Marlow's Hopes You Will Meet Them at The Prado

Atlanta-based Marlow's Tavern is adding yet another location to its growing family.

Marlow's will open at The Prado on Rowell Road, just inside the perimeter.  Marlow's will open in place of the short-lived Brooklyn Joe's Pizza.  The 2,820 square foot space is located across from Taco Mac and is also close to 5 Seasons Brewing, both of which would seem to be competition for Marlow's.  Given the size of Taco Mac and the brand recognition it has developed in the market, 5 Seasons would seem to be most susceptible to losing guests to Marlow's.

Marlow's began in 2004 with its first location in Alpharetta.

The chain has now penetrated intown markets like Northlake and Emory Point as well as tourist areas like their lone (thus far) out of state location in Orlando on International Drive.  A second central Florida location is slated to open next month in Winter Park, in a former McDonald's.  (I was in Orlando last fall, shortly after the I-Drive location opened and was rather amazed at the amount of available, second generation restaurant space on and around I-Drive and surrounding areas)

It's no mistake that Marlow's is entering central Florida, where it reportedly has plans for as many as another 10 locations by 2015.  Both Alan Palmieri, who is overseeing the Florida expansion, as well as Richard "Dick" E. Rivera, partner & co-founder of Marlow's, both previously held executive roles with Orlando-based Darden.  Darden, for the few who may not know, is the owner of such powerhouse casual eateries as Red Lobster, Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse, in addition to more upscale options like The Capital Grille.

Earlier this year, Nation's Restaurant News named Marlow's Tavern one of its 50 "Breakout Brands" of 2013.  Marlow's was one of three Atlanta-based brands recognized along with Pure Taqueria and Fresh to Order.