, a little more than six months after reconcepting.   The closure announcement was posted yesterday to Timone's facebook page. Interestingly, although the Timone's facebook page has fewer followers than ToNeTo Atlanta's facebook page, seven people had "liked" the closure announcement:

"Hey folks, as many of you know, our “long, strange trip" at Timone’s has certainly been an interesting one. To say it has been a learning experience is definitely an understatement. And while we certainly had our "ups and downs" at Timone’s, I think that our efforts to try and make Timone’s work truly demonstrated our commitment to this beloved neighborhood. But unfortunately, we have arrived at a tough crossroads, and I have decided to close Timone’s. As not to focus on the negative here, one door closes and another opens; I think it’s time we take a step back, and focus on the core elements that initially defined our success here in Morningside. Rosebud and The Family Dog have undoubtedly been steadfast parts of this neighborhood, and while exploring other growth options is exciting, these two concepts reflect my personality like no other. Life brings many lessons; hopefully the hardest ones yield a level of clarity that allow you to return to your roots, and apply what you have indeed learned to these things and make them that much better. I look forward to seeing you soon enjoying our version of community as we serve it at Rosebud and The Family Dog. –Ron Eyester"

Timone's originally opened in July 2013, before closing for a few months in 2014 and eventually reopening this past January.  

When it first opened, Timone's replaced  short-lived waffle eatery Waffold, which itself had replaced short-lived burger joint Burger Tap.  (J.P. Kim, once of Yoforia, was responsible for both the waffle and burger concepts.)  

Caramba Cafe was the most popular occupant of the space, and they relocated to the Pencil Factory Lofts in 2010 after operating in Morningside since 1988. Caramba Cafe closed at the Pencil Factory Shops at the end of last year. 

In Morningside, Eyester operates Rosebud and The Family Dog, both popular restaurants in the neighborhood.  I say "in the neighborhood," as it's unclear that if you were to pit them against restaurants in a more competitive neighborhood, they would survive.  Eyester's food is ununspired and his persona better suited to a Bravo reality show or as a Joan Rivers replacement on Fashion Police.  

Top Chef viewers may recall that Chef Eyester was eliminated in week three of Season 12 of the popular show, making him one of the worst performing Atlanta-based chefs in the show's history. 

Interestingly, in Eyester's emotional closure comments, he makes no mention of his other troubled restaurant, Diner, at Atlantic Station.  

Diner was first announced in the spring of 2013 with a planned opening in December 2013.  The creatively named restaurant eventually opened this past March and was almost immediately panned by media and yelp critics alike.  

Among the more entertaining Yelp reviews:

"Everytime my bf & I go to this place, we say..."let's get there before it closes for good." It's almost as if they're attempting to fast track themselves to mediocrity."

Another user created an entire drinking game out of the terrible service she experienced.

---DINER DRINKING GAME--- 

Rules: everyone brings their drink of choice. I recommend something you can down a lot of.   

1. Upon arriving if there is no one at the hostess stand, drink while waiting until someone arrives.   

2. If your server says "I'll be right back to take your order"....IT'S A RACE! Send everyone but the person who suggested Diner out in Atlantic Station. See how many people can go to a different establishment, get served, take a shot, and come back before the server does. If you actually take longer than the server, drink. If everyone comes back before the server, the person left takes a shot.    

3. Power hour: take a sip on the minute every minute your tiny water glass goes empty.   

4. If two or more people verify that your dish is prepared poorly (burned food, way over salted, etc.) drink half your drink.   

5. Drink for every item you try to order that the server says is unavailable.   

6. Take a shot if your server tells you to come back at a different day/time because that time is when the "A-Team" is in the kitchen.  

7. Count how many times the menu refers to another restaurant. Take that many drinks.   

SOCIALS: - Every time someone in your party mentions that it's warm inside the restaurant.  - If your server blames anyone else (chef, manager, owner, etc) for the poor experience.  - If food is delivered without silverware

Another user said of his experience at Diner "This is one of the worst meals I have had in a long time!  Everything was terrible."

All in all, the theme seems to be high hopes lead into eventual letdown.  

You've heard my thoughts on Eyster and his restaurants, what do you think?  Can Diner survive? Are Rosebud and The Family Dog as mediocre as they seem?  Will you miss Timone's?

Please weigh in below.