Atlanta-based Goldberg's Group closed their location at Colony Square on Peachtree Street in midtown. Goldberg's at Colony Square remains open but its closure is reportedly imminent. The bagel shop and deli, located on the lobby level of the office building near the intersection of Peachtree and 14th Streets opened in 2005 and replaced what had been Reuben's Deli.
I heard rumors of this closure weeks ago, but was unable to obtain a definitive answer from Goldberg's corporate. Interestingly, the representative reached at the corporate office indicated just last week that Colony Square location was being "evaluated," but that there were no immediate plans to close the location.
The Colony Square location was different than any of the other area Goldberg's as it depended nearly entirely on traffic from its neighbors above (in Colony Square) and around to supply the bulk of its business. Additionally, Goldberg's at Colony Square was the only unit not open on the weekends. When the restaurant opened in 2005, it was open seven days a week, but weekend service was later eliminated due to lack of business. According to my research, the Colony Square location was once a franchise unit but was more recently under corporate ownership.
Goldberg's continues to operate locations in north Buckhead, Buckhead, East Cobb, Dunwoody and Toco Hills, in addition to four satellite locations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Goldberg's Group also manages and operates the Atlanta Braves All-Star Grill at Hartsfield Jackson as well as Capital City Wine & Spirits shop on Collier Road.
More Bagels in the Oven
Last week I also broke news that Goldberg's had plans to add an Atlanta Braves All-Star Grill location to 200 Peachtree downtown and also to the upcoming Avalon development in Alpharetta. Goldberg's also plan to open a Goldberg's Bagel Co. & Deli at Avalon as well as a licensed location of illy coffee.
Humble Beginnings
Goldberg’s Bagel Company & Deli, originally named Goldberg & Son, was started in 1972 by a father & son duo. The small local shop had just one location on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs until 1992 when it was purchased by partners Wayne Saxe and Howard Aaron, both of whom had immigrated from South Africa. Saxe and Aaron renamed the restaurant Goldberg’s Bagel Company & Deli, and built their New York-style delicatessen empire that now includes the aforementioned locations in metro Atlanta as well as the additional airport locations. .
Changes at Colony Square
Colony Square has seen plenty of restaurant changes over the past few years with many coming and going. J.R. Crickets closed its Colony Square location last year after a short stint, while Gyro Wrap closed but was reborn as B.Y.O.B., a gourmet burger shop that has proved to be among the more popular food options. Moe's Southwest Grill is reportedly busy on "Moe Monday" when it offers value priced burritos, but struggles on other days. Cedar Grill, which has been in Atlanta in various locations for what seems like decades, opened in the former Aaron Rocco's space and serves traditional Mediterranean fare.
Colony Square is also home to other local chains like Chick-fil-A and Tin Drum Asiacafe as well as Tamarind Seed, Shout and the all-important Starbucks
The large two-level Houlihan's space remains vacant.
Bagels in Midtown
For those in midtown still needing their bagel fix, nationwide-chain eatery Einstein Bros. Bagels maintains a presence in the area with another location in the works. Einstein Bros. Bagels currently operates locations at the corner of West Peachtree and 14th Streets and near Ansley Mall on Monroe Drive. A new location is currently under construction and is slated to open later this summer at 800 Peachtree.