Tomorrow's News Today - Atlanta

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2012-01-27T06:43:00.002-05:00

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Billy Reid Finally Finds a Home in Atlanta : White Provision

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Designer Billy Reid

Florence, Alabama-based Billy Reid will soon open a new 2,500-square-foot mens and womens boutique in Atlanta. Having been carried in Bloomingdale's for a few seasons now, Billy Reid has grown in popularity locally, and the opening of a new boutique in Atlanta, just the 7th overall, is a sign that Billy has confidence in the local area. The store will open in late April or early May on the plaza level of
White Provision, below Abattoir.

Billy Reid launched his first collection in Spring 1998, and The Council of Fashion Designers of America named him, then William Reid, "Best New Menswear Designer" in 2001. Unfortunately the economic environment post 9/11 led him to cease operations after his Spring 2002 line. Re-focused, re-imagined, and with the simpler name, Billy Reid, he returned to designing in 2004, and GQ named him "Best New Menswear Designer in America in 2010."

Currently Billy Reid has six locations: Florence, Alabama; Nashville, Tennessee; Charleston, South Carolina; Dallas and Houston, Texas and New York, New York. Reid once had a location in Charlotte's South Park Mall but it closed in early 2010. Reid also has a line of footwear co-branded with K-Swiss that is available at his boutiques and in select other retailers. The Lenox Square Bloomingdale's has featured Billy Reid's line for a number of seasons and even has a "shop in shop" in the mens store.

No two Billy Reid stores are alike, and each has a character all its own. The stores incorporate cool design elements and use antiques and other odds and ends to make each store feel like it belongs in the city in which it's located. Clothing-wise, expect classic styles in high quality fabrics, "low-fi Southern-bred luxury," according to the Billy Reid website.

Some might call nearby Sid Mashburn in Westside Urban Market competition for Billy Reid, but I think having them both in the area will be a plus. Stores like Sid and female-oriented Ann Mashburn, along with Anthropologie and G.Gilbert, are creating a fashion destination for fashionistas near and far. I'm told Reid has wanted a store in Atlanta for years, and feels the Westside is the perfect fit and that he got a "good vibe" on a recent visit.

Are you familiar with Billy Reid and are excited to see him open a boutique? Have you never heard of Billy Reid are at least curious? Do you think the westside will soon be not only known for great food but also great shopping?

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Boca-Based Brooklyn Bagel Joint Banking on Atlanta

2012-01-26T00:40:00.000-05:00

Boca Raton, Florida-based Brooklyn Water Enterprises is bringing their Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. to Atlanta later this year. Location one of what may be many across the city will open later this spring in Cobb County. The casual eatery from south Florida will open at Akers Mill off Cobb Parkway near Sprint and Subway in the former Soup Garden. Locally-based Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint recently opened
in a space not far away.

You, like me, might be thinking it's a bit odd for Brooklyn Water Enterprises to be based in Boca Raton, but after some digging, I came to realize why. The company uses a 14 step proprietary technology to create "Brooklynized" water, and even bottles and sells it.

Operating under the philosophy that whatever is being made is more about the water used than most anything else, the chain recently opened their first Brooklyn Water Coffee Co. and is planning a Brooklyn Water Pizza & Pasta Co. as well. Thus far the brand extensions are only planned for the Florida market with the coffee concept having recently opened in Delray Beach and the Pizza & Pasta concept planned to open later this year in Palm Beach Gardens. If the extensions prove successful, I'd surmise Atlanta could be an early market into which they will try to expand.

Former CNN host Larry King is even a franchisee, and opened a location of his own in Beverly Hills, California last March. Overall the chain has ten locations, all in Florida aside from King's Beverly Hills eatery. Upcoming locations are planned for Pikesville, Maryland, Charlotte, North Carolina, Newton, Massachusetts, a few other cities and... Brooklyn, New York!

The Atlanta market is fairly competitive when it comes to bagels, with representation from both local spots and national chains. Einstein Bros. Bagels has the largest area presence with over a dozen locations, including eateries on the campuses of Emory, Georgia State and Georgia Tech. Lakewood, Colorado-based Einstein Noah Restaurant Group entered Atlanta in the mid 90s (as Melvyn & Elmo's Bagels) and has done well overall despite having closed some locations. Two closures that stick out in my mind include one that closed near Bhojanic in Decatur. If memory serves, Einstein was in or near the space that is now Nectar. Another location that surprisingly closed was their Buckhead eatery near the Peach shopping center, which later became the world's first Moe's Southwest Grill in 2000.

Additionally, Burlington, Vermont-based Bruegger's Bagels once had five locations in the metro area, but I recall them all closing around the same time in the mid 90s. In late 2009, the chain announced they would be returning to Atlanta in 2010 with a location at 6370 Powers Ferry Road, but as of yet that location has not opened. The latest I've heard is that they now hope to open sometime before April, and also have plans for another location at the Prado in Sandy Springs. I recall reading an excerpt from one of their executives stressing the importance of "the right locations in Atlanta," and have to question them thinking the Prado is anywhere near a good location. The project is a mess and is not the place to re-enter, enter, launch or otherwise operate any food service enterprise.

