Monday, July 20, 2015

Hammocks Team Opening "Under the Cork Tree" at The Prado

New restaurant coming to The Prado

Jason Sheetz and William Sigley of Hammocks Trading Company plan to open "Under The Cork Tree" later this year at The Prado in Sandy Springs.  The duo, both veterans of Here To Serve Restaurants,  opened Hammocks Trading Company a few miles north of The Prado, also on Roswell Road, in late 2012.  Whereas Hammocks is a southern seafood-centric restaurant, Under The Cork Tree promises to be a "wine-centric Mediterranean inspired restaurant." 

Under the Cork Tree will occupy the nearly 6,800 square foot space left vacant since this past January when Joli Kobe closed after about 30 years in business.    

The restaurant gets its name from the story of Ferdinand the Bull. While Ferdinand's other friends played around and butted their heads, Ferdinand preferred to stay in the shade under the cork tree.  According to the restaurant's ownership, "Think Fedinand the Bull, capable of feats of great strength but really wants to smell the flowers... (and wine)".

According to Sigley, the restaurant will feature a tapas bar on the right, while a more fine dining, "white tablecloth" experience and private dining, is available on the left.  

According to a memo sent to patrons of Hammocks, "Diners can expect flavors from Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy, Greece, N. Africa, Israel etc.... Tangines, wood fire oven, sous vide, etc." 

Interior designer Abbi Williams of Red Door Design Studio is being tasked with the renovation of the restaurant.  Current plans call for Under The Cork Tree to open in October.  

When open, Under The Cork Tree will join new dining options at The Prado such as Pizza Crosta, which opened this past May in the former Evos spot.  

Particularly since its redevelopment, The Prado has been a very difficult development for eateries with two frozen yogurt shops (Yoreka and Yogurt Mountain) having closed, while a previously announced Bruegger's Bagels simply never opened.  Local sources tell me that while Barberitos and Marlow's Tavern remain open, their sales are lower than other similar locations of each chain.  

As I mentioned in a separate post today, Fujiyma, which opened in place of Kobe Steaks, is also closed at The Prado, just a few short months after opening.  

Just outside the perimeter, at Parkside Shops in Sandy Springs, veterans from midtown's recently-shuttered Veni Vidi Vici are opening an Italian restaurant called il Giallo Osteria & Bar.  The 8,200 square foot restaurant will be located near the rear of the center, close to Cliftwood Drive, and should open late this fall. 

Are you excited about the opening of Under The Cork Tree?  Are you a fan of Hammocks?  What is your favorite restaurant at The Prado?

Please share your thoughts below. 

4 comments:

Brittany said...

I don't think many restaurants will last at The Prado. The whole place does not seem like a destination. It's just another boring strip center with no real appeal. It had the opportunity to be a real jewel along Roswell Road but with the blocky buildings right up against the road, you feel like you're driving into a lego village.T Mac will be fine because of its reputation but everything else is going to have to work really hard at drawing the people in.

Anonymous said...

Lego village, that's funny. I feel like atlantic station is universal studios-ish. These developments feel weird. The Forum in Norcross feels more dynamic and Europe-Y.

Holly Monaghan said...

I am very excited that Hammock's is opening Under the Cork Tree and I think it will do well. Hammock's is a great restaurant. The owners go out of their way to make you feel special. I like Raspberry Vodka Tonics and the bartender now keeps 3 different brands in stock for me! It is nice to know that you are actually getting fresh seafood and not something that was flash frozen. My 4 and 9 year old love grilled shrimp and I attribute that to Hammock's. It is a true neighborhood gem and I am sure Under the Cork Tree will be the same.

My favorite restaurant in The Prado was Joli Kobe. I was sad to see it go. Hammock's is worth a try! (with or without kids!)

Unknown said...

If their new restaurant takes off like Hammocks did, they will have their second success story. Good luck to Jason and his team.
Dave Adelman

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