Wednesday, December 5, 2012

New Greek Eatery Inciting Cola Battle Downtown?

It's Greek to Us will soon open on Broad Street in downtown Atlanta.

It's Greek to Us is opening in place of the failed Taco Bell/KFC co-brand location near Georgia State University. Like its predecessor, It's Greek to Us will feature Pepsi products, not because of a business relationship, but due to a dispute with Atlanta-based Coca-Cola.  Apparently the new restaurant shares the same ownership as that of nearby Mama Mia Pizza & Wings, and it was a dispute there that led to their Pepsi preference.  It's unclear what exactly the dispute was but apparently the restaurant once served Coke products but no longer does.   

Local business owners say that Mama Mia's disdain for Coke is so serious that they host "Pepsi Challenges" outside their restaurant.  Pepsi often wins, possibly not because it actually tastes better, but rather because it's served cold, while the Coke is served lukewarm.

It's Greek to Us will serve traditional Greek fare in a fast-casual setting.  When I was a student as GSU, I really enjoyed the gyros of Michael's Deli across the street from where the new restaurant is opening.  Michael's Deli closed earlier in the year after at least one ownership change and became the first NaanStop earlier this summer

NaanStop, like nearby Rosa's Pizza, Moe's Southwest Grill and Subway, all serve Coke products and Coke has apparently approached at least some of them about providing branded canopies, tables and chairs to "defend" their turf.  Coca-Cola, after all, is a great local supporter and its funds help GSU sports and academics in major ways.  

The restaurant has been "in the works" for months, and I'm told that at this point, it may not open until after the first of the year.  Previously, management had hoped to open in October. 

Are you so loyal that you will not patronize a business if your beverage of choice is not offered?  Do you think that casual Greek fare will find success in the high-traffic Broad Street corridor?  If you are a GSU student or work nearby, what is your favorite Broad Street eatery? 

15 comments:

Dana said...

My son's now at GSU and is a big fan of a place called Alibaba, a little hole in the wall near the Aderhold with a second location in L5P.

Falaphil said...

I work down here and I really do not understand this place opening. Ali Babba's is always slammed and makes some of the best doner wraps (turkish gyros) and falafel I've ever had. Also, the shawarma place opened on Walton and it great too. Mama Mia's seems like everything is made from a frozen package.

Anonymous said...

I just got handed a free Pepsi Next on Broad St at lunch today so the turf battles are getting established.

I think the Greek place will be a nice and healthier upgrade from the fast food junk they had there before. Sick of Subway and Jimmy John's. Get the fast food junk outta here.

Sammy said...

IKEA serves Pepsi products and you can see the Coca-Cola headquarters from their restaurant.

Anonymous said...

Mama Mia's doesn't just hate Coca-Cola. They hate their customers, too.

This is the handwritten list of "Rules" that they have taped up on their front door:

* Must have on proper clothing to enter

* Seat time is limited to 45 minutes

* We have the right to refuse service to anyone

* You cannot buy a drink & sit in the establishment for a long period of time, or use our establishment as a shelter

* If you smell or have a distinct odor we may ask you to leave (alcohol, etc)

* If we ask you to leave, please don't resist

I would never eat at any restaurant that would be so unwelcoming at their front door. They prefer Pepsi? Guess what - I prefer to eat somewhere else.

AJ said...

I've never been to Mama Mia's, but I'm assuming they have/had a homeless problem. If I were a customer of Mama Mia's, I wouldn't be too keen on sitting next to a homeless man that smells.

Anonymous said...

Mama Mia's has the exact same menu that Godfather's Pizza had up on Peachtree before they were thrown out by the Gestapo AKA Atlanta Police. Is there some link between the two??

Anonymous said...

Anon,
Hang out in front of Mama Mia's for 30 minutes and it'll be crystal clear why they have those rules posted.

Anonymous said...

Actually they make the pizza dough there. You can buy it. I've bought it two times and made pizza at home.with my son. They even gave me tips

Anonymous said...

Coke has bad customer service.....main reason Mama Mias switched to Pepsi.

Anonymous said...

Im a loyal.customer to many restaurants on broad st including Mama Mias. The rules that r posted are great. I wish more restaurants had rules like this ( Dunkin' Donuts) especially!! Who said this was a Coke town, Papa johns switched to Pepsi. I have no problem w Pepsi they do just as much for the community as coke!

Anonymous said...

What does Turkish have to do with Greek. To seperate countries. Different food different way of cooking. Greeks are Mediterranean Europeans Turks are not even in Europe

DJ Dr. Adam Bomb said...

Anon,
Actually Western Turkey and Greece have almost identical cultures. The menu at Alibaba's is indistinguishable from most American "Greek" restaurants. With Alibaba's on Broad, wont be trying any new Greek OR Turkish foods.

DJ Dr. Adam Bomb said...

Anon,
Actually Western Turkey and Greece have almost identical cultures. The menu at Alibaba's is indistinguishable from most American "Greek" restaurants. With Alibaba's on Broad, wont be trying any new Greek OR Turkish foods.

Anonymous said...

Well after reading all the comments the only thing i can say is that the greek restaurant is awesome. The quality of the food is buckhead quality. My office is 5 minutes away and its the best thing that hot broad street.Ali baba sorry but this restaurant has you beat by a long shot. I love the Pepsi touch.

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