Local chain Goldberg's Bagel Co. & Deli now has seven area locations stretching from Colony Square in midtown to East Cobb. Their most recent opening was in Toco Hills near Emory. This opening was controversial to say the least, as it pitted them directly against neighborhood favorite Bagel Palace & Deli. For now, both are still in business, but insiders suggest Goldberg's has pulled ahead as the new neighborhood nosh spot.

BB's Bagels (Bronx Bagels), a relatively new bagel joint, features New York style bagels, larger than ones found in most other eateries and has two locations, in Alpharetta and Johns Creek.

National chains such as Panera Bread and Corner Bakery each have a number of area locations and each have at least one new location under construction. Corner Bakery is opening a new eatery in Norcross off Peachtree Parkway, and Panera Bread is opening a new location in North Buckhead on Roswell Road.

What's your favorite nosh spot? Do you prefer the local bagel joints to the national bakeries, and if so, who's your favorite? Do you agree that the water makes the bagel? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Goodwill Getting Crafty on Northside : Opening in Former Sam Flax

2012-01-25T00:32:00.000-05:00

Goodwill in former Stein Mart in Buckhead

Goodwill of North Georgia is opening yet another intown location in the coming weeks. Having added locations at Northeast Plaza on Buford Highway and on Roswell Road in a former Stein Mart in Buckhead, Goodwill will now open in the former Sam Flax store on Northside Drive. The chain has also added location in Johns Creek and Sandy Springs but its intown growth has been the most amazing
considering the locations and neighborhoods in which they are opening.

Sam Flax, an art supply store, was located at 1460 Northside Drive for over 20 years before relocating to the former Kroger in Brookwood Place in south Buckhead this past fall. Their former store on Northside Drive is about 25,000 square feet and will function as both a donation center and store for Goodwill of North Georgia.

I was a fan of the Value Village on Bolton Road a few miles away and am hopeful for similar trendy threads to end up at this new Goodwill. As neighbors in the Margaret Mitchell neighborhood will recall, the Value Village was torn down and replaced by a CVS Pharmacy, and the adjacent buildings are said to be coming down soon to make way for a long delayed Publix.

Goodwill has gotten high tech in recent years with out of state operations offering their "high value" and "rare" items on eBay to take advantage of the online marketplace and its worldwide reach. Luckily for local thrifters like myself, this advancement has not yet made it way to the metro Atlanta market. My lovely friends Lauren and Catherine of Decatur's AsianCajuns had one of the most epic finds in Goodwill history a few years ago and of course shared it with their readers. I'm still amazed at what some people will donate but am happy to see Goodwill doing so well and occupying so many large spaces that would most likely otherwise sit empty.

Are you a fan of Goodwill? Do you prefer Goodwill over other thrift shops like Last Chance and Value Village? Would you only wear something from Goodwill if it was new with tags and can't fathom wearing used clothing? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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RaceTrac Off and Running with Bigger New Stores

2012-01-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

New RaceTrac in Acworth, Georgia

Atlanta-based RaceTrac is looking to keep pace with its chief rival, Tulsa,Oklahoma-based QuikTrip in launching next genration locations in metro Atlanta. As I mentioned earlier this month, QuikTrip is opening of a number of "Gen 3" locations in metro Atlanta this year including a new station at Buford Highway and I285 just inside the perimeter, and another at the intersection of Clairmont and Briarcliff Roads. Atlanta is QuikTrip's largest market, in which it currently operates more than 120 locations.
RaceTrac operates about 70 locations, but nearly all of them are OTP, whereas many of QT's locations are intown.

As you can see from the photo above, the new RaceTrac looks less like a gas station, and more like a fast casual eatery. The station features a front entrance as well as a side entrance, and stacked stone columns on a brick building with outdoor seating and free Wi-Fi. Overall, the location is about 20% bigger than a typical RaceTrac.

RaceTrac opened the first of its next generation locations a few weeks ago in Acworth and I recently made the trek (way) OTP to check it out. First off, for a gas station, the restrooms are among the cleanest and largest I've ever seen. I'm kind of a details person and this was a big plus. Additionally, RaceTrac added frozen yogurt to the new store, featuring 10 flavors and over three dozen topping options. It's worth noting that the yogurt they use is YoCream, the same yogurt that Menchie's serves. I became familiar with YoCream after seeing their exhibit at the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) convention in 2010 so perhaps it was then that RaceTrac began to get this program started. RaceTrac provides its yogurt in a self serve setting at 39 cents per ounce compared to Menchie's at 44 cents.

Frozen Yogurt bar inside new RaceTrac

Another addition to this RaceTrac was an expanded beer and wine assortment including what was referred to as the "beer cave." The "beer cave" is a separate refrigerated room accessed via sliding glass doors with a wider variety of beer and wine and some sizing options one might not normally find in a convenience store where space is always an issue. Overall the rooms houses some 50 or so brands of mostly beer options.

