Quantcast
Viewing all 3279 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

Anchor Down Grille & Lounge Quietly Drops Into Lindbergh

September 10, 2015, 10:10 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
New restaurant quietly opens.

Anchor Down Grille & Lounge is the latest eatery to open at the corner of Morosgo Drive and Piedmont Road near the Lindbergh MARTA station.  Anchor Down occupies the roughly 3,700 square foot freestanding restaurant that has previously housed a number of failed restaurants including Encore Restaurant Atmosphere, Infusion Bistro and Jenean’s Caribbean Bar & Grill.  

Anchor has its "soft" opening yesterday and will celebrate a "Grand Opening" next Wednesday, September 16th. A Facebook page dedicated to the grand opening described the establishment as follows:

"Completely decked out with a ship feel that'll have you feeling like your getting ready for an oceanic voyage - Anchor Down is the in-town mouthwatering staycation just a cruise away!"

According to the facebook page, Anchor Down is also somehow related to Anchor Bar, a bar and tattoo shop on Piedmont Avenue near Cheshire Bridge Road.  

"Anchor Bar - best known for it's amazing tattoo work & doubling as THE goto spot for action after your favorite Buckhead bars & nightclubs close - brings an all new twist to the restaurant scene as they built the next pillar of Buckhead with an sexy, upscale twist geared towards the nightlife elite close enough to walk - short enough for an ideal uber trip that'll have you wondering where you even started your night before!"

According to the Anchor Down website, the restaurant has a rather generic menu: 

"At Anchor Down Grille & Lounge in Atlanta, GA, we have a full menu, including: 

Appetizers 

Burgers 
Entrees 
Salads 
Sandwiches 
Side Orders 
Soups 
Vegetarian Options 

Whether you’re looking for something light or you came ready to eat, we’re the place to be."

I stopped by the restaurant for their soft opening and found the sample "menu" to be largely accurate with a few additions.  The restaurant offers both an 8 oz New York Strip ($22.95) and an 8 oz Filet Mignon ($30.95) as well as about a half dozen sandwich, salad and breakfast options.  

Overall, the menu and space lack originality, but heck, when you've just left Tongue & Groove or Gold Room and are drunk, who really cares?  

Does this place sound like an improvement over prior tenants in the space?  Does the description of this enterprise remind you of this place or that place?  If Anchor Down is unsuccessful, what would do you think would succeed in the space? 

Please share your thoughts below. 
↧
Search

Bits & Bites

September 15, 2015, 9:01 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Is Rooms To Go too high end for you? If so, you're in luck! Rooms 1-2-3 plans to open a new location in Sandy Springs. The mattress and furniture retailer, seemingly very similar to the Rooms To Go chain, will occupy the former Staples at The Prado on Roswell Road and plans to open by mid-October. The first Rooms 1-2-3 is located in Acworth on Highway 92 and occupies a former CVS Pharmacy. 

Quiksilver has filed for bankruptcy protection and will close about 20% of its stores.  Quiksilver USA, a separate entity from the Europe/Asia divisions, is the division that filed for bankruptcy.  Domestically, Quiksilver operates 127 stores under the Quiksilver, Roxy, and DC (a skateboarding brand) monikers.   The company plans to close 27 stores, affecting all brands, as well as their "factory outlets." 

Casa Grande Mexican Grill has opened on the East-West Connector in Austell.  The freestanding nearly 7,000 square foot restaurant is operated by the same group behind Marietta Diner, Cherokee Cattle Co. and Marietta Fish Market.  The restaurant, in an outparcel of the 22 screen Regal Cinemas, was built as Roadhouse Grill, but was most recently Stella's Neighborhood Grill.

Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A will celebrate the opening of its newest Atlanta area location October 7th on Shallowford Road in Marietta.  The freestanding restaurant will open at 6AM on the 7th before which the company will award an electronic card good for 52 #1 combo meals to guests who wait in line for 24 hours ahead of the opening.  The promotion, called "First 100," is now limited to those living within select zip codes near the restaurant.  The included zip closed for the Marietta opening have not yet been published.  

A new Family Dollar is planned for the 7000 block of Covington Highway in Lithonia.  The nearly 9,200 square foot, freestanding building should be completed by early next year.  

A Mrs. Winner's location that has been closed for years near Greenbriar Mall plans to reopen next month.  The Mrs. Winner's on Headland Drive in East Point had been closed since 2012.  According to the Mrs. Winner's website there are just three locations still in existence in Georgia, a market they, and fellow chicken chain Church's, used to dominate.  

Krispy Kreme will celebrate the grand reopening of its Marietta location on Cobb Parkway tomorrow, September 17th, at 6AM.  The first 25 customers in line will receive a punch card for one free dozen Original Glazed doughnuts each month for one year. 

Fred DeLuca, co-founder of Subway, died Monday night at age 67.  DeLuca, who in 1965 at age 17 borrowed $1,000 to open a sandwich shop in Bridgeport, Connecticut to help pay for college, parlayed that experience into building Subway. With an estimated $18 billion in revenue in 2012 (a Forbes estimate as the company is privately held) and over 44,000 locations worldwide, Subway is the world’s largest chain of fast-food franchises.  
↧
↧

Dunkin' Donuts Delivering a New Donut Destination to Doraville

September 16, 2015, 9:01 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Donut shop coming to Doraville.


Canton, Massachusetts-based Dunkin' Donuts plans to open a new location in the 5800 block of Buford Highway in Doraville.  The donut shop will feature a dining room and drive-thru window.  Dunkin' will open in place of a one-time Wendy's restaurant that had most recently been various Asian eateries.  

The new Dunkin' is a stone's throw from a Krispy Kreme which opened in late 2013 

Doraville has been a popular area for new fast food and quick serve eateries over the past few years.  McDonald's, Zaxby's, Waffle House, and Krispy Kreme have all opened while a new Bojangles' is expected to open late this year.  

