tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5797194313871228962024-03-18T22:57:59.828-04:00Tomorrow's News Today - AtlantaRetail + Eateries + Hotels + Convenience Stores + Residential + Grocery + Banking +Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comBlogger3955125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-6459674883553027622024-03-18T17:23:00.002-04:002024-03-18T17:24:06.391-04:00[EXCLUSIVE] Brooklyn-Based and "Australian-Inspired" Isla & Co. Shutters Lone Atlanta Restaurant <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Isla & Co.</b>, an "Australian-inspired" cafe, has closed its lone Atlanta area eatery. The restaurant, located in Andrews Square (56 East Andrews Drive), opened in <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2022/11/Isla-Co-Opening-Andrews-Square-Buckhead-Edens.html">December 2022</a> and closed "about four weeks ago," according to locals in the area. The Buckhead restaurant was to be the first of up to three in Atlanta for the Brooklyn-based chain. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXEqObWKSRQcC_SdmAV5xju4lZ5m6ds1USkEF6RIjc9F6V4Kv1mFA5CFcbQst65IC_wwTHR36RrhvWQTsiuysoRtqZWYjN6wxgF88QXqJuQFywAqJBXMYkv9-RZ0vfBBKNqAIN2sO2y8_6negwX7_PN7lG7E_znZWlDH3uT-fA54K4dcgJB3-T2vpVqyq/s2016/Isla-Co-Restaurant-Buckhead-Edens.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXEqObWKSRQcC_SdmAV5xju4lZ5m6ds1USkEF6RIjc9F6V4Kv1mFA5CFcbQst65IC_wwTHR36RrhvWQTsiuysoRtqZWYjN6wxgF88QXqJuQFywAqJBXMYkv9-RZ0vfBBKNqAIN2sO2y8_6negwX7_PN7lG7E_znZWlDH3uT-fA54K4dcgJB3-T2vpVqyq/w400-h300/Isla-Co-Restaurant-Buckhead-Edens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">At Andrews Square, Isla & Co. occupied a 2,740 square foot space left vacant in 2021 by the closure of beloved vegetarian-friendly eatery SAMA. (Interestingly, SAMA is still shown on the site plan for the Edens-owned center on their website. Isla & Co. had originally planned to open in April 2022, and later August, before eventually opening December 2. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Buckhead restaurant was to be followed in the spring of 2023 by a second location in West Midtown. The second Atlanta outpost - 976 Brady Avenue - was to be larger than Buckhead at about 4,200 square feet. The restaurant was to open in place of what was most recently Baffi, from celebrity chef Jonathan Waxman. That said, real estate sources told <i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> last year that Isla & Co. was not doing as well as they had hoped in Buckhead and would therefore be abandoning their expansion plans in the market. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Interestingly, <i>Eater</i>, which following then-Editor Beth McKibben's departure to <i>Rough Draft</i> in January has been staffed by a mix of local and national talent, published an "<a href="https://atlanta.eater.com/maps/best-all-day-brunch-restaurants-atlanta">update</a>" on March 12 entitled "Where to Brunch All Day, Every Day Around Atlanta" that includes Isla & Co. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Legal documents affixed to the door at the Buckhead restaurant indicate that Isla & Co. has had trouble paying rent for several months, with Edens, through their attorneys filing a breach of contract against Isla, alleging back rent and related fees totaling nearly $170,000 as of December 7, 2023. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Part of Isla & Co.'s struggles may be explained by the restaurant's concept description:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"<i>Isla & Co. was born from the culture of the Australian hospitality industry creating an approachable dining destination in an elevated environment. Serving specialty coffee and brunch dishes inspired by Australian coastal towns by day and a cocktail driven dinner destination by night, Isla & Co. also draws influences from Europe and South East Asia</i>." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Essentially, the food did not resonate and was just ok: it over-promised and under-delivered. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Isla & Co.'s recent expansion also included units in Fairfield, Connecticut in June 2022 and Dallas's Bishop Arts District in October 2022. The company sold the Fairfield location to a different restaurant group and closed Isla & Co. as of October 29, 2023. <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2024/02/06/bishop-arts-australian-restaurant-isla-co-is-closing/">Reports</a> indicate that the Dallas restaurant closed as of Feb. 11, 2024. “<i>Unfortunately, we have been unable to make the economics of this location work and have to make the difficult but prudent decision to close</i>,” an email to customers said. (It's unclear if a similar email went to customers in Atlanta or if there were simply no customers to send it to.) </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A location planned for South Beach was also canceled. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">According to the Isla & Co. website, there are currently three locations: Midtown and Williamsburg in New York and one in West Palm Beach, Florida. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Brooklyn-based restaurant is part of Parched Hospitality Group which includes several other concepts. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Did you ever go to Isla & Co.? What is your favorite Buckhead area restaurant? What kind of restaurant would you most to see open in the Isla & Co. space? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-22178863289204889312024-03-13T23:54:00.003-04:002024-03-14T00:05:17.221-04:00[EXCLUSIVE] In the Wake of Successful Rezoning, Another Whataburger Pushes Forward <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> has uncovered plans for yet another Atlanta area <b>Whataburger</b>. This time the Texas burger joint is looking to open in Loganville in Walton County. The new Whataburger is planned for 4764 Atlanta Highway (US Highway 78) where it will occupy a roughly two acre property. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjx7s3NPqCpq4N8isbQgGRDAEXRdBzAoOl6c2BPj4PcA8N_8O5e1UiB2ZtFODpA3zNM3VdStCQxPRToTQABHCa28etmKWUGqB9VFWKnd0yR8GjMXySFvAeMeknjig5U8vQWXydKeQNFkdIiG0GNJ1qX1Y84XnwyRQZm6JDn2L6h00foY-X89rV6ft2RVI/s853/Whataburger-Loganville-Made-to-Order.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="853" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjx7s3NPqCpq4N8isbQgGRDAEXRdBzAoOl6c2BPj4PcA8N_8O5e1UiB2ZtFODpA3zNM3VdStCQxPRToTQABHCa28etmKWUGqB9VFWKnd0yR8GjMXySFvAeMeknjig5U8vQWXydKeQNFkdIiG0GNJ1qX1Y84XnwyRQZm6JDn2L6h00foY-X89rV6ft2RVI/w400-h255/Whataburger-Loganville-Made-to-Order.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The nearly 3,900 square foot eatery would open in place of Biltmore Insurance, an independent agency, that currently occupies a small structure on the property. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The new restaurant is being opened by Made To Order Holdings LLC, Whataburger's franchise partner in metro Atlanta. The franchisee this past fall opened new locations in Covington (October) and Monroe (December).</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Site plans reviewed by <i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> suggest the new Loganville Whataburger will provide inside seating for 68 plus an outdoor patio, a feature not offered at either of the group's other locations, that will provide another 24 seats. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The restaurant is situated across the street from the Kroger-anchored Loganville Crossing shopping center and alongside existing locations of Waffle House and Burger King, among other eateries. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Construction plans indicate that a retention pond will be added to the rear of the property near a secondary access point along Lover's Lane Road (Lee Byrd Road). The second access point was made possible when the company was successful in 2023 in getting rezoning by the City of Loganville of a .71 acre property, then home to a residence at 168 Lee Road, from R-16 Residential to CH Highway Commercial. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Depending on construction, it's reasonable to consider that the new Loganville restaurant could open by the end of the year. When open, the restaurant would likely start with drive-thru only service before opening their dining room. Nearly all Whataburger restaurants are open 24/7. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Since entering metro Atlanta with a location in Kennesaw <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2022/11/Whataburger-Opening-Kennesaw-Adds-Monroe-Restaurant-Franchise.html">in late 2022</a>, the burger chain added eleven locations to metro Atlanta in 2023, including locations on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw, Scenic Highway in Snellville, and Duval Road in Dawsonville this past fall. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In January, Whataburger Chief Executive Officer Ed Nelson, Chief Operating Officer Debbie Stroud, and other company executives descended on Atlanta to celebrate <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2024/01/Whataburger-Opening-1000-Restaurant-Akers-Mill-Cobb-Atlanta.html">the 1,000 overall Whataburger</a> at Akers Mill Square near Cumberland Mall. The Akers Mill Whataburger also became the first unit to carry an "Atlanta" address. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Established by Harmon Dobson in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950, Whataburger was family owned until 2019 when the Dobson family sold its majority stake to BDT Capital, a Chicago-based investment company. Following the sale, the company has pushed forward with ambitious growth through both corporate and franchised restaurants. In partnership with Made to Order Holdings, LLC, Whataburger expects to open an additional ten Georgia restaurants in 2024. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> has in recent months reported on several new Whataburger restaurants planned for the greater metro Atlanta area including those planned for <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/01/Whataburger-Opening-In-Former-Steak-N-Shake-Atlanta.html">Roswell</a>, <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/More-Whataburger-Restaurants-Coming-to-Atlanta.html">Duluth</a>, <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/More-Whataburger-Restaurants-Coming-to-Atlanta.html">Grayson</a>, <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/More-Whataburger-Restaurants-Coming-to-Atlanta.html">Dahlonega</a>, and Oakwood. Our publishing partners at <i>The City Menus</i> report that other Whataburger restaurants are planned for <a href="https://thecitymenus.com/2023/09/14/whataburger-site-design-plans-under-review-for-carrollton/">Carrollton</a> and <a href="https://thecitymenus.com/2023/12/15/plans-under-review-for-whataburger-in-sharpsburg/">Sharpsburg</a>, between Newnan and Peachtree City, too. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/05/New-Whataburger-Pitched-In-Alpharetta.html">previously planned location</a> on Mansell Road near North Point Parkway has been abandoned but the company is looking at other sites in Alpharetta and we are working to confirm at least two more units planned in and around metro Atlanta. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Overall, the chain plans to have 50 Whataburger restaurants open in Georgia by 2030. Today the company has 16 restaurants open in the state. According to the Made To Order Holdings website, the brand plans to bring more than 6,000 jobs to Georgia. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Have you tried Whataburger at one of their existing Atlanta area restaurants? Do think Whataburger is better than other fast-food burger joints? Where else in metro Atlanta would you like to see Whataburger open? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below.</span></b></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-89792365524715780532024-03-13T21:43:00.013-04:002024-03-13T21:57:58.014-04:00[PERK UP] Caribou Coffee Prepares To Celebrate Newest Atlanta Opening <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Caribou Coffee</b> is set to open its latest Atlanta area location Wednesday, March 20 at 3280 Barrett Lakes Boulevard in Kennesaw. The new, roughly 2,500 square foot coffeehouse, is located near the intersection of Barrett Lakes Boulevard and Chastain Road, a stone's throw from the campus of Kennesaw State University. As <i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/10/Caribou-Coffee-Opening-Former-Burger-King-Kennesaw-State.html">exclusively reported this past October</a>, the new Caribou Coffee occupies a short-lived former Burger King. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCHrrxXqYSc4nTnUaJqZpCCB9wbkyosZd9T9KEMEBh0Fptmcci0a2qJONz8zNwbZMRfRqNz8PWak3IR6mjUignF8IdOsh9PybL9DHDW3t_kn4hpQ_N3cVa3nZIaNyw-xk6Hcdxm2R1OwCEYh43Y1gpMGfyvsTSO6QEgT6bveJwEKRJw_DDmBTvE4dASms/s2308/Caribou-Coffee-Kennesaw.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1894" data-original-width="2308" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigCHrrxXqYSc4nTnUaJqZpCCB9wbkyosZd9T9KEMEBh0Fptmcci0a2qJONz8zNwbZMRfRqNz8PWak3IR6mjUignF8IdOsh9PybL9DHDW3t_kn4hpQ_N3cVa3nZIaNyw-xk6Hcdxm2R1OwCEYh43Y1gpMGfyvsTSO6QEgT6bveJwEKRJw_DDmBTvE4dASms/w400-h329/Caribou-Coffee-Kennesaw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The corporately-owned Kennesaw shop will feature both indoor and outdoor seating as well as a drive-thru. The menu will include the recently launched spring specials, featuring five new handcrafted beverages made with real lavender. Food options include breakfast sandwiches and bakery options. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Guests who visit the new location during the grand opening celebration – Friday, March 22 to Sunday, March 31 – can take advantage of special offers when ordering in person. The coffee shop will feature a new offer each day including Friday, March 22: A free tumbler giveaway with a purchase to the first 100 guests and Saturday, March 23: A free scratch-off giveaway with a purchase to the first 200 guests. Other giveaways provide a variety of free and discounted menu items as well as bonus points to "Caribou Perks" members for certain purchases. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For every transaction during the grand opening weekend (March 23 and 24), Caribou will donate $1 to C.H.O.I.C.E.S. (The Center Helping Obesity In Children End Successfully, Inc.), a Kennesaw-based nonprofit, in supporting their mission of combating childhood obesity through nutrition education, while fighting food insecurity. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The new Kennesaw Caribou Coffee is <a href="https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/3280-Barrett-Lakes-Blvd-NW-Kennesaw-GA/30397031/">currently being offered for sale</a> for $2.92M. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There are currently just seven Caribou Coffee locations in metro Atlanta: Peachtree and Piedmont in Buckhead, 10th and Piedmont in Midtown, Peachtree Center and Truist Garden (Bridge Level) downtown, and another on Alpharetta Highway (Highway 9) in Milton which opened <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2024/01/Caribou-Coffee-Opening-Milton-Alpharetta-Highway.html">this past January</a>. There is also a pair of locations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Another new Caribou is planned for a former Hardee's at 4360 Atlanta Highway in Loganville. The Loganville restaurant was one of <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/04/Hardees-Franchisee-Capstone-Summit-Shutters-Dozen-Restaurants-Georgia-.html">more than a dozen Georgia Hardee's shuttered in 2023</a> by bankrupt franchisee Summit Restaurant Holdings. The <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/12/Caribou-Coffee-Coming-to-Milton-Loganville-Cumming-Atlanta.html">Loganville Caribou</a> is slated to open later this month, according to a Caribou representative. Caribou is also opening at 580 Peachtree Parkway in new multi-tenant development not far from The Collection at Forsyth <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2024/01/Caribou-Coffee-Opening-Milton-Alpharetta-Highway.html">in Cumming</a>. The coffee shop will occupy an 1,800 square foot endcap space with a drive-thru. The Cumming location is slated to open at some point later this year. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Caribou Coffee has 333 company-owned, 140 non-traditional, and 338 franchise locations in 11 countries as of December 26, 2023. Caribou Coffee is owned by German private equity firm JAB Holding Company and is part of Panera Brands, which also includes Panera Bread and Einstein Bros. Bagels.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you a fan of Caribou Coffee? Do you plan to visit the new Caribou Coffee during its "Grand Opening?" Where else in metro Atlanta would you like to see Caribou Coffee open?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-46077394793527832162024-03-13T19:19:00.006-04:002024-03-13T20:02:27.334-04:00[ALERT] Athleisure Brand Goes Quiet, Plans to Close All Retail Stores <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Upstart athletic apparel business <b>Outdoor Voices</b> will close all of its retail stores this week and return to an online only model. The lone Atlanta store, situated in The Krog District (124 Krog Street), has barely been open a year, having debuted February 17, 2023. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOxZCIo5-M91XKFJfKOun3qehNRQgJx4bI01IoyXKHyLf5xNqFghGgszbBF3q6XkZxFn4MUtn6jcRiGU29VLXaqwEPpPRS3wS9E3JrtZTgBzd4TKWpstEFEyLi_WeRBGO4UgkXGtIey2tPOi_1cx6LPahrYUfpti5LF5fJlQAea02r_Cj4O2Irs2lcIZK/s2016/Outdoor-Voices-Krog-Atlanta.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOxZCIo5-M91XKFJfKOun3qehNRQgJx4bI01IoyXKHyLf5xNqFghGgszbBF3q6XkZxFn4MUtn6jcRiGU29VLXaqwEPpPRS3wS9E3JrtZTgBzd4TKWpstEFEyLi_WeRBGO4UgkXGtIey2tPOi_1cx6LPahrYUfpti5LF5fJlQAea02r_Cj4O2Irs2lcIZK/w400-h300/Outdoor-Voices-Krog-Atlanta.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The shop, which carried apparel for men and women, occupied a 2,185 square foot space in a development also home to solid co-tenants like Patagonia and Specialized, among others. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">According to the company's website, there are currently 15 stores open with a sixteenth, in Miami, "coming soon." A location planned for Buckhead, on which we first reported in 2021, is no longer listed on the website, but as of last month was still wrapped in Outdoor Voices branding as if it were still opening. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Krog District shop, located near the Atlanta BeltLine, is decorated to pay homage to the 1996 Olympics, with a makeshift track encircling the shop’s floor.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">All stores are closing Sunday, March 17, and are currently offering 50 percent off all in-stock merchandise. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">24 year old Parsons School of Design graduate Tyler Haney started Outdoor Voices (OV) in 2013 as a DTC (direct-to-consumer) brand before opening her first storefront in 2014 in the company's home market of Austin, Texas. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In early 2020, after assorted internal struggles, Haney left the company but returned a few months later only to leave again shortly thereafter, this time for good. (More on that <a href=" https://www.thecut.com/article/outdoor-voices-ty-haney-profile.html">here</a>) According to several reports, Haney struggled to work with Mickey Drexler, the well-known retail executive who had previously led J.Crew and Gap, and joined OV as an investor and Chairman in 2018. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We visited the company's 12 South store in Nashville earlier in 2021, but in researching for this post, discovered that it had abruptly closed this past January. The company also shuttered its flagship store in Austin's South Congress neighborhood about a year ago. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Outdoor Voices, which describes its products as "technical apparel for recreation," competes with several other specialty retailers offering similar products, such as lululemon, Alo Yoga, Athleta, Vuori, and Fabletics in addition to sub-brands from legacy retailers such as <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2021/04/Free-People-Bringing-Athleisure-Line-FP-Movement-to-Atlanta-Buckhead.html">FP Movement</a> (Free People) and OFFLINE by Aerie (American Eagle). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Lululemon, with a dozen full-line stores and one outlet in Georgia, remains the dominant force in the so-called "athleisure" category, but new players such as Alo and Viori are vying for market share. <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2022/12/Alo-Yoga-Opening-First-Georgia-Store.html">Alo opened its first Atlanta store</a> in Lenox Square this past July and Viori plans to open its first store at Buckhead Village District later this summer. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you a fan of Outdoor Voices? What is your favorite athletic apparel retailer? Why do you think the brand has struggled so much?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-425872507884826432024-03-13T00:06:00.008-04:002024-03-13T00:09:36.950-04:00[ALERT] West Midtown Project Adding new Dumpling Joint in Place of Charleston Chicken Chain <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A fledgling chicken chain plans to close its lone Atlanta area location after less than a year in business. <b>Boxcar Betty's, </b>a fast-casual eatery focusing on fried chicken sandwiches, but also salads, tenders, burgers, and fries, among other options, plans to close at West Midtown's Westside Paper as of Friday, March 15. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56bgBgfYQyglEUYjLwTdUbBR3nBwMWdu88_1DwPjPxQOWmk_vxMcBlraVuH_9FMAcm9P8NA3chLegCLpMWNsXEXEj_diwe0nrD6GhURpOH2feH9ecoRwJrf6FkV_P1tuM_MFI4XGURnGwM3pZTnI1yXIBDvu2MIsGjJFOjMxmSzmy-oUGCNHuxXAoJPek/s1920/Boxcar-Bettys-Atlanta-Westside.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg56bgBgfYQyglEUYjLwTdUbBR3nBwMWdu88_1DwPjPxQOWmk_vxMcBlraVuH_9FMAcm9P8NA3chLegCLpMWNsXEXEj_diwe0nrD6GhURpOH2feH9ecoRwJrf6FkV_P1tuM_MFI4XGURnGwM3pZTnI1yXIBDvu2MIsGjJFOjMxmSzmy-oUGCNHuxXAoJPek/w400-h225/Boxcar-Bettys-Atlanta-Westside.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The restaurant first opened on April 12, 2023, closed briefly, then reopened August 26, according to the company's Facebook page. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"<i>It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closing of our Atlanta location. Although we have had a wonderful reception and positive reviews in Atlanta, the location simply hasn’t worked out the way we hoped. We will be closing March 15th but hopefully we will be back in the future. Thank you all to those who supported us this past year. See you in Charleston & Charlotte!</i>"</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Following the closure, the Charleston-based business will continue to operate a total of five locations: three in the Charleston area, one in Charlotte, and one in Chicago. The company previously closed locations in Summerville, SC (2020) and Chicago (2022). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">With Boxcar Betty's doors closing, a new local concept plans to open in its place. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Northern China Eatery, a popular Buford Highway restaurant known for its authentic Northern Chinese cuisine, will open fast-casual spot "<b>The Dumpling Factory</b>" in the roughly 2,100 square foot Boxcar Betty's space. "'<i>Recognizing the demand from patrons who travel miles for a taste of their dumplings, Fan Zhang, owner of Northern China Eatery, decided to create a casual dining concept centered around them,</i>" said a release announcing the opening. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"<i>We want to make our food accessible to patrons regardless of where they are located</i>," said Zhang. "<i>The Dumpling Factory will cater to dine-in and takeout customers, ensuring everyone can enjoy our renowned dumplings</i>." Originally established in 2008, Northern China Eatery has been under Zhang’s ownership since 2012. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In addition to dumplings, The Dumpling Factory will have a variety of street food delicacies and traditional entrees with plans to debut early this summer. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Situated at 950 West Marietta Street, Westside Paper is a repurposed 70 year old warehouse reimagined to include office and retail space including shops and restaurants such as El Santo Gallo, Pancake Social, Elsewhere Greenhouse, Bar Diver, Ancestral Bottle Shop & Market and King of Pops. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you surprised to see Boxcar Betty's have such limited success in Atlanta? What are your thoughts on the Westside Paper project? Are you excited at the prospect of a new dumpling place in West Midtown?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-62080908567978242212024-03-12T15:57:00.003-04:002024-03-12T16:02:58.211-04:00[ALERT] Growing Chicken Chain Secures Former Intown Boston Market <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A longtime Boston Market location in a prized intown market will soon be converted into a new restaurant. Planning documents reviewed by <i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> indicate that a new <b>Zaxby's</b> is planned for 2535 Briarcliff Road, near its intersection with North Druid Hills Road, in Brookhaven.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6TdvLIWzpCvPh15y3s9tbSfJvz7PFPkf18HjxfdDxS1OSTtS7ZiEkDrqS8OlPXz6sR1ZsGfEt6QoM266VWdCJJ6kfEShAymTTA02rJpJWPljtGncNSUpCVbmP4rWXzbWuxtOBf_97uFa-zjabhcTd1Zkl2qVSONRa-D45l3NFePlGOpIGkv3qMRq_Lfb/s2016/Boston-Market-Briarcliff-Zaxbys.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="2016" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv6TdvLIWzpCvPh15y3s9tbSfJvz7PFPkf18HjxfdDxS1OSTtS7ZiEkDrqS8OlPXz6sR1ZsGfEt6QoM266VWdCJJ6kfEShAymTTA02rJpJWPljtGncNSUpCVbmP4rWXzbWuxtOBf_97uFa-zjabhcTd1Zkl2qVSONRa-D45l3NFePlGOpIGkv3qMRq_Lfb/w400-h225/Boston-Market-Briarcliff-Zaxbys.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The new Zaxby's (Chicken Coup VIII, LLC) will seemingly make use of the existing structure, including inside dining and a drive-thru. The Boston Market closed <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/07/Boston-Market-Shutters-Briarcliff-Restaurant.html">this past July</a> amidst <a href="https://www.nrn.com/top-500-restaurants/boston-market-owner-jay-pandya-files-bankruptcy-again">turmoil at the Colorado-based chain</a>. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Experienced multi-unit Zaxby's operator Dustin Mullis and his "Coup Management" are behind the new restaurant. Mullis, a former loan officer, had a chance encounter with Zaxby's founder and former CEO Zach McLeroy whereby McLeroy became a mentor to Mullis and was instrumental in facilitating Mullis's first Zaxby's in Marietta in 2012. Mullis bought out then business partner Greg Shumate in 2019 and now, through both new builds and acquisitions, operates a total of seven Zaxby's in metro Atlanta including a location in Hampton that opened in January. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Demonstrating his interest in and commitment to the neighborhood, Mullis is under contract to purchase the Boston Market site.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Current Chicken Coup restaurants include Spring Road, Delk Road, Sandy Plains, and Church Street in Marietta, Dallas Highway in West Cobb, and Peachtree Boulevard in Chamblee. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In a phone conversation Tuesday, Mullis shared that Stephen Hogg will be the local operating partner of the new restaurant and that he and Hogg both live close by. Mullis also indicated that the new Zaxby's will showcase the latest prototype with enhancements to the drive-thru area, exterior, and interior. </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Briarcliff site, a nearly one acre parcel with a nearly 2,600 square foot restaurant, had been eyed by several restaurant groups but costs and requirements surrounding any potential improvements seemed to limit the pool of suitors. Raising Cane's is among the brands that reportedly expressed interest, but they have turned their attention to another site, according to a source familiar with the chain's Atlanta plans. </span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Before becoming a loan officer, and long before his involvement with Zaxby's, Mullis spent several of his formative years working at Chick-fil-A. According to this extensive <a href="https://www.franchisetimes.com/zaxby-s-franchisee-drives-growth-by-developing-leaders-amid-brand-expansion-push/article_b795dc70-3ddd-11ee-ad82-17c9d4235ff8.html"><i>FranchiseTimes</i> article</a>, Mullis started working at Chick-fil-A at age 14 and spent seven years with the Atlanta-based chain. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mullis's new Briarcliff restaurant puts him a stone's throw from the first freestanding Chick-fil-A, a unit that first opened in 1986, was completely rebuilt in 2018 and more recently, got a light reconfiguration. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Chick-fil-A, which traces its roots to 1946, celebrated the opening of its 3,000th location this past fall. Zaxby's, which is far younger, currently has about 945 locations and could soon cross the 1,000 unit count based on current expansion plans. While Chick-fil-A remains family-owned, Zaxby's in late 2020 sold a majority stake in its business to Goldman Sachs Merchant Banking Division. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Ranked by average unit volume (AUV), Chick-fil-A reigns supreme with an impressive $8.6M AUV. While Zaxby's franchise system has an AUV of only $2.66M, Mullis and his six units perform significantly better with an AUV just shy of $3.5M. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Zaxby's had for years primarily been found off highway exits or in the suburbs, but in the past decade or so, the chain has started to penetrate the in-town market with locations <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2011/12/another-zaxbys-to-hatch-itp-next-year.html">near Decatur</a> in front of North DeKalb Mall, along Roswell Road <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2010/08/mystery-buckhead-restaurant-revealed.html">in Chastain Park</a> and along Ponce de Leon Avenue close to Ponce City Market, among others. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Established in Statesboro and most recently based in Athens, Zaxby's last month celebrated the opening of its new corporate headquarters at Perimeter Summit in Brookhaven. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Work on the the new Brookhaven Zaxby's is expected to begin this summer with the restaurant slated to open later this fall. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you pleased to see Zaxby's opening another in-town location? Who do you think offers the best fast-food fried chicken? Where else would you like to see Zaxby's open?