Also, RaceTrac has enhanced their hot beverage offerings with multiple coffee stations as well as teas and hot chocolate. Overall, the company added six new blends with premium Arabica beans. The new varieties are not only available at the new location, but were also launched in stores throughout the company's seven markets. RaceTrac's new coffee lineup includes regular, dark roast, decaf, extra caffeinated, 100 percent Colombian and hazelnut.

In March, another newly designed RaceTrac will open near the intersection of South Cobb Drive and the East-West Connector on the site of a former Home Depot Landscape Supply store, and will be followed by a new location in Dawsonville near the North Georgia Premium Outlets. Late this summer, RaceTrac will open another next generation store in Tucker at the intersection of Northlake Parkway and Lawrenceville Highway.

Years ago, RaceTrac had a location at the corner of Montreal Drive and Lawrenceville Highway but it closed, then became another gas station, and has since been leveled. It was about a mile from where the new location will be built in Tucker, but sat on a very small parcel of land. No doubt purposefully, there is an existing QuikTrip less a minute from the upcoming RaceTrac.

What do you think of the new features and items being introduced by both QuikTrip and RaceTrac? Are you looking forward to both new store types opening near you or are you a little freaked out by the breadth of products & services each is carrying? Who's your favorite, QuikTrip or RaceTrac? Or do you just go to the cheapest station? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Panda Express Opening Near Northlake and Preparing to Take You to the Cleaners Too

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

Artist rendering of typical Panda Express FSU

Panda Express will soon open a freestadning location in an outparcel of a Michael's anchored shopping center in Tucker. The new restaurant will open in space previously (under) utilized as parking. Panda Express, originally found mostly in mall food courts, has opened a number of free standing or end cap eateries in recent years. Another free standing location opened a few years ago in East Cobb near the intersection of Johnson Ferry and Roswell Roads. Panda Express also added locations within the Prado off Roswell Road in Sandy Springs, and on Pleasant Hill Road, near Gwinnett Place Mall. The Rosemead, California-based restaurant has has just one remaining mall-based location in the area, off Sugarloaf Parkway within the Discover Mills in Lawrenceville. Its parent company Panda Restaurant Group also operates the Hibachi-San and Panda Inn restaurant concepts.

Near the upcoming Panda Express, Northlake Mall has fallen on hard times in recent years and as a result, many national retailers have left the mall. This list includes such retailers as Gap and Old Navy as well as restaurants like Arby's and Great Wraps. The mall also witnessed the downfall of Cresent Moon, a local eatery that suffered not only because of its location but from internal issues as well. B. Dalton, Waldenbooks, Mori Luggage & Gifts, Hallmark and The Disney store have all also closed in the mall over the years, among others.

Yet, the area around Northlake has a seen a resurgence of sorts of late. In nearby Briarcliff Village, an 80s era Pizza Hut closed and relocated to a smaller, take-out only location not far away. Chipotle Mexican Grill leveled the former Pizza Hut and opened a new location in its place late last month. Also, a Taco Bell on LaVista Road near Northlake Festival also closed and last year was leveled and rebuilt as a Chick-fil-A. (Chick-fil-A won't confirm it, but it's likely this new location will be in lieu of the current location in Northlake Mall's food court)

There is an existing Moe's Southwest Grill in the Michael's shopping center, and it has struggled for years. It will interesting to how they fare in the wake of the Chipotle opening across the street. Oddly enough, the Michael's is a actually a relocation itself, from nearby Northlake Festival shopping center. Michael's moved to its current space after the former tenant, Drug Emporium, closed in the early 2000s. For the record, its center, and the Briarcliff Village shopping center across the street, are both managed by Regency Centers. Moe's is a former bank and I'm told the franchisee devoted a great deal of money to converting from bank to restaurant, more than he has planned, and off the bat was battling to keep the restaurant open. Perhaps the Panda Express will bring more traffic to the center.

In nearby Northlake Festival though, Bally Total Fitness closed last month and Fuddrucker's remains empty in a prominent out parcel in the front of the center. On the bright side, Darden's Red Lobster restaurant kitty corner from the upcoming Panda Express just got a makeover that included a refreshed exterior and new signage.

Also, in other Panda Express news, founders Andrew & Peggy Cherng have entered into a partnership with Procter & Gamble to open as many as 200 Tide Dry Cleaners. Their business, Panda Dry Cleaning, has the exclusive franchise rights for the state of California, although their initial store opened in Henderson, Nevada, a suburb of Las Vegas. The Cherngs are hoping to capitalize on their restaurant success and as they did with Panda Express, turn a segmented market, with many small players, into a business with a national brand, Tide Dry Cleaning. The brand was launched in 2010, and in addition to the new Henderson location, has another six units open between Kansas and Ohio. Plans call for the Cherngs to open as many as five additional locations this year, likely in California.