Dunkin' Donuts has been busy in both the metro Atlanta area and surrounding cities adding new locations, many equipped with drive-thru windows.  Among the new Dunkin' locations are those on the westside, Tucker, Suwanee, Carrollton, Newnan, Marietta, and Midtown.
↧

You are Guaranteed to Find a "High Class Hooker" at This New Buckhead Cocktail Club

September 17, 2015, 11:03 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The inside of Supply & Demand 
New cocktail club set to open tonight in Buckhead

Supply & Demand, a 1920s themed cocktail club, is scheduled to open tonight on Cains Hill Place in Buckhead. The new establishment has set up shop in the 1,500 square foot basement of Churchill's British Pub.  

Supply & Demand is being opened by Brandon Lewis of Buckhead's Midtown's Establishment bar.  Establishment closed on Peachtree Road earlier this summer, and will reopen at Colony Square in midtown next month.

Lewis provided me the following statement describing Supply & Demand:

 "From the group that delivered Establishment comes an exclusive enigmatic drinking experience dedicated offering the city's most rare alcohol tasting experiences."

Supply & Demand will feature limited food offerings such as a warm mini pretzel with aioli and maple glazed peanuts &  bacon. 

The cocktail menu sports some interesting concoctions and themed names. Among those I found most intriguing, from the name perspective alone, were the "Olde Money" / Old Fashioned - Choice of bourbon or rye, Angostura bitters, sugar cube and citrus,  the "Gordon Gecko" Rittenhouse Rye, Cynar, Amaro Maletti and Xocolatl Mole Bitters and the "High Class Hooker" - Montenegro, lime juice and ginger beer. 


Supply & Demand will operate independently of Churchill's, which according to its website has been in business since 1974.   Supply & Demand's ownership has invited an exclusive list of lucky individuals to become "members" of the business.  It's likely that some members will be added, but as of now, it is rather exclusive. Membership privileges will include complimentary valet parking and invitations to exclusive events and tastings, among others. 

Plans call for Supply & Demand to be open seven days a week, starting at 5PM on weekdays and 7PM on weekends. Supply & Demand will remain open daily until 2:30AM. 
↧

Things Are Not so Sweet For Pie Shop in Virginia Highland

September 17, 2015, 11:08 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Pie Shop to close in Virginia Highland?

A few short months after opening, Pie Shop has reportedly been issued a notice to vacate in Virginia Highland.  Shop owner Mims Bledsoe opened the VaHi outpost this past June after months of delays in permitting and buildout. 

A "For Lease" sign was observed in the window of the business Thursday afternoon despite an employee stating that they were not closing.  

A local source confirmed that the shop will in fact close, although they did not know how soon that would happen. Local residents I contacted indicated that the business maintained rather strange hours whereby one could not be assured they'd be open for business.  Additionally, unlike neighboring Cacao which recently revamped to become Cacao Cafe, adding more than just their core chocolate items, Pie Shop basically stuck with pie and coffee. As rent is paid 24/7, 365, one would think ownership would have thought of ways to better utilize the space to maximize its visibility and foot traffic by perhaps carrying more grab- and-go type items or expanding their beverage selection.  


Bledsoe, who resides in Virginia-Highland, opened the first Pie Shop in 2011 in Buckhead.  I'm told the Buckhead location,  at 3210 Roswell Road and hidden from view, with likely below market rent, is in no danger of closing and will remain open.    
↧
↧

Burger King (and Friends) Bring Peace to Atlanta

September 20, 2015, 9:01 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Burger King's "Peace Day Burger" to be available exclusively in at one Atlanta area location starting at 11 AM. 

In case you missed it, Miami-based Burger King IS going forward with its previously announced "Peace Day Burger," and is still opening it in Atlanta, but without the cooperation of Oak Brook, Illinois-based McDonald's.

The "pop up" restaurant will be located adjacent to Burger King's existing restaurant t 1122 Northside Drive, a few feet from an existing McDonald's. The pop up restaurant will be located to the rear of the restaurant's parking lot, close to Hemphill Avenue.     

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The location, a franchised restaurant, was selected when the plan was to include McDonald's, as it was centrally located between the headquarters of McDonald's and Burger King.  Additionally, the Burger King restaurant sports the chain's more contemporary look, having been extensively renovated a few years ago.  

While news of the promotion has been extensively covered in national media, little attention has been given locally (thus far) to the fact that the event will take place in Atlanta.  The location is close to CNN, Georgia Tech and the CBS local affiliate, WGCL CBS 46, so I would think at least one of them will have coverage of the event.  

I made a number of trips to Burger King between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning to chronicle the "pop up" eatery coming to life.  

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Executives from the other participating restaurants go over plans and processes in Burger King's kitchen 
As of 5 PM on Sunday, there was nothing to be seen on site and the only building permit on file with the city of Atlanta was for a "40 KW generator (grounded)" dated September 16th.  I did observe what looked to be executives from the other participating restaurants being given a brief rundown of the operation and the Burger King kitchen adjacent to where the event will take place.   
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The pre-fab pop up restaurant sits wrapped atop a flatbed trailer on Hemphill Avenue 
The restaurant started to take shape around 11:30 PM when a tent and other event supplies arrived. Also nearby, but not yet set up, was the pop up itself, sitting wrapped atop a tractor trailer. 

On my follow up trip to the restaurant at about 6:15 AM this morning, the pop up was in place, and there were a number of people working to prepare it for the day.  

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.


Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Pop Up restaurant progress at 6:30AM Monday 
The Hemphill Avenue access to the restaurant will be closed to all traffic, as will Burger King's Drive-Thru given the congestion that is expected.

The restaurant will serve "free" burgers today, September 21st, starting at 11 AM and will continue serving until 6 PM or until they run out.  

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Burger King District Leader Dana Squire sports a "Peace Maker" shirt in celebration of the World Peace Day
Guests will “pay” for their "Peace Day Burger" by declaring with whom they’ll “settle the beef.” 