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-68119358711262417982024-03-08T14:06:00.001-05:002024-03-08T14:06:17.492-05:00[ICYMI] Midtown Quiznos Closes After Two Decades in Business <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Quiznos Subs</b> has closed one of its last locations in metro Atlanta. According to a sign on the restaurant's door, the Quiznos at 710 Peachtree Street (Crest on Peachtree Apartments) in Midtown closed for good as of February 22. The franchised location reportedly survived two decades, but the owners opted not to sign a new lease. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8X4p5PlJVY5K1-gZwH9FsG1dYRbwrEGpLGhyphenhyphenink5RCbOwFfDOfd9lYBzl0prHjk2z29P5VgWiXrFlWNURzikUG_uRmVDpQPL_Zi_6dxelW6UUMh2Z07fSYDqZ2gKR8jxsReG-bCHXIG8MA8bYsV1aQ6h7TSOsSqEjdO3xqwg11h_Fko8zUoxppzdZblG/s2016/Quiznos-Midtown-Atlanta.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8X4p5PlJVY5K1-gZwH9FsG1dYRbwrEGpLGhyphenhyphenink5RCbOwFfDOfd9lYBzl0prHjk2z29P5VgWiXrFlWNURzikUG_uRmVDpQPL_Zi_6dxelW6UUMh2Z07fSYDqZ2gKR8jxsReG-bCHXIG8MA8bYsV1aQ6h7TSOsSqEjdO3xqwg11h_Fko8zUoxppzdZblG/w400-h300/Quiznos-Midtown-Atlanta.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Following the closure there will be just one Quiznos left in metro Atlanta: Downtown at 29 Marietta Street at the Bennett T. Brown Commerce Building of Georgia State University. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Quiznos website indicates there is a second Georgia location in Kingsland in southeast Georgia, just north of the Florida state line. (The website also erroneously indicates the Midtown location is still open.) </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Founded in Denver, Colorado in 1981, Quiznos had by 2007 grown to nearly 5,000 locations. In 2020, when we reported on <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2020/04/Quiznos-Closes-Chamblee-Plaza-Restaurant.html">the closure of a Quiznos at Chamblee Plaza</a>, the chain had about 500 units. According to data firm ScrapeHero, the chain operated just 148 domestic locations as of January of this year. Between 2009 and 2010 the chain closed 1,500 locations!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In metro Georgia, the chain has over the years opened and closed more than two dozen locations. Our research shows that over the years, Quiznos franchisees have closed units in Peachtree Center, Buckhead, Underground Atlanta, Northlake, Tucker, Chamblee, Akers Mill, Georgia Tech, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Snellville, Sandy Springs, East Cobb, Augusta (2), Rome, Lithonia, Duluth, Albany (2), Douglasville, Hinesville, Conyers, Athens, Lawrenceville, Fitzgerald, Macon, Canton, Ellijay, Cartersville, and Jasper, among others. One might ask why so many units have closed and the answer is pretty simple: they didn't make much money...ever. According to published reports, at its height, Quiznos stores were bringing in an average of $400,000 in revenue per store. By comparison, Firehouse Subs, another sandwich shop, generates more than $924,000 per store, according to <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/food/sandwiches/firehouse-subs-believes-brand-will-resonate-across-the-world/">published reports</a>. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluanqZgRZMjQJzQr6fNMKO-N7WlrfZAB65uYrgyf4L-yc9f9NO-uTpHkmwnGr-4JOLex7I9zuVt8YOcrYvhGbCwrQqGer0Tx1oyeethFSbx8H8eoFsu2Uh82XH9ofw7MnYQ_mvcxfMlqPUpBuKYfqg7dTs_kexeZTsrJ23ZLQZjrO3DkQ061MJ4CsibkY/s1724/Quiznos-Midtown-Signage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1724" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluanqZgRZMjQJzQr6fNMKO-N7WlrfZAB65uYrgyf4L-yc9f9NO-uTpHkmwnGr-4JOLex7I9zuVt8YOcrYvhGbCwrQqGer0Tx1oyeethFSbx8H8eoFsu2Uh82XH9ofw7MnYQ_mvcxfMlqPUpBuKYfqg7dTs_kexeZTsrJ23ZLQZjrO3DkQ061MJ4CsibkY/w351-h400/Quiznos-Midtown-Signage.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Wolf of Franchises published an extensive piece - <a href="https://wolfoffranchises.com/what-happened-to-quiznos-subs/">WHAT HAPPENED TO QUIZNOS SUBS?</a> - wherein they explain all that went wrong for the once high-flying chain. Among the things touched on are the low sales, costly mistakes, highly competitive landscape, and ownership changes at the brand. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">San Diego-based private equity firm High Bluff Capital Partners, via their platform REGO Restaurant Group, purchased Quiznos for an undisclosed amount in 2018. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The company introduced a simpler, more basic black & white logo <a href="https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/quiznos-prepares-launch-prototype-rebranding">in 2021</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Quiznos' fall from grace is not terribly different from what happened to one of its more established rivals, Blimpie. Referred to by many as the "oldest sandwich chain in America," the first Blimpie opened in Hoboken, New Jersey in 1964, one year before the first Subway, then known as "Pete's Super Submarines," opened in Bridgeport, Connecticut. In 1987, Blimpie celebrated the opening of its 50th Atlanta area location by giving away 25,000 free sandwiches. The chain eventually grew to a reported 100 locations in the greater metro Atlanta area and about 2,000 chain-wide. Today there are only a handful of locations left in metro Atlanta, and according to their website, "approximately 200 locations" overall. The restaurant's "Recent Press" page has only three entries, the most "recent" of which is from January 7, 2019. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">What would you like to see open in place of Quiznos in Midtown? What is your favorite sandwich chain? Did you know Quiznos still existed? </span> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below.</span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-21245802752143068512024-03-07T16:36:00.003-05:002024-03-07T16:36:52.327-05:00[ALERT] Failed Franchise Offers A Masterclass in Tacos Done Wrong <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A Florida-based taco joint has abruptly closed its two Atlanta area locations as well as multiple locations in its home market. <b>Capital Tacos</b>, which opened <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/03/Capital-Tacos-Opening-Peachtree-Corners-Johns-Creek-Newnan.html">its Atlanta area locations</a> less than a year ago, has now closed both. The Atlanta restaurants - located in Johns Creek and Peachtree Corners - opened in May and November 2023, respectively. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigizCBCWfgQNlUy6eoBNNCdXCkX1T8yLv8j4bWChn0PA2NGmFqqY4MiM8_UzHmof4aImFhn34gbTUv8X_WLPFy7AkfqVsguPmZEWrsiUhKMRHbjdgDqYJszbx9R7xZj-bGi2dCpxPtEGY2mSYi7DQ2Dyum7ZjbgbkUA2jahG9lX-O1pCLUh6OGf_w87AEx/s640/Captail-Tacos-Peachtree-Corners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigizCBCWfgQNlUy6eoBNNCdXCkX1T8yLv8j4bWChn0PA2NGmFqqY4MiM8_UzHmof4aImFhn34gbTUv8X_WLPFy7AkfqVsguPmZEWrsiUhKMRHbjdgDqYJszbx9R7xZj-bGi2dCpxPtEGY2mSYi7DQ2Dyum7ZjbgbkUA2jahG9lX-O1pCLUh6OGf_w87AEx/w400-h300/Captail-Tacos-Peachtree-Corners.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">To celebrate the two Atlanta area openings the company awarded "free tacos for a year" (one each week) to the first 100 people at the restaurants on opening day. The abrupt closure has left many with a bad taste in their mouths. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In Peachtree Corners, Capital Tacos was located in Village at Peachtree Corners (5270 Peachtree Parkway), where the taco joint occupied a 2,400 square foot space near Flying Biscuit Cafe in the Lidl-anchored center. The Johns Creek location was located in Johns Creek Festival (11160 Medlock Bridge Road) where the taco joint backfilled a 2,145 square foot former Tin Drum Asian Kitchen.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Capital Tacos, which got its start in the Tampa Bay community of Land O' Lakes in 2013, began franchising in 2022. The company also entered the Atlanta market in 2022 via a partnership with ghost kitchen operator CloudKitchens, but<span style="color: red;"> </span>that restaurant closed just a few months later. The "Digital Kitchen" was located at 800 Forrest Street in West Midtown. Yelp and Google reviews were largely negative, which could reflect the limited control the brand had over the location and their desire to open corporate units that provide them a better opportunity to make a good impression in a new market. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">That said, we were one of the first 100 at the Peachtree Corners opening and found the food terribly mediocre with one friend calling it "Taco Bell-esqe" and another saying that was giving it too much credit. The brand claimed to feature "Tacos Done Right," but with most tacos pushing six bucks, and really not as good as other less expensive options, it's no wonder the restaurants were often empty.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Even free, we used only three of our 52 free tacos. The saying "this place is falling apart" is overused by some, but on our recent visit to the Johns Creek restaurant, a chair that was for some reason affixed to the wall of the restroom literally fell from the wall as we were washing our hands. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Also worth noting, six of the past ten Google reviews for the Johns Creek location were one star, two were two stars, and two were five stars. Overall, the restaurant had a 3.9 rating with 173 reviews. Among the disappointments cited in the reviews were incorrect meals, excessive wait times, lack of consistency, and poor service. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The worst part is that the two Atlanta locations were corporately owned and managed! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Johns Creek unit had less than ideal access and parking and was also spitting distance from an established Moe's Southwest Grill, that while not amazing, has been in the market for years and had better access. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In addition to the two Atlanta area closures, <a href="https://www.pasconewsonline.com/news/several-capital-taco-locations-close-in-pasco-county/article_c181c3ba-dbd1-11ee-bcfc-6fe2e5e3d119.html">the company also shuttered restaurants in the Florida</a> communities of Port Richey, Land O' Lakes, Wesley Chapel, Brandon, and Riverview, as well as in Mallard Creek in Charlotte which had only opened this past July. A second Charlotte area location was previously planned for Cotswold Village, but it has since been removed from the company's website. The chain closed two locations in St. Petersburg, Florida <a href="https://www.cltampa.com/food-drink/capital-tacos-closes-both-st-pete-locations-as-lawsuit-looms-12233732">in 2020</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A third Atlanta area location <a href="https://thecitymenus.com/2023/12/04/capital-tacos-opening-a-location-in-newnan/">was planned for Newnan</a> and while it is still displayed on the Capital Tacos website as "coming soon," the address provided is a residential road [Blue Ridge Drive], rather than 1111 Bullsboro Road, where they were set to occupy a former Moe's. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The company's website indicates that there are currently just four locations open: three in Florida and one in Colorado. In addition to the iffy Newnan restaurant, the website suggests single units are "coming soon" to New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Did you ever patronize Capital Tacos? Why do you think Capital Tacos failed? What would you like to see open in place of the shuttered Capital Tacos in town?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-23362624471303224442024-03-07T10:18:00.003-05:002024-03-07T10:19:12.309-05:00[EXCLUSIVE] Owner of Atlanta-Based Multi-Unit Taqueria Looking to Exit the Biz<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Several real estate listings and multiple sources close to the situation tell <i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> that all four locations of <b>Red Pepper Taqueria</b> are being shopped with the possibility that some or all could close in the near future. The restaurants all opened between 2012 and 2021. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaa2c88ltn5yyuqmZzHtMIOdv5Dhd1htwHNm-3iBWd1oVtB4fuMj2aBSPkYlSJb10cEIP2FMBSd4KCp8HTk9Q6h7e6v8CetEV0kIj4YYbv3WVy7YBPBU3aA4oB82TK8yfBMmT4f6GEKmt_GDJ1_zSOCp9JoH0Bwtp3SwpKASXlCWhF952yRa1gyYTB6kQ/s1800/Red-Pepper-Taqueria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaa2c88ltn5yyuqmZzHtMIOdv5Dhd1htwHNm-3iBWd1oVtB4fuMj2aBSPkYlSJb10cEIP2FMBSd4KCp8HTk9Q6h7e6v8CetEV0kIj4YYbv3WVy7YBPBU3aA4oB82TK8yfBMmT4f6GEKmt_GDJ1_zSOCp9JoH0Bwtp3SwpKASXlCWhF952yRa1gyYTB6kQ/w400-h320/Red-Pepper-Taqueria.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Red Pepper Taqueria currently operates these four locations:</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">2149 Briarcliff Road - Toco Hills (2012) </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">3135 Piedmont Rd NE - Buckhead (2013)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">705 Town Blvd Q310 - Brookhaven (2018)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">4555 Ashford Dunwoody Road - Dunwoody (2021)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">All but the Buckhead restaurant have active "asset sale" listings on BizBuySell, a business brokerage website. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Justin Karam is the restaurant's primary owner and when reached by <i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> for comment on the status of the restaurants indicated that he had nothing to share. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Karam and his family have been involved in assorted businesses in metro Atlanta for decades with their interests including the six-unit D&K Suit City chain of discount suiting and accessories stores. The Karams also own Kabob Land, located next door to Red Pepper in Buckhead, and more recently opened Chelo, an upscale Mediterranean eatery on Alpharetta Street in Roswell. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Dunwoody location of Red Pepper Taqueria is the only unit to occupy its own freestanding building. Karam operates the restaurant through Karam Culinary LLC (dba Red Pepper Taqueria) and owns the former Zinburger building through Karam Enterprises LLC. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The sales offering suggests that Karam is not looking to sell the building, but instead is looking to liquidate the business and sign a new lease with a new restaurant. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.bizbuysell.com/Business-Asset/bring-your-own-concept-atlanta-restaurant-asset-sale/2179071/">The Toco Hills restaurant</a>, which occupies the 3,200 square foot corner space of the short-lived Artuzzi's in Briar Vista Plaza (the corner of LaVista & Briarcliff Roads), is priced at $200,000. Monthly rent for the space is $8,900. Driss Senhaji of Atlanta Business Brokers, LLC, the broker offering the businesses, describes the Briarcliff restaurant as "<i>featuring</i> <i>a modern design, strategically situated in a vibrant Class A shopping center</i>." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.bizbuysell.com/Business-Asset/brookhaven-restaurant-asset-sale-bring-your-own-concept/2179486/">The Brookhaven restaurant</a> occupies a 4,113 square foot corner space in TOWN Brookhaven originally home to Noche and later Jefe's before becoming the third Red Pepper in 2018. (The listing incorrectly states that the restaurant was established in 2015) The Brookhaven restaurant is priced at $400,000 with gross monthly rent of $17,750 and a lease term that runs through 2036. Of the Brookhaven restaurant, Senhaji says "<i>This dynamic locale is home to thousands of high-end apartments, numerous national and international retailers, and multiple big-box stores</i>." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.bizbuysell.com/Business-Asset/perimeter-mall-market-stand-alone-restaurant-asset-sale-5-595-sf/2198816/">In Dunwoody</a>, where Red Pepper is located in a freestanding 5,595 square foot building, Senhaji again misstates the opening indicating it was established in 2022 when in fact it opened in 2021. The Dunwoody restaurant is priced at $300,000 with gross monthly rent of $28,907 and landlord [ Karam's] willingness to extend a long-term lease to a "credit-worthy" tenant. Would-be interested parties are invited to "<i>seize the opportunity to own or expand your footprint with this thriving establishment in the heart of Dunwoody</i>." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It is believed that the Buckhead location, which shares a wall with Kabob Land, will be absorbed into the Mediterranean eatery until the completion of the restaurant's current lease which is reportedly only a few months away. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Are you surprised to see Karam selling Red Pepper Taqueria? What would you like to see open in place of the existing Red Pepper locations? What is your favorite taqueria in town?</span> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-74616648820469454412024-03-06T23:41:00.001-05:002024-03-06T23:42:52.207-05:00[ALERT] Century Old Retailer to Face The Music, Shutter Several Stores <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Sam Ash Music</b>, which this year is celebrating 100 years in business, will soon exit the Atlanta market as part of an overall reduction in the retailer's brick-and-mortar presence. The Atlanta store, located at 2999 Cobb Parkway at the edge of Akers Mill Square, in recent days started liquidation sales with the store slated to close for good in May. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgeCwnju8cwbxdE8Co19_YY3Gnt2Bh06xDnB4IYksdyGw12egwi71nFtyAmG0eZykorjBthusziIxwppeZUePeR-Oh49u7wgwMSKbCJiQw0ktGIaiQZv4o-hiW5v_iovOJdffplSSHwGppbPxsmTEpEEp8Njoj0CQQONt70BX7ynAKAvmYQSjv4XmD9lm/s480/Sam-Ash-Music.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="480" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgeCwnju8cwbxdE8Co19_YY3Gnt2Bh06xDnB4IYksdyGw12egwi71nFtyAmG0eZykorjBthusziIxwppeZUePeR-Oh49u7wgwMSKbCJiQw0ktGIaiQZv4o-hiW5v_iovOJdffplSSHwGppbPxsmTEpEEp8Njoj0CQQONt70BX7ynAKAvmYQSjv4XmD9lm/w400-h308/Sam-Ash-Music.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Discounts at the store are reportedly limited for now - only 5 to 10 percent off - but will increase in the weeks to come depending on sales velocity. The Cumberland area store is the only Sam Ash in Georgia. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Published reports indicate the Hicksville, New York-based retailer plans to close 18 of the company's 44 locations. The company currently operates in sixteen states. Other stores slated for closure include those on 34th Street in New York City, Sunset and West Sunset Boulevards in Los Angeles, and another in Clearwater, Florida housed in a large portion of the former Kapok Tree Inn, a hugely popular themed restaurant that enjoyed its greatest success from the 60s through the 80s. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Sam Ash founded his namesake store in Brooklyn in 1924. In later years, his son Jerry ran the business, most recently serving as its Chairman. As of late, Sammy Ash, Jerry's son and Sam's grandson, was Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the business. Unfortunately, the company suffered two personal losses in 2023 with Jerry passing away in July at age 98 and Sammy passing away in September at age 65. Ben Ash, part of the family's fourth generation, currently serves as Content Marketing Manager for Sam Ash Music.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Ash family may have [recently] sold a significant interest in the business to an outside entity that is leading the effort to shutter stores. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Atlanta area store spans nearly 26,000 square feet and sits on nearly 1.3 acres, according to Cobb County tax records. The structure was built in 1979 and its property is currently zoned C4 (Retail - Single Occupancy), according to Cobb County. As of 2023 the county assessed the property's land + building value to be roughly $2.1 million. There are reportedly no plans to redevelop or sell the property, instead, the landlord hopes to fill the existing space with a new tenant. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Industry observers point to Sam Ash's lackluster e-commerce presence as a contributing factor in their recent struggles. Others have lamented that the retailer's stores have looked poorly merchandised and lacking in variety in recent months indicating the company may be having issues obtaining product from suppliers. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Sam Ash is the latest musical equipment retailer to run into trouble in recent years. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Guitar Center, the country's largest musical equipment retailer, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2020. The company, which operates ten stores in Georgia, emerged from bankruptcy in December 2020 after a reorganization deal that added new equity and debt capital, and boosted the retailer’s liquidity. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Also worth noting, Music & Arts, a subsidiary of Guitar Center, purchased Marietta's Ken Stanton Music in 2022 and has since rebranded the company's four Atlanta area stores under the Music & Arts banner. Ken Stanton got its start on the Marietta Square in 1949 and went on to operate four large format stores along Cobb Parkway just north of Six Flags White Water, West Cobb, Alpharetta, and Stone Mountain. Unlike Guitar Center and Sam Ash, Music & Arts focuses on the band and orchestra (B&O) market. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you surprised to see Sam Ash Music closing? Do you plan to visit the store to shop its liquidation sale? What would you like to see open in place of Sam Ash Music?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-78132107078751128872024-03-05T23:51:00.010-05:002024-03-05T23:54:44.399-05:00[ALERT] Bonchon Bringing Bibimbab and Bulgogi to Brookside Station <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Popular Korean fried chicken eatery <b>Bonchon</b> will finally add a second Atlanta area location. After making its Georgia debut <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/05/fayetteville-getting-first-to-market.html">in Fayetteville in 2016</a>, the new Bonchon will open on the northside in Alpharetta. Specifically, the new Bonchon will be located in a 1,521 square foot space in Brookside Station (4055 Old Milton Parkway), a strip center not far from Avalon. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGXWrzok02dDpR0dhGFI-kQZ3-UvTYfCdlixKoZCgATpFMrA6PEeKQCN8na0uAeTw102Ofwy-E-YR_x_nCvPFz7q-TQ3_TH3DYnuhdTfbYmCXZAvMMFrimF6lcNIIcw6b9DG5f8eY3FKk0Pt43N9uG-jMyG68Gi01bDc3zXwD35wT8h9VB9wTJNMKL3SM/s975/Bonchon-Chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="975" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHGXWrzok02dDpR0dhGFI-kQZ3-UvTYfCdlixKoZCgATpFMrA6PEeKQCN8na0uAeTw102Ofwy-E-YR_x_nCvPFz7q-TQ3_TH3DYnuhdTfbYmCXZAvMMFrimF6lcNIIcw6b9DG5f8eY3FKk0Pt43N9uG-jMyG68Gi01bDc3zXwD35wT8h9VB9wTJNMKL3SM/w400-h266/Bonchon-Chicken.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The chicken joint has developed a cult-like following and while many will still cry fowl over their lack of a presence ITP, an expansion in general is a good sign and hopefully an indication of things to come. </span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Bonchon's menu is centered on their assorted fried chicken options but the eatery also features other classic Asian dishes such as pork buns, Bulgogi, Chicken Katsu, Bibimbap, Udon Noodle soup, and even Mochi and Korean donuts. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Founder Jinduk Seh opened the first Bonchon in 2002 in the coastal city of Busan, South Korea. Bonchon, which translates to "my hometown," has grown steadily since its humble beginnings in South Korea. The first U.S. Bonchon location opened in 2006 in Leonia, New Jersey. Bonchon, which maintains domestic headquarters in New York City, has since grown to roughly one hundred and forty locations in the U.S. with several more in the works.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In Brookside Station, Bonchon joins existing eateries such as Smallcakes, Peace Love and Pizza, Jersey Mike's Subs, La Abuela, and music venue The Velvet Note, among other tenants. A new location of breakfast eatery J Christopher's is expected to open soon in an endcap space previously home to Another Broken Egg Cafe. The roughly 25,000 square foot two building center was acquired in early 2023 by Last Mile Investments, a portfolio company of Avalon owner North American Properties. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Have you ever been to Bonchon? What is your favorite Alpharetta area restaurant? Where else in Atlanta would you like to see Bonchon open?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-45842287258351198632024-03-05T23:41:00.012-05:002024-03-05T23:43:59.076-05:00[EXCLUSIVE] A "Fluffy" New Franchise to Taking its Treats to Tucker <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Growing Asian desert franchise <b>Fluffy Fluffy</b> plans to open its third Atlanta area location later this year in Tucker. The new shop is planned for Northlake Tower Festival (3983 LaVista Road) where it will open in place of Uncle Maddio's Pizza which <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/05/Uncle-Maddios-Pizza-Franchise-Shutters-Tucker-Atlanta.html">closed this past May</a>. The space, suite #115, is 2,479 square feet. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF9qyZpv3VDD5fMvh8qP5NnuBz-1lVPavvTLzxDBIbtFpz0-uJDh6bdOTi-ZNWmhhaWp5YBi_buDMdMQk3pi3sT1N4V3tywYux-duzT7WVVmZm0ftN68r-Lczjl0xXsYOyrXoKMfv80DQsYsM6wdm6Z1qYqQB8_K1tUlsmaYdVatpfUTFsoZ8-jBpYq2a/s526/Fluffy-Fluffy-Pancakes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="526" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF9qyZpv3VDD5fMvh8qP5NnuBz-1lVPavvTLzxDBIbtFpz0-uJDh6bdOTi-ZNWmhhaWp5YBi_buDMdMQk3pi3sT1N4V3tywYux-duzT7WVVmZm0ftN68r-Lczjl0xXsYOyrXoKMfv80DQsYsM6wdm6Z1qYqQB8_K1tUlsmaYdVatpfUTFsoZ8-jBpYq2a/w400-h400/Fluffy-Fluffy-Pancakes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The Japanese dessert café, known for its souffle pancakes, opened at The Exchange at (2925 Buford Drive) in Buford in February which followed its Atlanta market entry this past December in Duluth. The Duluth eatery is located in GW Marketplace (2180 Pleasant Hill Road), a large shopping center near Gwinnett Place Mall, home to more than a dozen Asian-oriented businesses. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Co-founder and Director of Business Development Benson Lau started the business as Fuwa Fuwa in Canada in early 2018. After growing in Canada, Lau has turned his attention to expansion in the states where 2023 openings included units in Orlando and Frisco, a suburb of Texas. (The eatery's Canadian and international units remain branded Fuwa Fuwa, Japanese for "Fluffy Fluffy.") In addition to Buford, a new location in the Southern California community of Tustin in Orange County also opened in February. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In addition to souffle pancakes, the menu includes croffles (croissant+waffles), burnt-top cheesecakes, roll cake, and macarons as well as specialty coffees and sodas, among other offerings. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In Northlake Festival, Fluffy Fluffy joins K Pot Korean BBQ which opened in 2023 in place of what had for many years been a Blockbuster Video. The center is also home to Bubble Cream, an independent ice cream shop that previously operated as a Carvel franchise but now features an Asian-leaning menu with bubble waffles and bubble tea, among other treats. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A new concept called The Haunted House Restaurant <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/05/Haunted-House-Restaurant-Opening-Tucker-Northlake-Festival.html">was to have opened in the center in 2023</a> but it never opened nor did another planned one in Orlando. The original location remains open in Cleveland, Ohio but currently has a disappointing 3.7 star rating on Yelp.com so perhaps Tucker dodged a bullet. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2024/01/Moes-Southwest-Grill-Closing-Northlake-Restaurant-Tucker.html">exclusively reported January 5</a> that a Moe's Southwest Grill located across the street from Northlake Festival in Briarcliff LaVista shopping center is due to close this month and be replaced by a new ramen and bubble tea eatery. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Have you been to Fluffy Fluffy? Do you think Fluffy Fluffy will be successful in Tucker? What is your favorite "treat?" </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-74406796718299915222024-03-05T23:34:00.004-05:002024-03-06T21:02:00.370-05:00[EXCLUSIVE] Growing Donut Franchise Looks to Continue Suburban Success<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">For the first time in more than five years, a new <b>Duck Donuts</b> is opening in metro Atlanta. Planning documents and an updated siteplan confirm that a new location of the donut franchise is coming to Silesboro Oaks (1720 Mars Hill Road), a Kroger-anchored shopping center in Acworth. Duck Donuts will occupy a roughly 1,400 square foot space to the left of Kroger. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEild3mPEn7B4m52n1IY1huWEuXTbMKVbCvwN1yONhxuO1jYOgQkuSNRMgBtIWmNTSg0yrWz-W6L4LJxNbY_Zlu7k1VPsBOuvjzs9cKkeU7Lcly9Q3f7FUMU851gOtcHvwxS9Kv3sCaT7GtV7ErGSPSncecgR9spS9UlvMJrDxGuzV1rVoxXXhAs2YBcKRi4/s1200/Duck-Donuts-Atlanta.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1200" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEild3mPEn7B4m52n1IY1huWEuXTbMKVbCvwN1yONhxuO1jYOgQkuSNRMgBtIWmNTSg0yrWz-W6L4LJxNbY_Zlu7k1VPsBOuvjzs9cKkeU7Lcly9Q3f7FUMU851gOtcHvwxS9Kv3sCaT7GtV7ErGSPSncecgR9spS9UlvMJrDxGuzV1rVoxXXhAs2YBcKRi4/w400-h234/Duck-Donuts-Atlanta.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The franchise, born in North Carolina's Outer Banks in the city of Duck in 2006, is now based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and includes some 100 or so locations across the country as well as single international locations in Canada, Egypt, Qatar, and Thailand. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Duck Donuts separates itself from other doughnut purveyors by making its doughnuts fresh to order for each customer, in front of each customer. The concept is novel but is not without challenges. <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2017/04/duck-donuts-waddles-into-atlanta-with.html">A franchisee</a> previously operated Duck Donuts locations in both Buckhead and Toco Hills but both "temporarily closed" in 2023, a move that we have since confirmed was permanent. The Toco Hills location, delayed several months, opened in December 2019. <br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A separate location closed this past December in Savannah after six years in business. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Locally, Duck Donuts locations remain open in Alpharetta and East Cobb but the East Cobb unit in Merchants Walk ic <a href="https://www.bizbuysell.com/Business-Opportunity/expanding-donut-franchise-that-is-on-fire-and-growing/2115951/">currently for sale</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you excited for the opening of Duck Donuts in Acworth? Who do you think makes the best donut in Atlanta? What other types of eateries would you like to see open in Acworth?