A new Tide Dry Cleaners in Henderson, Nevada

The $9.2-billion dollar dry-cleaning industry is made up of nearly 39,000 establishments across the country, according to the research group IBISWorld. Ohio-based Martinizing has been in the dry cleaning business for over 60 years and with locations in Atlanta and across the country, it's the largest, most well known chain, but still not a big player in the grand scheme of things. Hollywood,Florida-based OXXO has locations from Boca Raton to Short Hills, New Jersey, and even one in Buckhead on Peachtree, but is still small at only 30 locations or so.

This is the not the first time Procter & Gamble has sought to expand its portfolio by extending its brands. In February 2009, Procter & Gamble purchased Atlanta-based Carnett's Car Wash, a chain of 13 locations. In July, they re-branded the locations as Mr. Clean Car Wash & Oil Change. Currently the chain operates 11 of the original 13 locations as Mr. Clean in Georgia as well as a pair of locations in Cincinnati, Ohio and locations in Frisco & Round Rock, Texas.

Both Tide and Mr. Clean are "mature" brands, and as such, have little room for growth. This extension of each line into new businesses, allows for Procter & Gamble to capitalize on each name's brand equity and for the brands to generate additional revenue. Agile Pursuits Franchising Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of P&G and handles the franchising for both of the businesses.

I'm told Tide Dry Cleaners is scouting the Atlanta market and a Google search shows they are currently seeking to staff a location that will open soon on Holcomb Bridge. The Northlake Panda Express is scheduled to open in late April.

Do you live in the area and are pleased with the new development? Do you dislike Panda Express and favor other fast casual options? Do you think Panda Express should stick to foodservice? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Quick Update on Upcoming QuikTrip Locations

2012-01-20T00:55:00.000-05:00

What upcoming Gen 3 QuikTrip locations may look like

As I mentioned earlier this month, the former Food Universe IGA at the intersection of Briarcliff and Clairmont roads in northeast Atlanta will be demolished soon, and a new QuikTrip will be built in its place. Since then, I've managed to get a number of additional details about it and another nearby
QuikTrip opening.

The new location at Briarcliff & Clairmont will in fact be one of QT's new Gen 3 locations. The Gen 3 is a little larger than a typical QT and features a wider variety of ready-made food items and additional beverage stations, among other things. In a recent conversation with a representative from QT's corporate office, I was informed that demolition should commence on the IGA site in late February, with the hope that the store will be open in late summer or early fall. This timetable is, of course, based on all things going smoothly with regard to final permitting and construction, so there may be minor delays.

Despite many comments suggesting this site or neighboring Williamsburg Village being great locations for a Trader Joes, the chain is currently not growing its Atlanta presence. Given their refusal to build in Decatur siting "demographics that are too old for their stores," it's unlikely Oak Grove or an area near Lakeside will ever get one. While the neighborhood does have money, it does not have enough of the young "hip" consumers that Trader Joes aims to please.

In other nearby news, two exits north of the upcoming Clairmont QT, at Chamblee-Tucker Road, an existing QuikTrip will be closed and demolished and re-built on a site across the street. The new unit will be built at the corner of Dresden Drive and Chamblee-Tucker Road. This location will also be a Gen 3, and will be slightly bigger than their current site. The move will slightly increase the footprint of the store and also is the result of a "change in traffic patterns." An existing Shell station at the corner of Dresden and Chamblee-Tucker will be demolished as part of the QT relocation.

The site of the new QT will also include a small portion of land behind the Shell that had to be rezoned as it was not previously zoned commercial. There is not yet a construction or opening timetable set for this location, but it should be open before the end of the year. An existing Dairy Queen to the right of the new QT parcel will stay and is not in any way part of the new construction. No word yet as to what will become of the current QT once it closes but personally I think it would make a great fast food site.

The current QT has relatively easy in and out access via a light at the DeKalb Technology Parkway and Chamblee-Tucker intersection and given the location of the new store, perhaps it, too, will have a light on the opposite side of the road. Personally I think the current location is the better of the two, but I'm sure QT has done the studies and has their reasons. The current location even has unused land to the left, adjacent to the site that seems would be perfect for an expansion of the current store.

The first three Gen 3 locations opened in the company's home territory of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and after proving successful, were expanded to other markets. Atlanta will soon have a number of these locations with one scheduled to open next month on Jonesboro Road in Morrow. Another will open in Doraville just inside 285, on the site of another former Shell station. Another location is planned for Suwanee at Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Satellite Boulevard, not far from QuikTrip's local headquarters. My contact at QuikTrip tells me that the Doraville location should be open in late March and the Suwanee location will follow in mid April. Henry County will also get a Gen 3 location later this year in Locust Grove.

Another Gen 3 location was proposed at Ormewood and Moreland Avenues in Ormewood Park, but after fierce opposition from the neighborhood, QT will not build on that site though they have stated they are still interested in the area.