Burger King first proposed its Peace Day partnership August 26 to temporarily join forces with its biggest competitor — McDonald’s — to drive awareness for World Peace Day, September 21.  
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Signage warns attendees not to park or loiter across "enemy" lines 
The proposal was simple: partner to serve the “McWhopper,” a burger combining the best of each brand’s signature burgers from a single pop-up restaurant in Atlanta (a location equidistant to both Burger King and McDonald’s headquarters.)  McDonald’s new CEO Steve Easterbrook declined the public offer, adding "A simple phone call will do next time."


Following McDonald's refusal, Burger King announced  September 1 it would instead partner with Krystal, Denny’s, Giraffas, and Wayback Burgers for the charitable event. 


Of the new partners, two are headquartered in the south.  Krystal is based in Sandy Springs, having relocated to the Atlanta suburb in 2013, after calling Chattanooga, Tennessee home since 1932.  Denny's is based in Spartanburg, South Carolina, about three hours from Atlanta.  

Lesser known Giraffas and Wayback Burgers are based in Brazil and Cheshire, Connecticut respectively.  Giraffas' only domestic presence is a handful of locations in central and south Florida. Wayback Burgers has a single location in Savannah, Georgia with a second coming later this year to Braselton.  
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
A giant peace sign attached to a table that will provide a dining area for patrons 
While the specific Atlanta location of the pop up was chosen given its proximity to the neighboring McDonald's, it's also across the street from now participating restaurant, Krystal.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
A tent in the Krystal parking lot will reportedly serve as a mini kitchen to prepare patties for inclusion in the Peace Day Burger 

A large tent was seen in the parking lot of Krystal that will reportedly be used to prep their burger patties for inclusion in the Peace Day Burger.  

The other participating restaurants will reportedly have food trucks along Hemphill to prepare their portions of the burger.

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

The burger will include elements of the Burger King's Whopper, Denny's Bacon Slamburger, Wayback's Wayback Classic, Krystal's cheese Krystal, and Giraffas' Brutus.  The companies said they will also make an unspecified donation to the group Peace One Day.

The pop up will serve only the Peace Day Burger, with drinks and condiments available for sale inside the Burger King restaurant.  

Surprisingly, Wendy's, seen by most as one of the top three fast food burger players along with Burger King and McDonald's, was neither offered inclusion in the Peace Day promotion, nor did they publicly express a desire to participate.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
"The King" extends an olive branch to its burger business brethren 
For its part, McDonald's announced Sunday that they are leading a "multi-million dollar" advertising campaign to promote the United Nations World Food Programme and benefit refugees of conflicts in the Middle East. 

Although I made multiple visits to the restaurant in advance of the promotion, my bill-paying job will prevent me from attending the event itself. If you are like me, you can still get in on the conversation by using hashtag #PeaceOneDay.  

Will you make an effort to get your hands on a Peace Day Burger?  What do you make of McDonald's recent announcement and Wendy's apparently exclusion?  Would you still like to see a McWhopper created?

Please share your thoughts below 
↧

Willy's Mexicana Grill Plans to Roll Out Two New Locations

September 21, 2015, 9:01 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Willy's Mexicana Grill adding two new locations.

Atlanta-based Willy's Mexicana Grill has signed leases for two new locations.  Each location will make use of a former restaurant.  Consequently, each location is slated to open soon. Willy's will open a new location in Roswell and will add a second location in Kennesaw.  

In Kennesaw, Willy's will open in place of Ray's Pizza on Chastain Road at The Village at Townpark.  This marks the second time that Willy's has taken over a former Ray's, having previously opened in the the former Ray's at Sandy Springs Plaza on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The Kennesaw location is 2,986 square feet and should open in late October.  Willy's already operates a Kennesaw location on Barrett Parkway at Cobb Place shopping center.  

In Roswell, Willy's will do something rather extraordinary: they will open in a soon-to-be-vacated Moe's Southwest Grill. The local Moe's franchisee has apparently found what he considers a better location about a mile away, and will reopen there soon.  The existing Moe's space is about 2,500 square feet and is located on West Crossville Road in Stonebridge Station, across the street from the Trader Joe's-anchored Roswell Crossing center.  Willy's plans to be open in Roswell by late November.  


The West Paces Ferry Road Willy's recently reopened after an extensive remodel that brought the popular location many of the design elements in the new Druid Hills and Brookhaven locations.  

This year, Willy's celebrated 20 years in business and has laid out plans to continue to grow the business.  Currently, the chain has 25 locations throughout Georgia.   A single franchised location in Gainesville, Florida which opened in late 2011, closed last spring.  

Encouraged by their success in Peachtree City, look for other OTP Willy's locations to open in the coming years.  

Where would you most like to see Willy's open next?  What is your favorite Willy's location?  Are you a fan of the recent renovations?

Please share your thoughts below. 
↧

Bits & Bites

September 22, 2015, 9:01 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Taste of Atlanta will celebrate its 14th year this weekend with three days of fun and food in midtown Atlanta at Tech Square. The festival will offer food from nearly 100 Atlanta area restaurants including some that are not yet open. Among them, Mercury (from The Pinewood team), coming soon to Ponce City Market, and Noble Fin (from the 4th & Swift team), coming soon to Peachtree Corners, will both offer tastes from their upcoming restaurants.  Also this year, the festival will make use of new RFID enabled wristbands in lieu of printed tickets and taste coupons.  

London-based Bubbleology, which serves bubble tea, will debut its U.S. flagship café at Lenox Square in early November.  The Lenox Square location will open on the mall's main level, near Victoria's Secret.  Bubbleology will also open a second location at Mall of Georgia in Buford later the same month.  Each of the locations will be kiosks, similar to those operated by Starbucks.  The Lenox Square and Mall of Georgia locations will be the first two the chain opens in the U.S.

Family Dollar in Oakhurst is currently having a liquidation sale as it prepares to close and reopen as a Dollar Tree.   

Kansas-based Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opened its newest Atlanta area location this past Sunday, September 20 in Conyers.  The restaurant is located on Highway 20 in front of Publix in The Village at Millers Chapel. Freddy's made its Atlanta area debut last summer in McDonough at South Point.  Shortly thereafter, the chain opened a location in Athens at Epps Bridge Center.