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-85962304485122253912024-03-01T20:49:00.004-05:002024-03-02T10:04:14.861-05:00[ALERT] Beloved Salad Bar Chain Will Be Ripe Back <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Don't call it a comeback....yet. A former <b>Sweet Tomatoes</b> location is slated to reopen this month but the company has made no firm commitment regarding any additional expansion. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZfYhiaQFv_DkLSE4OuLOgKdj09MRttc2q3ovs8JEC9XppH9tkAsnYtKUtTm8Z1Px-aLBX9MVV9XdfVl4Q-qPXr35SC1i7H7fSddNnA-UHSZ85z4qQgH0GslGC0OZiF9O9f8eEyA21qdLRj9Vzs9tI_xd3pxDJOpvmM8qtg3mBBvnb0APS-pKsxyNCjru/s2048/Sweet-Tomatoes-Reopening.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1642" data-original-width="2048" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZfYhiaQFv_DkLSE4OuLOgKdj09MRttc2q3ovs8JEC9XppH9tkAsnYtKUtTm8Z1Px-aLBX9MVV9XdfVl4Q-qPXr35SC1i7H7fSddNnA-UHSZ85z4qQgH0GslGC0OZiF9O9f8eEyA21qdLRj9Vzs9tI_xd3pxDJOpvmM8qtg3mBBvnb0APS-pKsxyNCjru/w400-h321/Sweet-Tomatoes-Reopening.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The restaurant, located at 6202 E. Broadway Boulevard in Tucson, Arizona, crushed by the restrictions and impacts of the pandemic, closed along with the entire chain in May 2020. Now under new ownership, it is expected to reopen within the next three weeks after a lengthy renovation. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Published reports <a href="https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/dining/2023/03/14/sweet-tomatoes-reopens-arizona/70009549007/">indicate</a> that the restaurant is being opened by "ST Three, LLC," an entity reportedly unaffiliated with former owner Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp but one that is led by former Garden Fresh executive Mike Malone. According to his LinkedIn profile, beginning in 1987, Malone spent more than three decades with Garden Fresh before the company's liquidation in 2020. Malone went on to hold executive roles with a Wendy's franchisee as well as with Dave's Hot Chicken before becoming Chief Operating Officer at ST Three dba Sweet Tomatoes in September 2022. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The planned reopening in Tucson has been in the works since at least last last March when it was reported that ST Three had signed a lease to reopen in one of the former Sweet Tomatoes restaurants. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Sweet Tomatoes Instagram and Facebook pages, silent since May 8, 2020, came back to life on February 23 and February 26, respectively, to announce that the company is hiring for hourly positions at the new Tucson restaurant. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">ST Three purchased the exclusive rights and all intellectual property associated with the Sweet Tomatoes and Souplantation brands, <a href="https://www.cbre.com/press-releases/cbre-arranges-lease-to-new-operator-of-sweet-tomatoes-at-former-restaurant-location-in-tucson">according to CBRE</a>, who represented the landlord in Tucson. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The chain previously operated four locations in metro Atlanta with one now demolished and replaced with new shops and restaurants, one occupied by new restaurants, and two others vacant. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In Kennesaw (1125 Ernest Barrett Parkway) the former Sweet Tomatoes was demolished and reopened in 2022 as new locations of Maple Street Biscuit Company, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Viva Chicken, Paradise Grills, Pacific Dental, and Five Star Nutrition. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In Duluth (3505 Mall Boulevard) the former Sweet Tomatoes was located on "Ring Road," around the perimeter of the troubled Gwinnett Place Mall. When we were last at the building, there was work underway to renovate it into a new brunch eatery but those plans reportedly fell through and real estate sources indicate the building is vacant. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In Sandy Springs (6340 Peachtree Dunwoody Road), the former Sweet Tomatoes was renovated and reopened in November 2022 as Top Korean BBQ and Hot Pot. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In Alpharetta (950 North Point Drive) the former Sweet Tomatoes sits atop a hill in a less than prime location <strike>and as a result, has seen limited interest and remains vacant.</strike> but is currently being renovated into Chow One Korean Steakhouse. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The area around the former Duluth restaurant has also changed plenty, both since the restaurant first opened and since they closed, making it unlikely it will be appealing to ST Three if and when they elect to open more locations outside of Tucson. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Even if limited for now, are you excited to hear about the return of Sweet Tomatoes? What was your favorite offering from Sweet Tomatoes? If Sweet Tomatoes does return and is prepared to open a new restaurant rather than reopening a former location, where do you think they should open?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-56920105546119702672024-03-01T17:49:00.004-05:002024-03-01T20:30:28.182-05:00[EXCLUSIVE] New Grocery Lease Has Been Signed at Interlock <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It's been more than six months since <a href=" https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/Publix-Interlock-Pushed-Trader-Joes-Could-Come-Grocery-West-midtown-SJC-Ventures.html">our report</a> on the uncertainty of a previously planned Publix at Phase 2 of The Interlock in West Midtown. Several sources with knowledge of the situation now tell <i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> that a lease was recently executed with <b>Lidl</b>, one of the two grocers we named in our report as likely contenders. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizxcYNvxLhZ3DMWUZE7xBNfSFOpNdKbkCfQzHd6uWBPVCQnobeBM0aBx7N6Bvhy0uctVcYYsn_GEBUV_d_tHdFJg89nsb4IogOoUFXVRaclsJV4X2jHJ5uZAp4IA_8tMqDgCJOpkXk0_3x0eaPNH-sU8-62O6GblQWEdDROp4eVig-VYK685r6jC9LPYM/s2016/Interlock-Signage-2024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjizxcYNvxLhZ3DMWUZE7xBNfSFOpNdKbkCfQzHd6uWBPVCQnobeBM0aBx7N6Bvhy0uctVcYYsn_GEBUV_d_tHdFJg89nsb4IogOoUFXVRaclsJV4X2jHJ5uZAp4IA_8tMqDgCJOpkXk0_3x0eaPNH-sU8-62O6GblQWEdDROp4eVig-VYK685r6jC9LPYM/w400-h300/Interlock-Signage-2024.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Lidl - rhymes with needle - is a German-based discount grocer similar to Aldi. The company opened its first Georgia store in late 2017 in Augusta and entered the Atlanta market in 2018. In the years since, the grocer has grown to 17 stores in the state. The company previously closed locations in Dunwoody (<a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/01/Lidl-CLosing-Dunwoody-Store-Mount-Vermon-Branch-Properties.html">February 2023</a>) and Sandy Springs (<a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2022/07/Lidl-Closing-Sandy-Springs-Store-After-Opening-in-2021.html">July 2022</a>) but has several more stores in the pipeline.</div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Although not the previously announced Publix and not a "typical" grocer, the planned arrival of Lidl in the burgeoning Westside should nonetheless be welcome news to nearby families and students at Georgia Tech who are currently without a discount grocer of any kind.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Lidl will be joined in the project by several restaurants including FIVE GUYS, Kura Sushi, Wagyu House, a new-to-market hot pot eatery, Starbucks, and Pinky Promise champagne bar, as well as GoodVets, Salon Lofts, and City Nail Bar, among other tenants. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In addition to the Interlock store, Lidl is planning to open several other new locations in the greater metro Atlanta area in the years to come including those planned for Cumming, Woodstock, Marietta, 270 Ponce de Leon Avenue near Ponce City Market, and Norcross, among others. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The company in 2022 "went vertical" on their roughly 900,000 square foot, $100 million distribution center in Covington. The project, first announced in 2017, was originally to be constructed in Cartersville, but was switched to Covington in early 2020. No doubt delayed by supply chain issues, the project was as of last summer on track to open in late 2023 or early 2024, but its opening has been delayed again and it's not totally clear when it will open. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">All of the aforementioned openings, save for Interlock, are for stores where Lidl purchased the property and therefore controls to a large degree when they will open. The delayed opening of the distribution center is having ripple effects on store openings, but will reportedly not impact the Interlock opening, as Lidl's lease likely included stipulations mandating how long the grocer has to open. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Representatives from both Lidl and SJC Ventures indicated they had no comment on the status of a potential lease at the project. Real estate sources tell <i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> that the new Interlock Lidl should open in late 2024 or early 2025. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you pleased to hear that Lidl is coming to Phase 2 of The Interlock? Have you ever been to a Lidl? What is your favorite grocer? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-35812596310933905792024-02-29T19:20:00.020-05:002024-02-29T23:54:30.843-05:00[EXCLUSIVE] Growing Off-Price Retailer to Finally Enter Atlanta Market <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There is really no such thing as a "perfect lineup," but the newest addition to one Buckhead shopping center certainly creates one of the more compelling retail assortments in metro Atlanta. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPvYyYjbWyJ7ZBCgpgxsD_qCxJnE-dtcUvkl8bC0_sGr2xZds5EvsUBe-_FB1pgZRxBt87I09ZDmlrrnR4puBif5SRq87GAqHU687K7-s4euETJBLxYXk0sa_VxOkxTwf5kzDS-C8kqQMEV45PvMNU3yasLC_AdOJVvdx7nsdeaG8Uo_pc8GQ63AEmIU3/s2016/Buckhead-Station-Atlanta-Buckhead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXPvYyYjbWyJ7ZBCgpgxsD_qCxJnE-dtcUvkl8bC0_sGr2xZds5EvsUBe-_FB1pgZRxBt87I09ZDmlrrnR4puBif5SRq87GAqHU687K7-s4euETJBLxYXk0sa_VxOkxTwf5kzDS-C8kqQMEV45PvMNU3yasLC_AdOJVvdx7nsdeaG8Uo_pc8GQ63AEmIU3/w400-h300/Buckhead-Station-Atlanta-Buckhead.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Buckhead Station (1 Buckhead Loop), a center just off GA 400 already home to TJ Maxx, Saks OFF FIFTH, Nordstrom Rack, World Market, Ulta Beauty, DSW, Old Navy and several smaller shops, will soon add a <b>Bloomingdale's the outlet store</b>, according to a permit filed with the City of Atlanta. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The new Bloomingdale's outlet will occupy suite 110A, a roughly 24,000 square foot space representing a little more than half of the former Bed Bath & Beyond space. Bed Bath & Beyond closed its Buckhead store<a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/01/Bed-Bath-Beyond-Closing-Buckhead-Store.html"> in 2023</a> ahead of winding down operations entirely following its bankruptcy and liquidation. Property owner Regency Centers labels the upcoming Bloomingdale's as "Great Retail" in an updated site plan where the remaining roughly 16,000 square feet of the former Bed Bath & Beyond is marked as "Available." (One thought we have for a possible replacement is REI Re/Supply, a new, thus far two unit discount store that sells lightly used outdoor gear and apparel that REI receives through their trade-in program and store return process.)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Saks opened their nearly 27,000 square foot "OFF FIFTH" store at the center in 2016 taking most of what had since the center's December 1996 inception been a Toys R Us. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Bloomingdale's owner Macy's, Inc. introduced Bloomingdale's the outlet store in 2010 and has slowly grown the off-price division to 20 stores in eleven states including those in Delaware, New Hampshire and Texas where the outlet banner is the brand's only presence in the market. The company also operates one furniture and mattress outlet in New York. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The new Buckhead store marks the brand's first in Georgia. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2024/02/New-Nordstrom-Rack-Stores-Opening-Metro-Atlanta-March-2024.html">reported February 28</a> that Nordstrom is opening two new "Rack" stores in metro Atlanta in March, bringing the chain's presence in Atlanta to six units. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"<i>As the off-price market is currently on fire, it is a great time for Bloomingdale's to expand its Outlet concept</i>," said Neil Saunders, Managing Director and Retail Analyst at GlobalData Retail. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> shared news of the upcoming outlet store with Saunders who added, "<i>Over recent years, Macy's has been growing its off-price stores to help sales, but it probably has a a lot of scope to open more outlets, including stand-alone ones as opposed to those in Macy's stores. The luxury focus of Bloomingdale's is very much aligned with where demand is strongest right now, especially if brands are being sold at a discount</i>." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"<i>The great thing about off-price stores like Bloomingdale's Outlet is that they drive regular footfall. Consumers like to visit multiple times to see what's new and to snag a bargain</i>," Saunders added. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Bloomingdale's outlet stores carry merchandise both from the legacy department store and other merchandise sourced or produced specifically for the off-price channel. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The new store should be open by this coming holiday season.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAvM32_E4vIjbRbgPYKtekXfpBM3kym4fBQUquBX_uMlH42mzPDz2jsPzDvjZA4pRseuoxsLbp5dbfSDe0AA_zixyvQzfnruy06aykST3XiHV5vtCcs2i8BQKGT6SJXLrb9mWEIhepkb_h-Ozy_-AJG2NQBP8S0zJvqL_HU29bDJzcAPjFjl8tX0CWoxo/s2016/Bloomingdales-Outlet-Store-Buckhead-Atlanta.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAvM32_E4vIjbRbgPYKtekXfpBM3kym4fBQUquBX_uMlH42mzPDz2jsPzDvjZA4pRseuoxsLbp5dbfSDe0AA_zixyvQzfnruy06aykST3XiHV5vtCcs2i8BQKGT6SJXLrb9mWEIhepkb_h-Ozy_-AJG2NQBP8S0zJvqL_HU29bDJzcAPjFjl8tX0CWoxo/w400-h300/Bloomingdales-Outlet-Store-Buckhead-Atlanta.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In metro Atlanta, Bloomingales's currently operates just one full-line store, at Lenox Square in Buckhead. The three level store was reduced from four levels during the pandemic with the lower level now used as a regional call center for Macy's and Bloomingdale's. The company closed metro Atlanta's other Bloomingdale's, previously located at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, in early 2012. The store reopened in late 2012 as a Von Maur department store. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">There are currently 33 Bloomingdale's and three smaller format "Bloomie's" stores nationally. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Macy's announced February 27 it plans to close 150 underperforming stores — 50 by the end of 2024 and the other 100 over the next few years. By 2026, it will have just 350 Macy’s stores, the company announced. At the same time, the company said it will open 15 new Bloomingdale’s stores and 30 new Bluemercury - a boutique skincare retailer it also owns - locations over the next three years. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Have you ever been to a Bloomingdale's the outlet store? What is your favorite off-price retailer? What retailer not currently in metro Atlanta would you like to see enter the market? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-62773728221548818022024-02-28T13:40:00.003-05:002024-02-28T13:48:26.715-05:00[ALERT] Popular Meat Shop Suspending Retail Operations Less Than Two Years After Reopening <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><b>Patak Meat Products</b>, a manufacturer of fine European meats and sausages, announced February 13 that it is suspending its retail store operations. The company referred to the closure as "temporary" but gave no indication as to when or if the retail store would reopen. As of now the store is slated to close as of March 1. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzehyxe-vlcEALEyQiVyoGInRXtPQjJMvP4dw-0-I69cHA0HjRI1acjptPpIdC-ibpwfZXZEaABCCq7Y1AE8D0hQ5bIyUXdNw0oCAbT-3V2kVc87e_lfW4tbIHkyEzptokuj0jA-OMCNAGLTc1Ic3zJUnumk_Kory6xTZ6umQRg4DzeWpK5EcR5ra14zl/s505/Patak-Meats-Austell-Atlanta.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="505" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzehyxe-vlcEALEyQiVyoGInRXtPQjJMvP4dw-0-I69cHA0HjRI1acjptPpIdC-ibpwfZXZEaABCCq7Y1AE8D0hQ5bIyUXdNw0oCAbT-3V2kVc87e_lfW4tbIHkyEzptokuj0jA-OMCNAGLTc1Ic3zJUnumk_Kory6xTZ6umQRg4DzeWpK5EcR5ra14zl/w400-h318/Patak-Meats-Austell-Atlanta.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Established in 1981, Patak Meats has developed a devoted following for their house-smoked meats and sausages as well as a variety of imported cheeses, chocolates, spices and more. Patak is located at 4107 Ewing Road in Austell, not far from West Cobb. The store, located on the same property as the company's production facility, had been closed for more than a year following an August 2021 fire at the factory that heavily damaged the business. The company resumed limited online sales over the course of 2022 but it was not until late October 2022 that the retail store resumed normal operations. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In their Facebook post, the company cited "unprecedented times" as part of the reasoning for the closure but did not cite any specific cause leading them to shutter their retail store. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"<i>After much reflection and careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close our retail store, effective March 1, 2024.</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>We want to assure you that this decision did not come easily, and we understand the impact it will have. Unfortunately, these are unprecedented times, and we have to adapt in order to provide you with the best service possible. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>Though our retail store will not be open to the public, you will still be able to order Patak Meats online on our website. We'll offer options for shipping or pickup at our location, based on your preference. In the weeks ahead, we will share more details regarding in-store pickup. </i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>As we embark on this transition, we want to express our heartfelt appreciation for your understanding, patience, unwavering support and continued patronage. We are truly blessed to have the best customers around</i>."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The company seemed to leave open the possibility of reopening at some point adding, </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"<i>We will do our best to address any questions you may have in the coming weeks via social media and email, and we look forward to the future when we will once again welcome you back through our doors with open arms</i>."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The company's store will be open from 9 am until 5 pm each day through Friday, March 1. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">They also take orders online and ship across the continental United States. Next-day shipping is available in Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and north Florida. Patak also has wholesale relationships with food suppliers like US Foods and Sysco. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Did you know Patak Meat Products existed? Have you been to Patak Meat Products? Where do you buy the majority of your specialty meats? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-82355014422907135792024-02-28T12:12:00.021-05:002024-02-29T23:52:57.627-05:00[OPENING] Metro Atlanta to See Pair of New Nordstrom Rack Stores Debut in March <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">It's been over a year since <i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> exclusively reported on Nordstrom Rack's planned expansion in metro Atlanta. The wait for more stores is now just weeks away! New Nodstrom Rack stores are slated to open in <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/01/Nordstrom-Rack-Coming-to-Snellville.html">Snellville</a> in early March and in <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2022/10/Nordstrom-Rack-Opening-New-Kennesaw-Store-Barrett-Place-Brixmor.html">Kennesaw</a> in late March. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfv_ybPVXj2zqtdXeYg4onyGrKAgtUelRKL-jhdFRmTlPWCb31sm_Dc7pqsKAxcI6onMYZh7VWtohDJV28QjBKGMu2Cxgdst9XP0dp6U4myE8CWoE5vTS29gwiZdFGMYIDexUfVxeuj-28qU54iLtkdbbMh4U4Ihi0B_pizJzENbH23lhoAPPIXAMpPTX/s870/Nordstrom-Rack-Stores-Atlanta.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="870" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTfv_ybPVXj2zqtdXeYg4onyGrKAgtUelRKL-jhdFRmTlPWCb31sm_Dc7pqsKAxcI6onMYZh7VWtohDJV28QjBKGMu2Cxgdst9XP0dp6U4myE8CWoE5vTS29gwiZdFGMYIDexUfVxeuj-28qU54iLtkdbbMh4U4Ihi0B_pizJzENbH23lhoAPPIXAMpPTX/w400-h266/Nordstrom-Rack-Stores-Atlanta.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The new stores, located in Presidential Market in Snellville and Barrett Place in Kennesaw mark the Seattle-based retailer's fifth and sixth stores in metro Atlanta. Existing Rack stores in metro Atlanta include those in Buford, Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Alpharetta. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In Snellville, Nordstrom Rack will be located at 1905 Scenic Hwy S. Suite 5000 where it replaces a former Bed Bath & Beyond store. The Snellville store is slated to open March 7.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In Kennesaw Nordstrom Rack will be located at 860 Cobb Place Blvd. NW Suite 200 where it backfills a former OfficeMax store. The Kennesaw store is slated to open March 21. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The new stores mark the first for Nordstrom in metro Atlanta in more than a decade since the 2013 opening of Nordstrom Rack at Perimeter Expo near Perimeter Mall. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The soon to be six off-price Rack stores are in addition to the two full-line stores the retailer operates in metro Atlanta including one at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead and another at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody. <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2014/10/nordstrom-closing-mall-of-georgia.html">Ten years ago</a> the company closed a full-line Nordstrom store at the Mall of Georgia in Buford. Davenport, Iowa-based Von Maur opened its third overall full-line store in place of the Buford Nordstrom in late 2016. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Nordstrom's expansion of their Rack division comes as fellow department store operator Macy's announced plans to close 150 stores. Although Macy's blamed general "underperformance" for the closures, many industry observers point to the rise of not only online shopping but off-price retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Burlington, and Nordstrom Rack, among others, for continuing to erode the market share of legacy retailers like Macy's. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Nordstrom introduced <a href="https://www.itsnicethat.com/news/jkr-nordstrom-rack-graphic-design-branding-130423">a new logo for Nordstrom Rack in 2023</a> that drew inspiration from the company's logo during the 70s and 80s. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Overall Nordstrom operates nearly 100 full-line stores but more than 260 Nordstrom Rack stores. The lopsided ratio reflects the fact that the retailer procures a significant amount of Rack merchandise from sources outside of its full-line Nordstrom stores. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In addition to the two primary banners, Nordstrom also operates a pair of Last Chance clearance stores in Phoenix, Arizona and Lombard, Illinois. The two stores act as the final point of sale opportunity for any and all Nordstrom merchandise, some of which may have been stained, worn, missing something, damaged, etc. We have been to the Phoenix Last Call several times and found a couple of items, but it's very chaotic and far from a pleasant or organized shopping experience. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSsGx7ve4OQ1JsHJGAZfV2t8JCkFqxu0J6LbVjZprpS6gj-htEfuyJYQWTduTqsBHTB1leVtb-RY_0qe3NJrqHUnJdri23EEssIJtBhGKA_Xj3kOR5o28E1etVs22d96D3sxTuwHnFQ7Bqhyphenhyphenk7Z__IoPRd8Sp48n1zrnn68M3GMQ1njmhXIfVIGF5FYLU/s2016/Last-Chance-Nordstrom-Rack.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSsGx7ve4OQ1JsHJGAZfV2t8JCkFqxu0J6LbVjZprpS6gj-htEfuyJYQWTduTqsBHTB1leVtb-RY_0qe3NJrqHUnJdri23EEssIJtBhGKA_Xj3kOR5o28E1etVs22d96D3sxTuwHnFQ7Bqhyphenhyphenk7Z__IoPRd8Sp48n1zrnn68M3GMQ1njmhXIfVIGF5FYLU/w400-h300/Last-Chance-Nordstrom-Rack.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you excited about the openings of Nordstrom Rack in Snellville and Kennesaw? What is your favorite off-price retailer? Do you miss the days of Loehmann's and Filene's Basement? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-9526144662018451402024-02-27T00:08:00.002-05:002024-02-27T00:09:48.200-05:00[UPDATE] RaceTrac Shutters Downtown Store After Latest Shooting <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">After a string of violent incidents, <b>RaceTrac</b> has decided to close its short-lived Downtown Atlanta location. Situated at the corner of Piedmont and John Wesley Dobbs Avenues in the street level of The Mix student housing development (120 Piedmont Avenue), the small format, eight fuel pump RaceTrac opened in late 2019 and marked the Atlanta-based fuel provider's first "<a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2019/05/New-RaceTrac-Opening-Piedmont-John-Wesley-Dobbs-Georgia-State-First.html">non-traditional brick and mortar</a>" location. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgI3YhZ2JSuB9xcQxwWxgi44Rvw7JLrKNMs-ns8D0NximJsQ7lgnHez5FugJM41WKnFUeTOZD30-CzedbvTC-IL7xNXXmnxnGuego_x4QyHtUrypV8g2o0YYTnCGQcJJ8p-weZUypLWHAYtTuAWx5TuLFzOHWv8Wy0Jpu6I1kfnShxXZkrhzWZXAWv_2c/s1500/RaceTrac-Atlanta-Downtown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgI3YhZ2JSuB9xcQxwWxgi44Rvw7JLrKNMs-ns8D0NximJsQ7lgnHez5FugJM41WKnFUeTOZD30-CzedbvTC-IL7xNXXmnxnGuego_x4QyHtUrypV8g2o0YYTnCGQcJJ8p-weZUypLWHAYtTuAWx5TuLFzOHWv8Wy0Jpu6I1kfnShxXZkrhzWZXAWv_2c/w400-h300/RaceTrac-Atlanta-Downtown.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The most recent incident at the convenience store - a fight between three individuals Sunday that left one 21 year old male dead - was just the latest in a series of alarming crimes at or near the business. This past October four people - including two Georgia State students - were victims of gun violence at the business and while there were no fatalities, the incidents were nonetheless alarming to students, property owners, and the public at large. A Georgia State student was also shot and killed at the gas station <a href="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/1-dead-after-shooting-gas-station-near-georgia-state-university-police-say/ORZTT57SEBCN3CXQ2UKJ3Y3IQY/">in December 2022</a>. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The decision to close the store was swift. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Monday afternoon RaceTrac CEO Natalie Morhous released the following statement:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"<i>I am deeply saddened by the recent senseless acts of violence at and near this store," said CEO Natalie Morhous. "As an Atlanta-based business, we did not reach this decision lightly. We know how important our stores are to the community: They are open to guests 24/7/365, they create local jobs, they generate taxes, and play a critical role in the states in which they operate. However, RaceTrac can only be successful when our stores are safe for our team members and our guests</i>." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Morhous, 40, a third generation leader within the family-owned company, was named RaceTrac's CEO as of January 2, 2024. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When RaceTrac opened, it marked the return of a gas station and convenience store to the area following the 2018 closure of the longstanding Shell on the same property. The Shell, which had problems of its own, was referred to by Georgia State student newspaper "The Signal" as "Shady Shell" in <a href="https://georgiastatesignal.com/the-legacy-of-georgia-states-shady-shell/">a 2019 report</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A Change.org petition from <a href="https://www.change.org/p/get-the-racetrack-on-georgia-state-s-campus-shut-down">March 2023</a> cited "a substantial amount of gun violence, robberies, and sexual misconduct issues" and called for the RaceTrac to be "SHUT DOWN." The petition has received nearly 1,300 signatures including 69 this week, according to the website. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">At the time of the October 2023 shooting, a report from WSB-TV quoted a student who referred to the RaceTrac as "<a href="https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/infamous-racetrac-students-react-after-quadruple-shooting-campus-leaves-2-students-injured/XXQ27LPFQJB4XLDWSPLB5772RI/">The Infamous RaceTrac</a>." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> visited the Downtown RaceTrac a half dozen or so times and always found the store active but seemingly ill-maintained with trash littering the outside and the inside often poorly stocked. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpjfMJBGHk5HeD1FX-e1rSJcVi88139LTxeOdPkw698JriVqUsCL1hgm3t76uQBSaLC8V-GeS5EW0bB7DzUFApBY-DuZyXNstrm1M-HhMRPfFo6hkJF7FU24cyyQCJ0E0jUWvScHGg0iNDzTzEJJDWjPoHF_fJSZlzE7XCVgza2iX4RwIhD6EZ27Zh73-/s1280/RaceTrac-Trash.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1041" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpjfMJBGHk5HeD1FX-e1rSJcVi88139LTxeOdPkw698JriVqUsCL1hgm3t76uQBSaLC8V-GeS5EW0bB7DzUFApBY-DuZyXNstrm1M-HhMRPfFo6hkJF7FU24cyyQCJ0E0jUWvScHGg0iNDzTzEJJDWjPoHF_fJSZlzE7XCVgza2iX4RwIhD6EZ27Zh73-/w325-h400/RaceTrac-Trash.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Furthermore, RaceTrac hired a patrol officer to alleviate security concerns but during at least one of our visits, we observed the officer <i>with headphones on</i>, fully absorbed by their phone and ignoring the activity of the store. According to Georgia State, the company hired an off-duty police officer to provide store security earlier this year. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrcUa50me1bqzMNLxSkhDlcE04dixd0s8IGLTx8LctKgV17BxS5ZDmYmdjwSGkRz4mW44XNUCT9bpW16ViglO_3IB2ouSCC5z8fYyIORn7iIp4genD2mqQW7WRBlXmQiMKS53H1GMRJbkvkvzEfsTd_VAAk6q5aX2J9q3UFh-CNnhQdN-z14b6PR0XBnn/s1280/RaceTrac-Security.