Have you been to a QT Gen 3 store? If so, what were your thoughts? Do you think the move across the street on Chamblee-Tucker makes sense? What would you like to see open in place of the current QT once it closes? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Cold Temperatures Bringing the Heat to Frozen Yogurt Purveyors

2012-01-19T00:15:00.000-05:00

As many of you know, I'm a big fan of frozen yogurt and while I love the stuff, and quite possibly eat too much of it, I've also said Atlanta has too many frozen yogurt stores. Now, in January, one of, if not the slowest month for frozen yogurt shops, I wanted to provide an overview of (most) of the current offerings
in Atlanta including those that have come and gone along the way.

Local chains like Yogli Mogli and Yoforia have each grown considerably with each now having out of state locations.

Yoforia started in the summer of 2007, with their original location in the Perimeter Mall food court, and soon added additional locations in Morningside and another in Alpharetta. Today they have 11 locations open in Georgia with three more coming soon. The Alpharetta location did close last year, their only closure I am aware of. Yoforia also has 8 locations in North Carolina, and is growing its international presence with a handful of locations open and others coming soon in Cyprus, Kuwait and India. Their location in Perimeter Mall is the only Atlanta location that I'm aware of that still offers yogurt by size rather than by the ounce. Yoforia's yogurt is among the most expensive self serve options at 49 cents per ounce. Their reportedly organic yogurt comes from Stoneyfield Farms, a division of Dannon.

Yogli Mogli started in 2009 with one location at the corner of Abernathy and Roswell Roads in Sandy Springs, and today has 18 locations in Georgia and one in Wheaton, Illinois. All Yogli Moglis are self serve, and most range in price from 39 to 44 cents per ounce. Though they don't like to speak about it publicly, I've been told their yogurt comes from Portland, Oregon-based YoCream, also a division of Dannon.

Juicy Green, another local shop, at one point had as many as three locations but all have since closed. Their original location was in Alpharetta on Old Alabama. It was followed by another downtown on Broad Street near Georgia State, and later one more in Virginia-Highland on Highland Avenue. To the best of my knowledge, each location offered yogurt by size rather than by ounce, a rarity among current offerings.

Three on the Tree, a local shop owned by Clay Harper and associates from Fellini's and La Fonda, opened their original location on Roswell and Wieuca Roads in north Buckhead in 2010. This past September it closed and is now Ringside Franks & Shakes, a new concept from the same owners. Another satellite location opened inside the Fellini's on LaVista and is still in business. Having originally opened at a 39 cent price point, their price was upped to 45 cents around the time the LaVista location opened. Both locations offered self service yogurt with six flavor options. One thing that made them special was that they hired Chef Julia LeRoy to craft unique flavors and partnered with Atlanta Fresh, a local yogurt producer, to provide exclusive local and organic yogurt. Sadly, LeRoy departed to open the short-lived Leroy's, a fried chicken joint on the westside, and the yogurt suffered. Atlanta Fresh no longer supplies their yogurt, and instead, the yogurt comes from Russellville, Arkansas-based Honey Hill Farms.

Cowlicks is the latest "me too" concept from Atlanta-based Big Game Brands ( previously known as Raving Brands) Currently the chain has two locations, one in Vinings and the other in Dunwoody. Both locations are former Planet Smoothies, originally owned by Raving Brands. Cowlicks offers a ten different flavors at 45 cents an ounce in a self service environment. Though they don't publicize it, their yogurt comes from YoCream.

Yogurberry, an international chain, has been open at Terminus since the spring of 2008, and since 2009, has been led by the always cheerful and positive Brian Hah. Plans were to open an additional location at the Avenue Forsyth in Cumming but those plans have been shelved for now. Yogurberry has developed a cult following of sorts, but its small location at the logistically challenging Terminus has made business difficult. While Yogurberry does not have the room to offer self serve yogurt, they did add a second yogurt machine a while back, offering a total of four flavors to better compete with the self serve options where consumers can choose from as many as 16 flavors. Yogurberry claims to serve a proprietary yogurt, healthier and better than its competitors. Additionally, Yogurberry offers a number of Asian teas as well as smoothies.

Encino, California-based Menchie's has 16 locations open with three more in the works. If memory serves, they entered the market in 2010, and their location in Johns Creek was one of their first here. In Buckhead, their location in a former Planet Smoothie started out well, reportedly one of the best performing in the chain, but has suffered at the hands of nearby Yogurtland. Yogurtland is another west coast based chain that is expanding in Atlanta, but at the most economical price, only 33 cents per ounce. Menchie's, by comparison, charges 44 cents but does offer a frequent buyer card that earns consumers points towards free froyo. I believe YoCream also provides the yogurt to Menchie's but you won't hear that from them.

Anaheim, California-based Yogurtland recently opened a second location at The Forum in Norcross, not far from a Menchie's. It will be interesting to see how the two compete there, given what transpired in Buckhead. A third location is planned for Peachtree City in the coming months.