Pub 71 in Brookhaven Station on Peachtree Road has reopened after being closed for about a day due to an undisclosed "insurance issue." 


A new Bank of America branch is taking shape on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs just north of Hammond Drive. The new branch is being built in place of a shuttered and since demolished KFC location.  


The Hardee's / Red Burrito at Abernathy and Roswell Roads is closed due to a fire. Signage on the restaurant indicates ownership does intend to reopen but did not furnish any expected timetable.  The fire appears to have started in the kitchen and affected portions of the dining room and main entrance.  

Tuesday Morning plans to open a new location at Parkaire Landing shopping center in East Cobb on October 16. The off-price retailer closed its store at nearby The Fountains of Olde Towne, as that entire center is being redeveloped for Northside Hospital.  The new Tuesday Morning will be about 10,000 square feet and is located in a space to the right of Kroger.  
↧
Search

Del Taco Secures Site in Milton

September 24, 2015, 9:08 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Mexican chain planned for Milton.

Lake Forest, California based Del Taco plans to open a new restaurant in Milton next year.  The new freestanding restaurant would be built in an outparcel of an existing ALDI store on Highway 9, across from the Super Target-anchored Deerfield Place.  

Del Taco has been looking to enter the Alpharetta/Milton area for about a year, but I finally received confirmation of this location this week.  There are no hard dates for either construction or opening, but I expect the location will open in the first half of next year.

Del Taco marked its third return to the Atlanta market with their hugely successful opening in Snellville in 2012.  Since then, the chain has added locations in Kennesaw, Marietta, Smyrna (2), East Cobb, Columbus and Woodstock.  Each location is open 24/7, and it's expected that the Milton location will have the same hours.  

As I mentioned earlier this month, a new Del Taco is also coming to McDonough on Georgia Highway 20, across from the South Point shopping center.  

Where would you like next for a Del Taco to open?  Are you, like me, still waiting for a return of El Pollo Loco?  Are you a fan of the new Taco Bell breakfast menu?  

Please share your thoughts below. 
↧
↧

Buckhead Atlanta Tweaks Name, Reminds People They are a Shopping Destination

September 25, 2015, 11:35 am
$
0
0

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Buckhead Atlanta now "The Shops Buckhead Atlanta"

Having recently celebrated the one year mark since their first tenants opened, Buckhead Atlanta has added "The Shops" to its name. (Shops Around Lenox already exists)  This is now the fourth name change for the Buckhead mega project. 

As of this afternoon, the project's website, facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram had all been updated to reflect the new name. 

(Multiple phone calls to the Concierge at the project seeking confirmation as to when exactly the change took place went unanswered earlier this afternoon.) 

Originally conceived by local developer Ben Carter as "Buckhead Avenues" in 2006 Carter subsequently changed the project's name to "The Streets of Buckhead." That name change was prompted by a complaint by fellow developer Cousins Properties who contended the project would be confused with their "The Avenue" retail projects.  

Following the financial crisis that adversely affected Carter's ability to secure financing between 2007-2009, San Diego-based OliverMcMillan purchased the site from Ben Carter Properties in 2011.  

OliverMcMillan tweaked the original plans for the project, eliminated the previously planned two hotels, and claimed that rather than upscale restaurants, the development would target local chefs.

By most accounts, Buckhead Atlanta has largely struggled to get its retail off the ground.  Christian Louboutin, Hermes and Warby Parker are reportedly the strongest performers, while others like diptyque, Brunello Cucinelli and Theory have labored to find an audience.  

As far as restaurants go, the project includes only two local concepts: Gyspy Kitchen and The Southern Genteman, both from Atlanta-based Southern Proper Hospitality.  The other restaurants represent a "Noah's Ark" sort of scenario where three out-of-state operators each operate a pair of concepts. New York-based LDV Hospitality operates Corso Coffee and Dolce Italian and will soon open American Cut and The Regent Cocktail Club. Dallas, Texas-based Raised Palate Restaurants (fka Consilient Restaurants) operates both Thirteen Pies and American Food & Beverage. Miami, Florida-based Aoki Group operates both Doraku, a sushi restaurant, and Qing Mu, a noodle bar.    

Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza have both upgraded their dining and retail options over the past few years as Simon and OliverMcMillan have waged an advertising war touting their respective tenant lineups.  

Most readers I've spoken to about The Shops Buckhead Atlanta cite the lack of an anchor and the paid parking deck as dampening their interest in the project.

A year in, what are your thoughts on The Shops Buckhead Atlanta?  What needs to be added or changed about the project to entice you not only to visit, but to shop?  If you have been to Ponce City Market, Avalon and The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, which is your favorite and why? 

Please share your thoughts below.    
↧

Taka Sushi to Say Sayonara in 16: Redevelopment to Blame?

September 27, 2015, 7:55 am
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Chef Taka Moriuchi of Taka restaurant 
Popular Buckhead sushi restaurant to close

Taka Sushi, located on Pharr Road in Buckhead, announced yesterday via facebook that it will close in February 2016.  Opened by Japan native Taka Moriuchi in 2002, Taka offers authentic Japanese fare in a casual setting. Unlike more recent Buckhead additions like Tomo and Umi, and to a lesser extent MF Sushi, (which closed in 2012) , Taka features great food without the upscale finishes present at the newer eateries.  

Morichi hinted at his property possibly being part of a larger redevelopment of the area.   He also indicated that he is not ready to retire and that he is looking for a new location, saying  "It is still too early to retire and want to stay a couple of years more here in Atlanta.  Looking for a new location but not easy right now."

