[UPDATE] Salad Joint Salata Setting Up Shop Near Ponce City Market

Salad franchise Salata plans to open its next Atlanta area location just off Ponce de Leon Avenue across from Ponce City Market.  The new eatery will open in place of where Olive Bistro closed this past fall.  The 2,400 square foot space is located on the corner of the Home Depot/Whole Foods Market/TJ Maxx anchored center, adjacent to Wells Fargo and across from Starbucks.  

ToNeTo Atlanta first heard talk of Salata having interest in this space late last year but the deal was reportedly not completed until very recently with the space still marked as "lease pending" on the property's website.  Permits filed with the City of Atlanta confirm that Salata is what is opening.

Fellow salad eatery Chopt had reportedly also expressed interest in the Midtown Place space but opted for a former Moe's Southwest Grill at Ansley Mall instead.  The Ansley Mall location is in the final stretch of renovations and will reportedly open next month.  

Houston based Salata, previously marketed as "The Next Generation Salad Bar," has more recently adopted "salad kitchen" as its tagline and also debuted a new logo.  

In many ways Salata seems like a scaled down, quick serve version of Sweet Tomatoes, but with a reported emphasis on higher quality salad ingredients and protein options.  The restaurant also features assorted soups and organic teas.

ToNeTo Atlanta reported in 2016 that Salata signed an area development agreement for up to 20 franchised locations in metro Atlanta over the next few years.   Unbeleafable Holdings, a subsidiary of Dallas, Texas-based private equity firm Henry Investment Group (HIG), secured the Atlanta development rights.    

The first Atlanta area Salata restaurant opened in late 2017 in place of a former Moe's Southwest Grill at Atlantic Station.  Another Salata later opened at Glenridge Point in Sandy Springs near Northside Hospital, also in place of a former Moe's. The chain also subsequently opened new locations in Alpharetta, East Cobb, Johns Creeks, Peachtree Corners and Peachtree Center.  

Salata will be joined in Midtown Place by another new eatery, Kin No Tori Ramen Bar.  The new ramen joint, from the owners of Alpharetta's Ramen Bar by Hajime, will open in the 1,363 square foot space most recently home to Willy's Mexicana Grill.  

The owners of Kim No Tori hope to be open in September while Salata may not open until later this fall or early 2020.  

Are you excited for the addition of Salata to Midtown Place?  How do you think Salata compares to other salad focused restaurants?  What is your favorite restaurant in or around Ponce City Market?

Please share your thoughts below.