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1050" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrcUa50me1bqzMNLxSkhDlcE04dixd0s8IGLTx8LctKgV17BxS5ZDmYmdjwSGkRz4mW44XNUCT9bpW16ViglO_3IB2ouSCC5z8fYyIORn7iIp4genD2mqQW7WRBlXmQiMKS53H1GMRJbkvkvzEfsTd_VAAk6q5aX2J9q3UFh-CNnhQdN-z14b6PR0XBnn/w329-h400/RaceTrac-Security.jpg" width="329" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span>RaceTrac's closure follows the January announcement by In-N-Out that for the first time in their history </span><span>they are </span><span>closing a location. The West Coast burger joint will close its Oakland restaurant </span><a href="https://www.cnn.com/2024/01/23/food/in-n-out-oakland-closure-crime/index.html">as of March 24</a><span> due to customers and associates regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies, according to the company. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The RaceTrac closure is effective immediately. Affected store employees will be offered opportunities to continue employment at one of the other 127 RaceTrac locations in Georgia. Overall the Atlanta-based company operates more than 570 stores throughout ten states. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">What are your thoughts on the closure of the Downtown RaceTrac? What would you like to see open in place of RaceTrac Downtown? All things being equal, do you prefer QuikTrip or Racetrac, why? </span> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-14350355517785616432024-02-26T11:14:00.008-05:002024-02-26T11:16:51.690-05:00[UPDATE] HomeGoods Sets Opening Date for Significant Sandy Springs Store <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A little more than <a href="Tomorrow's News Today - Atlanta: [EXCLUSIVE] TJX Brands Uniting in Sandy Springs Shopping Center (tonetoatl.com)">eight months after our original report</a>, a new <b>HomeGoods</b> is coming to Sandy Springs. Newly updated signage and the HomeGoods website confirm that the new HomeGoods in Hammond Exchange shopping center is due to open on Thursday, February 29. The new store spans more than 31,000 square feet, making it one of retailer's largest in metro Atlanta. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJwIWIyBuBW-VP_-NEcMliG4k1bz-80ihkaIHG3hDULkqj9uvBr41m4UnB3Bnm8nClr31HU00QaThCeeiQlR8v62fcBh5-MIauXj1juAwJx_3JNZw1pe3RP4Dns2MuUA-svZ0r8VL19pkXH2KY4tJY0qJlkYJjxkbkQTLkwZPCwynGR5knUoGc9MaIS0b/s2016/IMG_6763.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJwIWIyBuBW-VP_-NEcMliG4k1bz-80ihkaIHG3hDULkqj9uvBr41m4UnB3Bnm8nClr31HU00QaThCeeiQlR8v62fcBh5-MIauXj1juAwJx_3JNZw1pe3RP4Dns2MuUA-svZ0r8VL19pkXH2KY4tJY0qJlkYJjxkbkQTLkwZPCwynGR5knUoGc9MaIS0b/w400-h300/IMG_6763.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The new HomeGoods is opening in spaces most recently occupied by Office Depot and Mills Uniform in the Whole Foods Market-anchored shopping center at the intersection of Hammond Drive and Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. The nearly 21,000 square foot anchor space has been vacant since the office supply store shuttered its store in 2021. Overall, the new HomeGoods will be about 31,400 square feet inclusive of space previously occupied by Mills Uniform. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In Hammond Exchange, HomeGoods will join fellow TJX Cos. brand Marshalls. The center, long an asset owned by Atlanta-based Mimms Enterprises, was purchased by Ponce City Market owner Jamestown in late 2018.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Although we alluded to it in our original report, it's still surprising to see the company close its existing store at Perimeter Pointe to "move" to Hammond Exchange. The two stores are just under three miles apart but would seem to be separate markets, with each location capable of thriving. This notion is given even more credence when you consider that the company has for years operated stores in Buckhead Crossing (2625 Piedmont Road) and Powers Ferry Square (3788 Roswell Road) a similar distance away from each other. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The new Hammond Exchange store will celebrate its debut with extended hours on opening day: 8 AM to 10 PM. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Framingham, Massachusetts-based HomeGoods has in recent years added several new stores to metro Atlanta and today operates two dozen outposts in the greater metro Atlanta area. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Based on research and communication from internal TJX sources, we reported <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/04/TJX-Cos-Bringing-Homesense-to-Georgia.html">this past April</a> that TJX planned to finally bring their HomeGoods sibling brand Homesense to metro Atlanta. The store was planned for Johns Creek Town Center in Suwanee but ultimately opened this past fall as a HomeGoods rather than HomeSense. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you excited about having HomeGoods in Hammond Exchange? What is your favorite housewares retailer? What other kinds of retailers would you like to see open in Sandy Springs? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below.</span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-69706123475762898762024-02-22T09:40:00.006-05:002024-03-02T10:04:55.048-05:00[ALERT] New Burger and Barbeque Joints Planned for Suburban Property <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A pair of new restaurants are planned for Acworth. Planning documents suggest and a city representative confirmed that new locations of both <b>City Barbeque</b> and <b>Whataburger</b> are planned for 3574 Cobb Parkway NW, just north of its intersection with Mars Hill Road in Acworth. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaPezxjWtkgTAbEohbpc6JXooWontsKsret6uv7icOqwR5z0R6midppS9F1gCGa_QVbs0nYhcOV45O2xsEpoOXTS7gZ2-ARPt9CUB0xX3cOnAHP_9AcFFpl4T0lTVEYUpgjI9cuKSI6wcQ3mSHNEeQ-WWj-Qf3dokvTb_HlK4YGmZ6EgOdw9kYnnX0kXj/s1200/City-Barbeque-food.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaPezxjWtkgTAbEohbpc6JXooWontsKsret6uv7icOqwR5z0R6midppS9F1gCGa_QVbs0nYhcOV45O2xsEpoOXTS7gZ2-ARPt9CUB0xX3cOnAHP_9AcFFpl4T0lTVEYUpgjI9cuKSI6wcQ3mSHNEeQ-WWj-Qf3dokvTb_HlK4YGmZ6EgOdw9kYnnX0kXj/w400-h266/City-Barbeque-food.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The new restaurants would share a roughly two acre parcel, would both have drive-thrus, and would each add to the respective chains' recent growth spurts in the Atlanta area market. The new City Barbeque would be about 4,200 square feet while the new Whataburger would be about 3,300 square feet. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Every City Barbeque location has three smokers on site and offers smoked chicken, ribs, pulled pork, brisket and a host of house-made sides and desserts. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Dublin, Ohio-based BBQ chain entered the Atlanta market in 2017 with a location along Scott Boulevard in the Sprouts-anchored Decatur Crossing shopping center. A second opened in Johns Creek/Suwanee in <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2017/09/City-Barbeque-Debuts-In-Decatur-Planning-Suwanee.html">Johns Creek Town Center</a> in 2018, followed by a third at <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2019/03/City-Barbeque-Opening-Sandy-Springs-Abernathy-Square.html">Abernathy Square in Sandy Springs</a> in late 2019. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">City Barbeque returned to growth locally with the opening of a location on Scenic Highway in Snellville this past August and another on Alabama Road in Woodstock this past October. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The chain will soon open on Jonesboro Road <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/City-Barbecue-Opening-McDonough-Georgia.html">in McDonough</a> with a location also under construction on Buford Drive <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/City-Barbeque-Opening-Buford-Drive-Mall-of-Georgia.html">in Buford</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The new Whataburger would be the chain's fourth in Cobb County. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Since entering metro Atlanta with a location in Kennesaw in late 2022, the Texas-based chain added eleven locations in metro Atlanta in 2023, including locations on Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw, Scenic Highway in Snellville, and Duval Road in Dawsonville this past fall, among others. The company in January opened <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2024/01/Whataburger-Opening-1000-Restaurant-Akers-Mill-Cobb-Atlanta.html">a new location at Akers Mill Square</a> near Cumberland Mall, its first location to carry an "Atlanta" address despite its presence in unincorporated Cobb County. The Akers Mill restaurant also marked the chain's 1000th unit nationwide! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In partnership with franchisee Made to Order Holdings, LLC, Whataburger expects to open an additional ten Georgia restaurants in 2024. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> has in recent months reported on Whataburger restaurants planned for the greater metro Atlanta area including those planned for <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/01/Whataburger-Opening-In-Former-Steak-N-Shake-Atlanta.html">Roswell</a>, <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/More-Whataburger-Restaurants-Coming-to-Atlanta.html">Duluth</a>, Oakwood, <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/More-Whataburger-Restaurants-Coming-to-Atlanta.html">Grayson</a>, <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/More-Whataburger-Restaurants-Coming-to-Atlanta.html">Dahlonega</a>, and Oakwood. A location <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/05/New-Whataburger-Pitched-In-Alpharetta.html">previously planned for Alpharetta</a> has been shelved. Our publishing partners at <i>The City Menus</i> report that additional Whataburgers are planned for <a href="https://thecitymenus.com/2023/09/14/whataburger-site-design-plans-under-review-for-carrollton/">Carrollton</a> and <a href="https://thecitymenus.com/2023/12/15/plans-under-review-for-whataburger-in-sharpsburg/">Sharpsburg</a>, too. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Overall, the chain has Texas-sized aspirations of having 50 Whataburger restaurants open in Georgia by 2030. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you excited about the planned openings of Whataburger and City Barbeque in Acworth? Have you been to either before? What type of restaurant would you most like to see open in Acworth?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-9526315919049266432024-02-21T19:56:00.006-05:002024-02-21T19:59:54.443-05:00[CLOSURE ALERT] Popular Mediterranean Eatery Shutters in Chastain Park <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Mediterranean fast casual eatery<b> Sahara Cafe</b> has closed its outpost in Chastain Park after nearly four years in business. The restaurant, located at 4285 Roswell Road in the Publix-anchored Chastain Square shopping center, opened in <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2020/05/Sahara-Cafe-Mediterranean-Grill-Opening-Chastain-Park-Buckhead.html">June 2020</a> and closed as of February 19, according to co-owner Hussein Hussein. A sibling location that opened <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/Commercial-Real-Estate-News-Atlanta.html">this past September</a> near North Point Mall in Alpharetta remains opens. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRhogf_Io_oiJdDq-zxmHWKvZhuXfTwyi5L0bELYH2ygbG6GMptJ92xwAkKpOlpvkgpO7BubhMQLoeXSEcKucVWIEJFbxcMSL8DKnvK5lmSvtPiEaCdRyllJ85hKJCbXm3ckha2iPkoAZEgT5eW8N7Hhq7WsbLhx3a_XWuviiHVRjlMhyphenhyphen3LpNUOJdJW3l/s2016/Sahara-Cafe-Buckhead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRhogf_Io_oiJdDq-zxmHWKvZhuXfTwyi5L0bELYH2ygbG6GMptJ92xwAkKpOlpvkgpO7BubhMQLoeXSEcKucVWIEJFbxcMSL8DKnvK5lmSvtPiEaCdRyllJ85hKJCbXm3ckha2iPkoAZEgT5eW8N7Hhq7WsbLhx3a_XWuviiHVRjlMhyphenhyphen3LpNUOJdJW3l/w400-h300/Sahara-Cafe-Buckhead.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i><span></span></i></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><i>ToNeTo Atlanta </i>headquarters is a short walk from the restaurant and we quickly became fans of Sahara's falafel, hummus and other Mediterranean classics. The unfortunate thing about restaurants today is that they have perhaps more challenges now than ever before and Sahara was not immune. Despite opening during the pandemic and finding a following, the restaurant faced both internal and external challenges that ultimately led Hussein to decide to close it to focus his (and his wife Yusra's) attention on their thriving Alpharetta restaurant. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">"<i>After assessing our options and a great deal of soul searching, my wife and I have made the difficult decision to close Sahara Cafe Buckhead, Hussein said in a statement provided exclusively to ToNeTo Atlanta. We are eternally grateful to those who have supported us since our opening in 2020. We had no idea when we signed our lease in October 2019 that just a few months later, as we prepared to open our first restaurant in Atlanta, the entire country would shut down and our business, like so many others, would be impacted. We apologize for the abrupt nature of our closure but factors beyond our control made it necessary. We hope you will visit us in Alpharetta and look forward to the possibility of returning to the area in the future</i>" Hussein added.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Buckhead restaurant received rave reviews from customers, earning an impressive 4.9 star rating on Google with 371 reviews and 4.8 star rating on Yelp.com with 132 reviews. At a time when service seems about as foreign to many as Pepsi being served at Chick-fil-A, Sahara was a bright spot and offered service, selection, and value and its presence in Chastain Park will be missed. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">When Sahara opened it took the space of a former Starbucks which had relocated to a new building just north on Roswell on the site of a former Caribou Coffee. There is no word yet on what may take the place of Sahara or when its 1,500 square foot space may be marketed for lease. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you surprised by the closure of Sahara Cafe in Chastain Park? Have you been to the new-ish Sahara Cafe in Alpharetta? Who in Atlanta do you think makes the best falafel? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-32124242934053040172024-02-19T23:19:00.006-05:002024-02-19T23:21:34.122-05:00[ALERT] "The T.J. Maxx of Grocers" Just Bought A Southern Rival: Could Atlanta Arrival Follow? <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Atlanta could soon get an exciting new grocer. <b>Grocery Outlet</b>, a discount grocer currently found primarily on the West Coast where the company is based, this past week announced it had acquired <b>United Grocery Outlet</b>, a similar but smaller chain based in Athens, Tennessee. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR473sqy4lBtOX6cT3wtXjke35QVmTtdkPBCm2ixwGqe4M6ofsecoWB15Wv6_CLhtMt1kIwh1JpW_Vz8LY0svmBlVcMBbygUDc_xdU_c7ptB2lc1aMn2ZSRHlUDwK236vOokZ3jNRrae0Fn-OyZv_9M38Za_pCTEe4qsfXVITlD2phA9sPUzdCwRxyI6Jm/s1280/GroceryOutletKingsport_Edited-1280x852.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1280" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR473sqy4lBtOX6cT3wtXjke35QVmTtdkPBCm2ixwGqe4M6ofsecoWB15Wv6_CLhtMt1kIwh1JpW_Vz8LY0svmBlVcMBbygUDc_xdU_c7ptB2lc1aMn2ZSRHlUDwK236vOokZ3jNRrae0Fn-OyZv_9M38Za_pCTEe4qsfXVITlD2phA9sPUzdCwRxyI6Jm/w400-h266/GroceryOutletKingsport_Edited-1280x852.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The acquisition, which also included a distribution center, is expected to allow the off-price retailer to expand further into existing southern markets where United Grocery Outlet already has a presence. </div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Established in San Francisco in 1946 and today based in Emeryville, California, Grocery Outlet has grown to include more than 460 stores in California, Washington, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Idaho, Nevada, Maryland, New Jersey, and Ohio. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">By comparison, United Grocery Outlet got its start in Etowah, Tennessee in 1974, and today, following an opening last month in Kingsport, Tennessee, includes forty stores in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. More than half of United Grocery Outlet's stores are in their home state of Tennessee but the company has a limited presence in northwest Georgia including stores in Dalton, Ringgold, Summerville, and Chatsworth. The company's website indicates a new store is "coming soon" to Hixson, Tennessee. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Both stores sell similar products including brand-name goods that are opportunistically acquired. One could say that in some ways the grocers are <a href="https://www.thestreet.com/retail/tj-maxx-of-groceries-goes-low-to-take-on-costco-kroger-target">the grocery equivalent of T.J. Maxx</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">We visited several Grocery Outlet stores on a visit to Palm Springs, California this past fall and were pleasantly surprised by the pricing. Pictured below are two of the more incredible finds we came across. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2E_4Df6ExAnZ2X-LGc734YbiUcPppWlpZURw3j1V_xlRgK37CFf48SRf4PxtDwajL9LmOt2LhNQBx2Dx8i3-uK8P_YtB1PzBEqXWfaffcrPcAl_wjF9UOg9G2_VclTN66OnIEdWUrU5sK_Mp2A0YIU6VF5miJDz2FbA3O_ZMQoJ9JkJ19uqaFYZQRa2V/s2016/Waffle-Crisp-Cereal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2E_4Df6ExAnZ2X-LGc734YbiUcPppWlpZURw3j1V_xlRgK37CFf48SRf4PxtDwajL9LmOt2LhNQBx2Dx8i3-uK8P_YtB1PzBEqXWfaffcrPcAl_wjF9UOg9G2_VclTN66OnIEdWUrU5sK_Mp2A0YIU6VF5miJDz2FbA3O_ZMQoJ9JkJ19uqaFYZQRa2V/w400-h300/Waffle-Crisp-Cereal.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIh6tmZR0VI6_BTSGqi5IyDlg3rtIYvN_21V3_bu0k0HhQ6YQX9fx1V06jgH4HjNPY6WU0mSTbB927vug3L71xGONw4_klvtAymZE8uMKTcWdUWRwEiM1-qac3FinHyKkrxl_ys7zVVjFR0wiomdjN3wZgsNBM8d2qTUnrftb-MY6tE-c8yayOEXaP1X4/s2016/Miyokos-Butter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIIh6tmZR0VI6_BTSGqi5IyDlg3rtIYvN_21V3_bu0k0HhQ6YQX9fx1V06jgH4HjNPY6WU0mSTbB927vug3L71xGONw4_klvtAymZE8uMKTcWdUWRwEiM1-qac3FinHyKkrxl_ys7zVVjFR0wiomdjN3wZgsNBM8d2qTUnrftb-MY6tE-c8yayOEXaP1X4/w400-h300/Miyokos-Butter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">“<i>United Grocery Outlet is a natural fit given our similar opportunistic buying strategies, customer value propositions, and shared mission of serving our communities. This acquisition provides Grocery Outlet with scale in a new region as well as a platform for future expansion in the Southeast. We are excited to welcome the United Grocery Outlet team into the GO family, and we look forward to working together on the many growth opportunities ahead</i>.” The company said in a release announcing the purchase.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Grocery Outlet does not operate its own stores, instead, it employs a model similar to Chick-fil-A where "Independent Operators" run individual stores but have the support of the home office to guide and collaborate with in administrative, marketing, and other administrative needs. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">United Grocery Outlet operates its stores like a traditional retailer with the parent corporation owning and operating the stores, rather than local "operating partners." It's unclear what plans Grocery Outlet has for the southern stores and how or if they plan on integrating/rebranding the stores. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lKrbr2jU9D6kzrdufpf_Qil7OZd_ry17hZxSIcbbQv2rkSObI7yWWDy7odBV4YaS7Nw1yhtYYnZeRGh3o7HUbfJ59OPRU4D2I2pWWlLNhps05BGVE-FCrbOQ1PA2scwHsesHB2OCWgIsv8TI6jdeV6fNE6s7n6ECRh8H7XwfJTJkSNNvwqObf0LuytFx/s2016/Grocery-Outlet-Store-Exterior.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0lKrbr2jU9D6kzrdufpf_Qil7OZd_ry17hZxSIcbbQv2rkSObI7yWWDy7odBV4YaS7Nw1yhtYYnZeRGh3o7HUbfJ59OPRU4D2I2pWWlLNhps05BGVE-FCrbOQ1PA2scwHsesHB2OCWgIsv8TI6jdeV6fNE6s7n6ECRh8H7XwfJTJkSNNvwqObf0LuytFx/w400-h300/Grocery-Outlet-Store-Exterior.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Grocery Outlet rarely acquires rival chains but has more regularly bought out merchandise of defunct companies such as when they acquired the inventories of failed grocery delivery company Webvan and of failed online wine merchant, Wine.com. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">After years of private ownership, Grocery Outlet went public in 2019, trading on the NASDAQ under ticker "GO." </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">United Grocery Outlet, which celebrates its 50th year in business this year, is expected to close on the deal with Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. in the early second quarter of 2024. Financial details of the acquisition were not made public. Grocery Outlet plans to open between 15 and 20 new stores in 2024, the company said.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Have you ever been to a Grocery Outlet or United Grocery Outlet? What is your favorite off-price retailer? If Grocery Outlet expands locally, where would you like to see them open? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below. </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-35891714148017028072024-02-15T11:58:00.000-05:002024-02-15T11:59:10.205-05:00[ALERT] Nando's is Coming to This Popular Peachtree Corners Shopping Center <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Earlier this week <i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> was <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2024/02/Nandos-Peri-Peri-Opening-Atlanta-Dunwoody-Restaurant.html">first to report</a> on the planned Atlanta market entry of popular South African chicken chain Nando's PERi PERi. While we then knew of just one location, a real estate source now tells us a second location is also confirmed and will likely be the first to open. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJBxFVFG9AyHr0V7XlEv8FEEVl11zPFFisZCSddY_nxLOnXCp9I5sThiWnT3K6dY3GQCrgR0UflrEuKwGP_M1rzocpc-SyFwnZMep0JxUDc2WnJvtELXchDAAGFdlWtFq9oM0OKuVL7HKbuYdO1j5TVeZPkvOfodaSTcaDu7zsJ45enos1Z4Cx7vAc4lT/s1024/Nandos-food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJBxFVFG9AyHr0V7XlEv8FEEVl11zPFFisZCSddY_nxLOnXCp9I5sThiWnT3K6dY3GQCrgR0UflrEuKwGP_M1rzocpc-SyFwnZMep0JxUDc2WnJvtELXchDAAGFdlWtFq9oM0OKuVL7HKbuYdO1j5TVeZPkvOfodaSTcaDu7zsJ45enos1Z4Cx7vAc4lT/w400-h225/Nandos-food.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Joining the previously announced outpost at the new High Street project in Dunwoody will be another location at The Forum in Peachtree Corners!</span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">At roughly 3,500 square feet, the Peachtree Corners Nando's will be a bit larger than the Dunwoody restaurant which will reportedly be about 3,300 square feet. In Peachtree Corners, Nando's will open in place of Thai Spice which after a long run in the development closed a few years ago. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The space - 5161 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 605 - is an endcap unit beside Van Michael Salon and across from both HomeGoods and Belk. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">As opposed to High Street - which is still being built - the Peachtree Corners space is an existing second generation restaurant, so renovations should be easier to complete with sources close to the restaurant suggesting that both will open this year, but with The Forum likely first. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Nando’s was founded in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1987. The chain's first American unit debuted in Washington D.C. in 2008. Today Nando's operates more than 1,200 restaurants across 30 countries. The central ingredient in many of the restaurant's sauces is the Peri Peri chili, also known as African bird's eye chili. The sauces are typically a blend of this chili with ingredients like garlic, lemon, oil, and various herbs. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Nando's menu features a rather diverse selection of offerings that includes sandwiches, skewers, platters, bowls, salads, wings, wraps, pitas, and more. A veggie burger is also offered as are other vegetarian-friendly options such as roasted brussels sprouts, "PERi honey sweet potatoes," and "PERi Mac," among other choices. The restaurant's website suggests that entree prices start at about ten bucks with some offerings - such as the 12 wing with two sides platter - costing as much as $22.19. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Fans of the hit Apple TV show Ted Lasso may be familiar with Nando's from their sponsorship of A.F.C. Richmond, the show's fictitious football team. Nando's famous chicken logo is displayed on the sleeve of the team's players in the show's third season. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEUpS2MF_vKzSqfaBVCADUzQV_A4EvrI7onntz0vWj3F9PwkxJBu-zX2ZBU_f1gmzNKvPgJYqtBm816mLwr68u1FLmkApj_d6Peu5JaMkGcWCSKeXwwPjN1oUzKQVnRp-aVUIbG3J5Ksb-PydPRQvRXeYM30LZ7PiaD_zUi6jyukLxB9-vlljEOYH9wV6/s1920/Nandos-X-A.F.C.-Richmond.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivEUpS2MF_vKzSqfaBVCADUzQV_A4EvrI7onntz0vWj3F9PwkxJBu-zX2ZBU_f1gmzNKvPgJYqtBm816mLwr68u1FLmkApj_d6Peu5JaMkGcWCSKeXwwPjN1oUzKQVnRp-aVUIbG3J5Ksb-PydPRQvRXeYM30LZ7PiaD_zUi6jyukLxB9-vlljEOYH9wV6/w400-h225/Nandos-X-A.F.C.-Richmond.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Similar to Cava which had a presence in metro Atlanta grocery stores before launching their restaurants locally in 2021, Nando's, too, has a consumer packaged goods (CPG) presence in local Publix and Walmart stores with their sauces, spreads, and dressings. The company has in recent days posted job listings on LinkedIn seeking a General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and Restaurant Manager for an upcoming "Atlanta" location. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">At The Forum, Nando's is expected to join a host of new options at the upgraded center including a new food hall from Will Donaldson of Politan Row and Cookie Fix, a growing cookie franchise from Birmingham, Alabama, among other additions. Peche, a new restaurant from Saltie Butter, LLC, the same group that opened Stäge Peachtree Corners in 2021, recently opened at The Forum. Located in the former Grace 17.20 space, Peche features a “modern coastal” feel with an emphasis on fresh seafood.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Have you ever tried Nando's? Where else in metro Atlanta would you like to see Nando's open? What other restaurants or retailers would you like to see open at The Forum? </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below.</span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-67020473689463855852024-02-14T12:00:00.135-05:002024-02-14T15:02:09.494-05:00[AHOY!] Popular Seafood Eatery Looks to Drop Anchor in Former Hardee's <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">A chain many may not realize is still as substantial as it is will soon add another Atlanta area restaurant. Quick-serve seafood eatery <b>Captain D's</b> plans to open in a new restaurant in place of a former Hardee's at 3056 Jodeco Road in McDonough, officially in the Stockbridge city limits. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDT0A7x0Rb4yeE0hPhO0Q6lAy_vj19_s6tCao16vPEosWerpBlDcPa8eqrTwPRfAuPUI_LnNUkHNrGu6vlcVNc-Y_c0I-p0qsZEUvtdsJFBZ5jaqvUdR2VD0R_3xWeVYIulnhUJWI8w9vMD8jYU_sr1ztyHiwPs9HBTUmWMP-aB9ftH6Ul5awY3vFQwHi/s1350/Captain-Ds-Food-New-Stockbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDT0A7x0Rb4yeE0hPhO0Q6lAy_vj19_s6tCao16vPEosWerpBlDcPa8eqrTwPRfAuPUI_LnNUkHNrGu6vlcVNc-Y_c0I-p0qsZEUvtdsJFBZ5jaqvUdR2VD0R_3xWeVYIulnhUJWI8w9vMD8jYU_sr1ztyHiwPs9HBTUmWMP-aB9ftH6Ul5awY3vFQwHi/w400-h320/Captain-Ds-Food-New-Stockbridge.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The Jodeco Hardee's was one of more than twelve units locally that franchisee Summit Restaurant Holdings, LLC closed this past year in advance of an eventual bankruptcy filing. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The new Captain D's is opening on the opposite side of I-75 as where <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/New-Costco-Opening-Jodeco-Development-Georgia.html">Costco recently opened</a> a new store and Sprouts Farmers Market, Bahama Breeze, Chipotle, Whataburger, First Watch and <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/08/Exciting-New-Chick-fil-A-Coming-to-Bridges-Jodeco-Stockbridge-McDonough.html">a new futuristic Chick-fil-A</a> are expected to open later this year. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;"><i>ToNeTo Atlanta</i> reported in January that Tim Hortons plans to open in a former Hardee's <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2024/01/Tim-Hortons-Opening-New-Location-Former-Hardees.html ">in Fairburn</a> while Caribou Coffee plans to open in another former Hardee's <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2023/12/Caribou-Coffee-Coming-to-Milton-Loganville-Cumming-Atlanta.html ">in Loganville</a>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Nashville-based Captain D's was established in 1969 and has endured several years of ownership changes and decreases in store count. Interestingly, the chain was co-founded by Alex Schoenbaum, founder of the Shoney's restaurant chain and father of Ray Schoenbaum, owner of Ray's restaurants locally. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BecausewecareHenryCounty">Because We Care Henry County - Atlanta South</a> Facebook page, operated by Elton Alexander Stockbridge Mayor Pro-Tem, was first to report on the planned restaurant. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Today there are 535 Captain D's restaurants including 311 that are franchisee owned and 224 that are run by corporate. By comparison, ninety percent of McDonald's more than 40,000 locations are owned by independent franchisees. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">According to the Captain D's website, the company currently operates 100 restaurants in Georgia, or about 19 percent of the total chain making the peach state its largest market by unit count. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In metro Atlanta, Captain D's has locations on Montreal Road near Northlake Mall and recently reopened another on Hugh Howell Road after a fire caused its temporary closure. According to the company's website, a separate restaurant on Church Street in Decatur is also "temporarily closed" for unspecified reasons with no set reopening timetable. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Representatives from Captain D's did not immediately return our inquiry seeking comment. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">In 2023 the company opened a new location in a short-lived Dunkin' <a href="https://www.tonetoatl.com/2022/12/Captain-Ds-Growing-Atlanta-Presence-Franchising.html#more">on Cobb Parkway in Marietta</a> but closed what had been a relatively recently renovated unit in an outparcel of Greenbriar Mall in southwest Atlanta. 755 Restaurant Corporation, an entity started by the late baseball legend Hank Aaron, plans to open a new Popeyes in place of the former Greenbriar unit. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Are you a fan of Captain D's? Did you know Georgia [still] had so many Captain D's? All things being equal, do you prefer Captain D's, Long John Silver's or Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: red; font-family: georgia; font-size: large;">Please share your thoughts below </span></p>Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.com9