The full announcement: 

"Say good by to Atlanta? our evacuation date is at the end of February 2016.  It is all about development. Old buildings are going to demolish and new buildings are built. I opened Taka Sushi in 2002. And I will close the door in 2014 2016. I think I do a good job here in Atlanta. I had no skill of making sushi and Japanese food in Japan. Maybe I was a just lucky guy. I met Soto Kosugi in 1995. We never expected he became famous chef. And I met Pano in 1999. I feel meeting people is very important. I never imagined opening my own restaurant but I made it. I worked hard daily. And I made some money for the future. It's tiny American dream but I achieved. So, it's not bad over all.  It is still too early to retire and want to stay a couple of years more here in Atlanta.  Looking for a new location but not easy right now. Many developments but not much spaces because of good economy. I feel it is just like 2006 situation and over supply of housing market. But this is a big stream and cannot so anything. We will see it. I am driving later to find vacant spaces. Thanks."

I, for one, will miss Taka and its charm, and am sad to see yet another local business close.  

Where is your favorite place for sushi in Buckhead?  What do you think will replace Taka in Buckhead?  Are you, like me, worried about the seemingly endless apartment developments planned for Buckhead, and the greater metro area?  

Please share your thoughts below.
↧

MAX's Wine Dive Becomes Latest Eatery to Tank in Midtown

September 28, 2015, 6:29 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
MAX's Wine Dive to close in midtown
MAX's Wine Dive is closing its midtown Atlanta restaurant tonight.  The restaurant, part of Houston, Texas-based Lasco Enterprises, opened in May of last year as part of the 12th & Midtown development at 77 12th Street.

MAX's, a wine bar and restaurant, went through a number of chefs over its short life in Atlanta, including opening chef Jason Hall, previously of Saltyard and Livingston Restaurant.

The restaurant announced their closure via their facebook page saying: 

"After careful consideration we have made the difficult decision to close MAX's Wine Dive in Atlanta. Thank you for being loyal fans and supporting the restaurant over the past 15 months."

Until 8PM today, guests can "purchase your favorite wines remaining in our inventory at our lowest retail pricing ever offered. Come when you can, at these prices, our wines are sure to go fast.  

If you have any questions, please email us at infoATL1@maxswinedive.com. Thanks again ATL, we'll miss you!"

MAX's will continue to operate locations in Houston (2), Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth and Denver. 

MAX's is the latest out-of-town restaurant to find Atlanta, and midtown specifically, a difficult market in which to succeed.  New York-based 5 Napkin Burger shuttered their restaurant at 10th & Piedmont Streets in 2012, about a year after opening.  Polish restaurant operator AmRest shuttered their La Tagliatella restaurant at  at 8th & Peachtree Streets in 2014, just over a year after opening.  Irving, Texas-based M Crowd Restaurant Group scrapped their plans for Taco Diner at 12th & Midtown last year.  The group already operates sibling restaurant Mi Cocina at 1010 Midtown but given its struggles, opted to cut its losses and not even open a second concept.  Italy-based Piola, a pizzeria, also closed in 1010 Midtown after about a four year run.  

Miami-based Lime Fresh Mexican Grill has easily been the worst performing out of town restaurant in recent memory.  The fast casual Mexican eatery opened and closed three locations in midtown, south Buckhead, and Buckhead between 2012 and 2013. 

Norwalk, Connecticut-based Barteca Holdings has easily been the best performing out-of-town restaurant group. Operators of Barcelona Wine Bar and bartaco, the group now has three bartaco locations open (Buckhead, westside and Inman Park) in addition to one Barcelona in Inman Park and a second opening soon on the Westside. By all accounts, they just "do it right" and each location is performing well.  An industry insider even indicated that Barteca is considering moving its corporate headquarters to the metro Atlanta area given its presence and success.  

What would you like to see replace MAX's in midtown?  Why do you think MAX's, or others, have failed to find success in Atlanta?  What out-of-town restaurant would you like to see expand to metro Atlanta?

Please share your thoughts below.  
↧

Bantu Translates to Failure at Avalon, New Concept in the Works

September 29, 2015, 8:29 am
$
0
0

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Bantu has closed at Avalon

Bantu, an "Asian fusion" quick serve eatery in Avalon in Alpharetta, has closed.  The restaurant, which opened last fall, closed recently but the closure went unnoticed until my friend Jennifer of Gluten Free Go-To Guide noted it today.  A second location of Bantu, which I announced in January was planned for Viewpoint in midtown, is wisely no longer in the works. 

Bantu marks the first restaurant closure at the project and second tenant to close following C. Wonder's short stint at the project last year.  Another retailer, Boston Proper, simply didn't open their previously announced store at Avalon.  

In  place of Bantu, "Branch & Barrel, craft kitchen & bar " is scheduled to open in early 2016.  

Branch & Barrel will be led by local chef Todd Hogan of Cumming's Branchwater Restaurant. While I was furnished a potential menu for the restaurant, it does not list prices. (Nor does the online Bantu menu, so hey, at least they are consistent.)   The menu leans heavily towards southern inspired dishes, a stark contrast from the prior concept. 

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.


Why do you think Bantu fared so poorly? Do you think they could have done better elsewhere, or was the concept just bad?  Do you think Branch & Barrel, with a completely different menu, will succeed?

Please share your thoughts below.  
↧
↧

With Business Lagging, The Angry Chef Turns Sentimental?

September 29, 2015, 3:00 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Trouble in Morningside?

A number of readers have contacted me regarding rumors of Ron Eyester's restaurants (The Family Dog, Rosebud and Diner) each being in trouble.  The Family Dog and Rosebud allegedly lost their liquor license while Diner, open since March, apparently had yet to obtain theirs.  This past July, Eyster's restaurant group, Grateful Tables, shuttered its Timone's eatery... for a second time.  

It's no secret I don't think much of Eyester or his restaurants following one of the worst restaurant experiences of my life at The Family Dog.  Eyester and I famously got into a "twitter war" in early 2013 when it was announced that he was opening Diner at Atlantic Station.  The spat was chronicled by Creative Loafing. 

Among Eyester's more notable tweets were ones in which he questions my qualifications: 

"What qualifies u to warn people about the pitfalls of possible restaurant ventures? #DoTell" 

And another where he calls me out for typing my observations: 

"Easy to put up a fight behind the keyboard in your parent's basement."