Houston, Texas-based Swirll(s) offers some of the worst yogurt and has some of the least desirable locations of any chain in the metro area. They have a total of three locations ; north Buckhead, TOWN Brookhaven and another in Perimeter Place near Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody. The yogurt is sold in a self serve setting at 45 cents per ounce. I'm not sure what it is about their yogurt or who makes it, but it has not done well locally and its Yelp reviews reflect that.

Atlanta-based Planet Smoothie has tinkered with offering yogurt in addition to smoothies at some of its locations. Typically, like in their original test store at the Peach shopping center on Peachtree Road, they offered eight flavors in a self serve environment in addition to their trademark smoothies. Originally launched in Atlanta in 1995 by Martin Sprock, (who went on to found Moe's Southwest Grill among other concepts), the chain was spun off by Raving Brands in 2009 to Petrus Brands. This past December, Petrus Brands sold Planet Smoothie to Franklin, Tennessee-based Tasti D-Lite, a chain of frozen dessert shops that focuses on frozen yogurt. It's not yet known what will be made of each brand, but expect some dual branding to follow soon.

Birmingham Alabama-based Yogurt Mountain has a single Atlanta area location in Johns Creek, but has hopes of growing their presence. Like a lot of the newer chains, they offer as many as 16 flavors in a self serve environment.

Los Angeles-based Pinkberry has three locations in Atlanta, and had planned to open one at Atlantic Station but has since pulled out, to be replaced by Yogli Mogli. Pinkberry offers a luxury experience and a luxury price, with some menu items as much as $9 or $10 (depending on size and toppings.) Their product is proprietary and they sell yogurt on a per size basis, rather than self serve. Most locations feature 8 flavor options.

Yoreka, another local chain once has locations at the Prado in Sandy Springs and later in Little 5 Points. In late 2010 the Sandy Springs location closed followed by the closure of Little 5 Points this past January. Not only did this shop offer the less popular sale by size, but their yogurt was not very good.

Dallas, Texas-based Red Mango opened a pair of locations in 2010, and was said to be opening additional stores in west midtown, Alpharetta, Johns Creek and Buckhead. They offer a proprietary yogurt at 45 cents per ounce and also offer a number of other beverages like hot chocolate and smoothies. Their first location opened on Chamblee-Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody, and was later followed by a location at the intersection of North Decatur and Clairmont Roads in Decatur, not far from Emory's campus. Another location was announced for the intersection of Collier and Howell Mill roads, but after repeated delays, it's now off the center's website. The Dunwoody location closed last month and on a recent visit to the Emory location, my guest and I were the only patrons. Given Yogli Mogli has since opened a location in Emory Village and Yoforia is planning a new location in the upcoming Emory Point project, Red Mango may be the first of the well known national franchises to completely exit the market.

Your turn to "weigh in"

Is self serve the way to go in the yogurt business or do you prefer the Pinkberry model?

Should yogurt shops diversity like Red Mango and Yogurberry and offer additional items like teas and smoothies or should that be left to the Smoothie Kings of the world?

What is your favorite shop and why?

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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A Taste of Everything : ToNeTo Atlanta Sampler

2012-01-18T00:55:00.000-05:00

Inundated with material for upcoming posts, I've decided to post shortened mini posts in lieu of a dozen or so small posts. Please find these after the jump

After previously closing NAM early last year, and MF Sushi Bar this past fall, MF Buckhead is slated to close in the coming days, possibly even after dinner service tonight. While the restaurant filed for bankruptcy in November, Alex Kinjo, part owner, stated the Buckhead location at Terminus would remain open and that he was scouting cities such as New York and Miami for additional locations. I, like many, would hate to see such a nice restaurant close but I think it was a little too pricey, even for Buckhead, and that their menu pricing adjustments came a little too late to save them.

Chase Bank will open a new freestanding location at the intersection of Collier and Howell Mill Roads on an outparcel currently home to a vacant Blockbuster Video.

FOX Sports Grill at Atlantic Station was scheduled to close January 1st, then was pushed to the 15th but is still open. I'm told the restaurant will now stay open until April 15th. Mark Toro previously confirmed to me the planned closure date but as I'm not paid nor ever have been, to speak in a positive light about the project, I doubt I'll ever get the real story.

Inman Park's One Eared Stag, an "On the Bubble" eatery from this past quarter's DeathWatch, is rumored to be closing in the coming days.

Northlake Idol is the new name for the restaurant previously known as Twisted Taco Northlake. The new restaurant has the same staff and similar pricing, but now offers karaoke ( if enough people are in the restaurant), so it's rare.

Keller Williams Realty moved from their location on Peachtree Road at Colonial Drive to TOWN Brookhaven months ago. Their now vacant space on Peachtree was to be developed as a Walgreen's but the neighborhood continues to oppose it. I'm told the deal is done on the site, but the fight has been going on since last June over the pharmacy opening so its opening timetable is still up in the air.

