Tuesday, May 28, 2013

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.

What are your thoughts on Marlow's coming to The Prado?  Will Marlow's, 5 Seasons and Taco Mac all survive, or will one fail amidst increased competition?  Where should Marlow's open next?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is in my neighborhood, so I'm glad something is going into an empty space, but wish it was something other than Marlow's. Every time I've eaten at one of their other locations, the service was horrible and food just ok for the prices. I don't think I see it being a big competitor to 5 Seasons, as the concepts are very different.

mindspringyahoo said...

Just had some really crappy service at the Nlake location, although the manager did add some money back onto a gift card we had used, which was nice.

Just ate at a 'Bento Cafe' Asian chain in Jacksonville. Atlanta needs one of these.

Anonymous said...

How many Marlow's Taverns are too many? Seriously, it's just a bar, nothing special. Couldn't they find something a little more unique for the Prado? The Prado has seemed to have had a revolving door of eateries come and go over the last few years, mostly due I'm guessing to their pathetically confusing parking situation. Leave it to Sembler to screw up this shopping center. I actually really enjoyed Brooklyn Joe's because they had a good product and only one other area location. Why add another bar to a shopping center that already has several others? Makes no sense. But has anything that Sembler ever done made any sense?

Anonymous said...

I don't get the derision towards Marlow's in this post. As someone that has young children, it is a great option for family dining - clearly a step above quality-wise than the typical bar and grill. sure, when it comes to a night out it's not that special, but i'm guessing that's not why they're going to the Prado. considering the location, i would think they're going after families. 5 Seasons isn't a place i'd go with my kids, and as much as i enjoy Taco Mac that sort of menu and environment gets old real fast.

Anonymous said...

I'm another non-fan of Marlow's. I do stop in for a drink at a few of the locations (Cumming-Northlake) occassionally but even that is a pain as the bartenders all love to chat among themselves more than taking care of their customers. As for the food, so very average. The only time I will eat their again is when they do their Mardi Gras specials. It is as if the kitchens is glad they can finally cook some non-boring and bland food.

Anonymous said...

Marlow's prime rib french dip with parmesan truffle fries is out of this world! The vibe is different than Taco Mac (sports sports sports) and 5 Seasons (upscale brewpub). Hope they all can survive. I'll definitely eat at the new location.

mindspringyahoo said...

I actually like the food I've had (fish tacos a couple of times, open faced tenderloin sandwich, jalapeno cheese grits), but have had a spell of bad/mediocre service.

I think that the prado has problems because shopping centers that look like fortresses as you drive by are just not that inviting, it's kind of a subliminal thing. Eg. the Forum in Norcross looks more like a friendly little village of stores. The Prado looks more like a fortress. Just my opinion.

Anonymous said...

Their recently opened Dunwoody location is their best performing location of the whole chain. People on the northside over 35 do not like taco mac or hudson grille. this will be a hot spot for an older crowd, joining other older crowd spaces nearby such as cafe 290 and Chef Rob's.

Anonymous said...

Need a Pei Wei

Anonymous said...

So excited. Just went to the one in Roswell and LOVED the food. Service was excellent. The Prado location is about 5 minutes from my house, so I look forward to making it my favorite new hangout!

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