Earlier today, Eyester penned a rather heartfelt message, distributed to his email list and posted on his restaurants' facebook pages, detailing the state of his restaurants.  One female reader who contacted me about the post likened it to "a drunken plea letter someone sends to an ex." 

"I remember standing in the middle of North Highland Avenue on a late January night in 2005 just staring in amazement at the newly renovated Food 101.  It was bitter cold, and I remember laughing at how quite unimpressive our exterior sign was in comparison to the lavish build-out the interior had just received.  In fact, I also remember how after years of sheer neglect the wisteria had literally overtaken the circus-like tent that used to cover the patio.  I remember in the weeks that followed, some folks just freaking out about us removing that wisteria.   It took some time to get adjusted to Morningside...And to this day we still haven't quite figured out that patio.    

During those days, I was just the chef and a sweat equity partner (a lot of sweat); but I had a foot in the door and I formed a connection to this space that has never been rivaled by another restaurant space in which I've set foot.  For the next decade it would be a thrill to unlock the front doors each morning of this iconic restaurant space (did you know that Indigo and Partners used to be here); I've always been especially grateful for the mornings in which I was greeted with the rich aromas of a simmering chicken stock.   Fast forward about 4 years, some good, some not so good; I find myself ready for the next steps of a budding restaurateur, and take on a more significant piece of ownership.  Although a trying process, with the guidance of my former 101 partners/mentors and the faithful investment of a local neighbor; my creativity and passion blossomed further and ultimately Rosebud was brought to life.  Most of you know the rest of the tale, The Family Dog bursts onto the scene in 2010 (damn, what's in that mason jar drink), Morningside has it's own bar and people laugh about how often I'm seen crossing the street.  The long strange trip continues and then comes Titanic Pizza...I mean Timone's Pizza.    

Now for the current chapter.

The intention of this letter is not to venture down memory lane, nor is it an attempt to evoke sympathy.  I really just wanted to take some time to reach out to everyone and let you know what indeed is going on, because I am more than the aware of many of the rumors circulating.   In this day and age, we're all accustomed to giving and receiving information almost instantaneously and I think we've always done a great job at staying engaged with you all and I really believe that our willingness and ability to share information with you all removed a certain barrier that might exist between guests and the help in an ordinary setting.  We have truly cultivated a unique and genuine environment here on North Highland Avenue, and no matter what our fate, we'll always be grateful for that.  

It's no secret we're struggling...we ended biting off more than we can chew.  We ended up encountering some scenarios that we obviously could not have and did not forecast.  After all, who the fuck closes the same restaurant twice...This guy!  And who likes discussing matters of this nature anyway.  Well, it's time to share some details. What once was a haven of consistency and stability is now somewhat a tumultuous road of uncertainty and sometimes, unpleasant surprises.  And while we have endured more than you can imagine, we have suffered a series of consequences.  Nonetheless, it's our current state of reality and we are dealing with it, everyday.  What's the final outcome going to be?  I wish I knew...But no matter what transpires, I am making every plausible effort to preserve what we have established and maintained for many years now.   I thank you for the continued support and vibrant sense of community that we have all helped create over the years.  And I thank my entire staff, both past and present...none of the success that we have enjoyed could have ever been imagined without your tireless efforts to bring my ideas to life...Thank you!"  -Ron Eyester

What are your thoughts on Ron Eyester and the state of his restaurants?  Did he do too much, too soon?  Did you find his twitter persona that at times called out guests' personal appearance and openly griped about patrons, offputting?  

Please share your thoughts below.   
↧

Bits & Bites

September 29, 2015, 9:01 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Intimacy at Phipps Plaza has been rebranded Rigby & Peller.  Intimacy, which was started by Susan Nethero at Phipps Plaza in 1992, is today majority owned by Belgium-based Van de Velde N.V. Within the past couple of weeks, the company has rebranded the Intimacy chain as Rigby & Peller.  The Rigby & Peller brand has a rich history in the U.K. and has been around for over 75 years.  Both Intimacy and Rigby & Peller are owned by Van de Velde N.V.  Rigby & Peller still provides a luxury lingerie experience but has tweaked the product mix and price points of the store's merchandise.  Additionally, the store carries  Saxx, a Canadian line of men's underwear. 

A new Holiday Inn Express is planned for Covington on Lochridge Boulevard in Newton county.  The hotel is slated to be six stories with 110 rooms and an outdoor pool.  

Charley's Philly Steaks plans to open a new location in the food court of Mall of Georgia in Buford.  The Columbus, Ohio-based chain operates a number of locations in Georgia including eateries in Lenox Square, North Point Mall and Arbor Place Mall.  

Chick-fil-A on Piedmont Road at Sidney Marcus plans to close October 1 for a renovation. The restaurant, a former Hardee's, was just renovated a few years ago, so it's a little odd to see it go under the knife again so soon.  A sign at the restaurant announcing the renovation indicates they will reopen "in November." 


The Chevron at Peachtree Road and Peachtree Hills Avenue is also undergoing an extreme makeover.  The convenience store portion of the gas station was demolished earlier this week.   No word on when the station will be fully functional again.  


New locations of both Dunkin' Donuts and Bojangles'are planned for the 3200 block of Keith Bridge Road in Cumming.  The two restaurants will share a roughly two acre parcel.  

Greensboro, North Carolina-based The Fresh Market plans to open its new location on Woodstock Road in Roswell  on October 21st. The new 24,000 square foot specialty grocery store replaces a shuttered Staples in Roswell Corners shopping center.  The Roswell store is the chain's 14th in the state with a 15th planned for Snellville next year.  

Sushi House Hayakawa closed as of September 28th for remodeling. The announcement was made via a YouTube video but no reopening date or timetable was provided.  

A number of new retailers are listed as "coming soon" on the Westside Provisions District website. Eyewear retailer Warby Parker is one of those listed as coming soon, marking the chain's second store in Atlanta.  Their first is in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.  