Mattress Firm will open yet another metro Atlanta location, this time in the former Blockbuster Video in Brookhaven Plaza, former home of Brookhaven's Harris Teeter. Last year they opened in the former Coco Loco in the Buckhead Crossing shopping center on Sidney Marcus Boulevard.

Genghis Grill is not doing as well as they had hoped locally, especially in south Buckhead, and may curtail their expansion plans. Currently the Dallas-based Mongolian Stir Fry has locations in Buford at the Mall of Georgia, in Sandy Springs near R.E.I and in South Buckhead across the street from The Fresh Market. The chain previously announced plans to open at least 10 locations including Alpharetta, Athens and Camp Creek, but none of those have opened.

Beverly Hills-based Hillstone Restaurant Group is making their south Buckhead Houston's a "flagship" restaurant. As part of this re-branding, the restaurant will be renamed "Hillstone." Locally, the chain has a total of four locations; the aforementioned south Buckhead location, another on West Paces Ferry Road at Northside Parkway, on Lenox Road across from the J.W. Marriott Hotel, and in Marietta on Windy Hill Road at Wildwood.

There, bar & eatery, a long since delayed restaurant in TOWN Brookhaven, is finally preparing to open, I'm told. Apparently the owner of nearby Slack's had made it anything but easy, for what he sees as his competition to open. They were forced to stop work after being slapped with some minor building violations brought to light, I'm told, by the owner of Slack's. Originally scheduled to open last summer, the stop work order sidelined them for 90+ days but progress has picked up and I'm told they should be open before the end of the month.

Bally Total Fitness closed last month at Northlake Festival leaving yet another large vacancy in the center. A former Haverty's sits vacant to its left and a former Fuddrucker's sits empty in an outparcel of the center on LaVista Road.

Pier 1 Imports is in fact consolidating Buckhead locations and will now be found in only one place, next to Marshall's on Peachtree Road in the former KitchenAid Culinary Store. Last year they closed their location near Peachtree Battle that has now recently opened as an urgent care center, and they are in the final weeks of their liquidation sale at their Lenox Road location.

Priscilla of Boston is now closed in the Peachtree Road outparcel of Buckhead Place. Once owned by May Department Stores and later by Federated Department Stores (Macy's), the chain was sold to David's Bridal in 2007. This past fall, David's Bridal announced it would close all Priscilla of Boston locations so they could focus on their core business. The store officially closed earlier this month. Before it was Priscilla of Boston, the space was home to Houlihan's restaurant, so perhaps it could again become a restaurant.

The former Bertucci's/Bridgetown Grill restaurant in an outparcel on the Piedmont Road side of the Buckhead Place shopping center was demolished last week. While there was originally talk of both an Element and aloft hotel, new brands from Starwood, on this site, those plans have been shelved for the time being. The restaurant was demolished not for new construction in its place, but to act as a staging area for construction crews working on the expansion of the existing LA Fitness.

Baci, a new higher end, full service offering from the owners of the Cafe at Pharr, opened earlier this week at TOWN Brookhaven. Appetizers range from about $6 to $9 and entree sandwiches go for about $8 with most entrees going for about $15 or so. The group also recently announced they will open another Cafe at Pharr, overall their 5th, in Vinings Jubilee in the former Grape space.

More news still to come this week!

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Michael Kors Opening Additional Atlanta Boutique

2012-01-17T13:15:00.000-05:00

Michael Kors is making odd move in Buckhead. Already with a successful boutique in Lenox Sqaure, Kors is said to be opening a second (Buckhead) location in Phipps Plaza in the recently vacated Theory space on the first level. Instead of the typical Kors boutique, this location is planned to feature more
couture items from the Michael Kors collection, including runway pieces.

Personally, I think this seems like an odd move considering the upcoming opening of Legoland, and the thought that the mall will attract more family oriented retailers rather than such couture labels. Perhaps he missed the memo? Bottega Veneta is already struggling, although its better known sister brand Gucci continues to do well. Even Intermix is said to be not doing so well. Saks, Jeffrey and Nordstrom seem to be the bright spots for the mall.

Michael Kors opened his first Atlanta boutique in 2008 at Lenox Square, taking space that was vacated by Bally when they made the move to Phipps Plaza. Kors added a second location in 2010 at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody. Each store carries predominantly accessories and handbags but also some clothing for women.

In advance of the upcoming Legoland opening in March, Willams-Sonoma, Brookstone and Talbots WOMAN, the chain's plus size division, will all close in the coming days. As I mentioned earlier this month, Sur la Table will open in place of Williams-Sonoma, but there is no word on what may occupy either the Talbot's or Brookstone spaces. Additionally, I've heard there may be at least two other closures on the second floor in the coming weeks. Of course these closings are in addition to my DeathWatch predictions of Valentino, Vince, Versace and Barney's New York CoOp.

No timetable has been set for the opening but I'd guess it will open sometime in early summer.