New to market retailer Roberta Roller Rabbit is also listed as coming soon.  "Roberta Roller Rabbit immerses customers in a delightful world of colors, prints and textures with a plethora of products, including clothing for men, women, and children, as well as accessories and home furnishings. Their new Atlanta shop will open this fall at WSPD."

Another new to market brand, Lilith, will also reportedly open in the westside development. With existing boutiques in New York and San Francisco, Lilith features women's clothing, shoes and accessories.  

Also, Buzzi Space, a Belgium-based office furniture and furnishings retailer will open at Westside Provisions as well.  The "Buzzi Boutique" will likely open in place of the company's existing showroom on nearby Logan Circle.   
↧
Search

Sweet Hut Sets its Sights on Store in Kennesaw

September 30, 2015, 9:01 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
The original Sweet Hut on Buford Highway in Doraville 
Asian bakery & cafe coming to Kennesaw 

Sweet Hut Bakery & Cafe plans to open a new location off Ernest Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw. The new Sweet Hut will be located in an outparcel of the Walmart-anchored Town Center Market shopping center on Chastain Meadows Parkway.  I first heard talk of a planned Kennesaw location earlier this year, but a deal to bring the cafe further into the burbs was made final this week.    

The chain, which started on Buford Highway in Doraville in 2012, has since added locations at the Metropolis on Peachtree Street in Midtown, and most recently in Duluth at 2180 Pleasant Hill Boulevard.

Sweet Hut features a variety of Asian pastries, beverages, and cakes.  Now, according to their website, they also offer assorted hot and cold sandwiches at their midtown location.  

Sweet Hut locations in Doraville and Duluth are within close proximity of heavy Asian populations, while the midtown location is close to Georgia Tech and robust daytime office traffic.  It will be interesting to see if Sweet Hut can duplicate their success in a market such as Kennesaw.  Walmart and Town Center Market are frequented by Kennesaw State students, so with luck they become fans of Sweet Hut's offerings.

Irving Jacobson and Steve Josovitz of The Shumacher Group, Inc. represented Sweet Hut Bakery & Cafe in their purchase of the 1.233 acre parcel.  According to Josovitz, the "ground up, state-of-the art" Kennesaw Sweet Hut is planned to be 6,000 square feet, double the size of the Midtown location.  

Construction should start before the end of the year with an opening likely late in the second quarter of 2016.  

Are you a fan of Sweet Hut?  Do you think residents of Kennesaw will take a liking to Sweet Hut's unique offerings? Where would you like to see Sweet Hut open next?

Please share your thoughts below.  
↧

Hobby Lobby and Dick's to Headline New Retail Project in Tucker

October 4, 2015, 9:01 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Northlake to get new retail center

Ben F. Kushner Co. plans to begin demolition in the coming weeks of an office park in Tucker that will be replaced by a new retail center.  "The Meridian at Tucker" will be 200,000 square feet, replacing the 285,000 square foot La Vista Office Park, a one and two-story office park built in 1973.  The 25 acre parcel sits at the corner of Northlake Parkway and LaVista Road, just off I-285.  As it stands now, the parcel, 2175 Northlake Parkway, has access to both Northlake Parkway and LaVista Road.  

I've followed this project for nearly a year during which at least one lawsuit was brought by neighbors fearing an increase in traffic and decrease in home values.  

Thus far, Dick's Sporting Goods, DSW, ROSS Dress For Less and Hobby Lobby have been confirmed as anchor tenants at the new center.  A source indicates that an all important Mattress Firm has also recently committed to the center.  

Hobby Lobby will be the largest tenant at 50,000 square feet followed by Dick's Sporting Goods at 45,000 square feet. ROSS Dress For Less will be 25,000 square feet with DSW slated to be 16,000 square feet.  

The new ROSS Dress For Less marks the chain's return to the Northlake area having previously operated at nearby Northlake Festival over twenty years ago.

The new Dick's could spell trouble for Sports Authority who operates an existing, but dated, store on Northlake Parkway, behind Northlake Mall.  

The project is located in what would become the new City of Tucker.  The parcel sits across the street from The Old Hickory House and is currently home to one and two story offices. 

Many in the neighborhood are hopeful that the new center will spur interest in existing, but underperforming, retail centers in the area.  Northlake Festival and Northlake Mall, both former regional hubs, have both fallen on hard times as anchors have closed, and shoppers have departed for other malls and centers.  

Northlake Festival, built in 1984, is probably in worse shape than the mall, as it has lost virtually all of its anchor tenants. Most recently, Toys R Us, a landmark in the mall for two decades, closed its store at Northlake Festival this past January.  

A local source with knowledge of "The Meridian" indicated that the plan is to "deliver" the spaces to tenants next summer, with openings planned in advance of the year's holiday shopping season.

What shops or restaurants would you like to see added to the roster at The Meridian at Tucker?  What would you like to see happen to Northlake Festival and Northlake Mall?  What is your stance on the proposed cities of Tucker and LaVista Hills? 

Please share your thoughts below.  
↧
↧

Here to Serve No Longer Here to Serve?

October 5, 2015, 8:19 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
A sign posted at Prime  reads "Unfortunately Prime will be closed tonight. We apologize for the inconvenience." 
Multiple restaurants abruptly close.

Atlanta-based Here to Serve Restaurants informed their staff at about 5 PM this evening that they are shutting down and that all restaurants will close.  The news came as a shock to many in the restaurant industry, especially the nearly 1,000 employed by the group's ten Atlanta area restaurants.  

As of earlier tonight, Here to Serve operated three Noche locations (Brookhaven, Virginia Highland & Vinings) two locations of Coast (Buckhead & Johns Creek) Prime, Shucks, Smash, Strip and Twist.  

After receiving the news of their closure, I contacted each restaurant. As of 8 PM, six of the ten had either posted signage reflecting their closure or their phone rang unanswered.

I spoke with Christy Kirkland, formerly a bartender at Noche Brookhaven, who indicated she was informed  of the closure by her General Manager at 5PM.  

Twist at Phipps Plaza, Strip at Atlantic Station and Coast in Buckhead were the only three restaurants still open at 9 PM. Each restaurant indicated that tonight would be their final night in business.  

Noche in Virginia Highland was the only restaurant that indicated they were not closing, but I think it may instead be a matter of the closure information not being disseminated properly.  

Strangely, last month the group converted their Noche restaurant in Johns Creek to their Coast seafood concept. The restaurant had barely been open a month before closing tonight.  

I attempted to contact a high level source at Here to Serve Restaurants whom I had just seen at last week's Taste of Atlanta.  Multiple calls placed to this individual went unanswered.  

Here to Serve Restaurants was started in 1996 with the opening of Prime at Lenox Square.  Prior to that, Tom Catherall operated simply tom tom, a bistro, also in Lenox Square in 1993.  

Here to Serve has been reducing their number of restaurants following last years divorce settlement that awarded the entire group to Tom Catherall's ex-wife, Leigh.  

Last month Aja abruptly closed at One Alliance Center in Buckhead. This past May, Here to Serve shuttered Goldfish, their seafood eatery at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody.   Late last year, the group closed its popular Shout restaurant at Colony Square in midtown.   

One source with whom I spoke indicated that the company "didn't pay their payroll taxes for a YEAR" 

A mystery "private investor" is reportedly interested in buying both Twist and Strip and reopening them.  

No word on what if anything will be done for those still holding Here to Serve gift cards.  Employees of the group indicated they are owed paychecks dating back at least two weeks.  

As of 10PM the Here to Serve website has been updated with a message about the closures: 

"We apologize for the inconvenience, we are working on reorganization. Hopefully we will be HERE TO SERVE you again soon!"

I visited Twist towards closing and witnessed a number of employees in tears, many shaking hands and hugging and many in total shock.  
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Napkins litter the floor following employee celebrations at Twist 
I spoke to a number of restaurateurs this evening who indicated they are eager to both hire affected employees and possibly take over some of the former restaurants.    

What are your thoughts on this series of closures?  What do you think went wrong?  What would you like to see open in place of the affected restaurants? 

Please share your thoughts below.  
↧

Bits & Bites

October 6, 2015, 9:01 pm
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Slightly delayed from their planned "Summer" opening, Andretti Indoor Karting & Games will celebrate the grand opening of their new Marietta location on Roswell Road on October 17th.  The location replaced what was most recently a Burlington Coat Factory, in a space originally built for defunct retailer Woolco.  The original Andretti location is on Alpharetta Highway in Alpharetta/Roswell.

A PORCELANOSA showroom is under construction in the former Clear space at Buckhead Square.  The highly visible 3,618 square foot space is located at the dynamic corner of Peachtree and Piedmont Roads in the heart of Buckhead. The location will offer kitchen, tile and bath. The new showroom will replace their existing showroom at ADAC on Peachtree Hills Avenue.

The Waffle House on Clairmont Road in Brookhaven is closed for renovations.  According to an employee from the location currently working at another nearby store, ownership told him the work will take about two months and will result in a "bigger & better" restaurant.  This specific location, once one of three within a half mile, is often packed on the weekends.  


Atlanta-based PGA TOUR Superstore recently closed their location on Venture Drive in Duluth and subsequently opened a new location on New Point Parkway in Lawrenceville.  The former location shared a portion of the former Incredible Universe with Dave & Buster's and was larger than the new, roughly 41,000 square foot store. The new location is close to Sugarloaf Mills, whereas the former location was a stone's throw from the shuttered Super Target and close to beleaguered Gwinnett Place Mall.      

Southern Custard"SoCu," a new frozen custard shop, will be opening at Brookleigh Market on Johnson Ferry Road in Brookhaven.  The 1300 square foot shop will open adjacent to the upcoming Marlow's Tavern.   SoCu is being opened by local residents Matthew and Heather Mohalski.  According to Matthew Mohalski, “it will offer fresh, super-premium, rich, creamy frozen custard and bright, sweet Italian ice in a rotating selection of flavors.  Our frozen custard will be produced using a continuous flow method, not a soft serve machine. This important distinction ensures a smoother, creamier, more satisfying product unlike anything else currently available in Atlanta.”

TOP FLR announced earlier this week that November 7th will be their last day in business.  The post on the restaurant's facebook page also indicated that "three new concepts will fill the property at 674 Myrtle Street." TOP FLR opened in 2009. 
↧

Callie's Hot Little Biscuit Heading to Hotlanta

October 7, 2015, 9:41 am
$
0
0
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.
Popular biscuit eatery planning Atlanta entry.

Charleston, South Carolina-based Callie's Hot Little Biscuit plans to open a new location in Virginia Highland next year.  The new eatery will open at the corner of Virginia and North Highland Avenues.  

Callie's will occupy the former home of the Winter Wren boutique.  The boutique closed late last year following the sudden death of owner Winter Hodges.  

A Facebook page for "Callie's Hot Little Biscuit Atlanta" was created in late July, but only recently has work begun on the space itself.

The current plan is to have the Atlanta outpost of Callie's open in mid December.  

Callie's offers a variety of "little" biscuits sold as pairs for three bucks with optional ham, bacon, blackberry or cinnamon fillings for four bucks.  The Charleston eatery also offers various other items such as pimento cheese sandwiches and grits as well as french press coffee and assorted teas.  

Callie's seems in some ways like the original Flying Biscuit Cafe on McLendon Avenue in Candler Park, only better.  

Although the only bricks & mortar location of Callie's is on King Street in Charleston, her biscuits can be found in frozen form in The Fresh Market, Lucy's Market and Savi Urban Market, among other retailers.  


Hours for the Atlanta location have yet to be determined but I'd guess they will closely mirror those of the Charleston outpost.  Callie's is open for breakfast and lunch and again for late night diners.  


Have you been to Callie's before, or have you tried their frozen products?  Are you excited for their Atlanta opening? What menu item sounds most appealing to you?

Please share your thoughts below.  
↧
Viewing all 3279 articles
Browse latest View live
Search