What do you think about all the changes going on at Phipps Plaza? Will the kids and families that Legoland attracts alienate existing luxury shoppers? Is Michael Kors ahead of the curve with this opening or is he living in a fantasy world?

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NaanStop Ready to Go : Opening First Location in Atlanta

2012-01-16T12:45:00.000-05:00

NaanStop Express Indian Cuisine is coming to Atlanta to open their first brick and mortar location. After launching as a food truck in Los Angeles last January, Naan Stop is going non-mobile in opening an actual location right here in metro Atlanta! Brothers Neal and Samir Idnani were born in Nashville but grew up eating their mother's traditional Indian cuisine, passed down to her from her mother. Samir graduated from Georgia Tech and later the University of Southern California. Brother Neal graduated from the University of Chicago, and while both held lucrative jobs in their respective fields of study, they
were reunited over the desire for Indian food like their mom used to make.

The Naanwich is their signature dish, a twist on a homestyle Indian meal. The Nannwich starts with Naan,(Indian flatbread) and is then stuffed with Tandoori chicken, Tandoori Paneer ( an Indian style cheese) flavored turkey kabobs or braised lamb. The Naanwich is then topped off with your choice of toppings such as sautéed peppers and onions, fresh spinach leaves and a cooling yogurt cilantro chutney.

Samosas and Masala fries, french fries topped with a creamy yet spicy tomato based gravy, round out the menu options that were available when the restaurant was only a food truck. There are plans to increase the menu offerings when the store opens.

The cool thing about the NaanStop concept will be the planned Naan oven at the front of the restaurant. Fresh Naan bread will not only be used to make sandwiches in store, but will also be available for sale to take home. Akin to the way Cinnabon or Auntie Anne's make you crave their product as you watch it being made, NaanStop plans to do the same.

The brothers narrowly missed applying for America's Next Great Restaurant but judging from the disaster that ensued, perhaps that was good luck. For anyone who didn't watch, and I'm sure there are lot, the NBC reality showed tried to find "America's Next Great Restaurant." The winning concept was to possess mainstream appeal and be marketable on a franchise level. The winning concept, Soul Daddy, was said to feature "healthy soul food." Shorty after the season finale in May, three locations opened simultaneously in Los Angeles at Hollywood & Highland, in New York at South Street Seaport, and in Minneapolis at the Mall of America. Just one month after opening, the New York and LA locations were closed so that they could "focus on developing the best restaurant" in the Minneapolis location. Just two weeks later, it too closed. In an interesting twist though, Jamawn Woods, the creator of Soul Daddy reached an out of court settlement with ANGR holdings that allowed him to keep the name, recipes and equipment from the New York location. He now has a new partner in the business and plans to open a new Soul Daddy in his hometown of Detroit later this spring.

Minus the national exposure, the Idnani brothers have done all right. They have a great name, a healthy and different product and were one of only a handful of the over 300 food trucks in LA to consistently turn a profit. Additionally, they were featured on numerous TV and radio stations in LA and had quite the Twitter following. Recently I learned that you might even get a glimpse of the NaanStop truck in an upcoming episode of the hit FOX drama "Bones."

The brothers are taking their time and know that in Atlanta, more than most cities, the perfect location, preferably with ample parking, is essential. They served their last Naanwich via their truck on November 30th and had hoped to be open here by March. Now, without what they feel is the perfect location, they are perfecting their menu and keeping an eye out for their first location.

Personally, I'm a big fan of both middle eastern and Indian cuisine, and this Naanwich sounds pretty darn tasty. Additionally, kudos to the brothers for coming to Atlanta to launch the concept. Looks like Atlanta's attracting more than movies from Hollywood, now even restaurants!

The plan is to have the first NaanStop open by the second half of the year. It's likely the restaurant will be in the Decatur or Emory area but that could change if a situation develops elsewhere in Atlanta. It's worth mentioning that another food truck calling itself Naan Stop, offering similar fare, launched in Austin, Texas this past June, but is not affiliated with the business that will open here in Atlanta and actually is infringing on their trademark.

If location one proves successful, the brothers hope to open additional locations in Atlanta and beyond. They don't want to create something as ubiquitous as McDonald's, but perhaps instead a well known but not insanely big, fast casual Indian eatery. Steve Ells opened the first Chipotle in 1993 and took the company public in 2006 at $22 a share, and by the end of the day, shares had doubled to $44, the best debut for a U.S. based company in over 5 years. Today Chipotle has over 1000 locations and its stock trades north of $350 per share. While it's unfair to compare the two concepts, the fast-casual segment as a whole is where a lot of growth is, especially with ethnic offerings.

As a cuisine, Indian has been gaining in popularity with more and more Americans seeking healthier meal options. Until recently, Indian was seen as too ethnic to appeal to the masses, but that is also changing. Before Taco Bell, Mexican was too ethnic and of course before Panda Express, most Asian eateries, like the Indian eateries of today, were independently owned and there was no multi-unit chain per se.

Locally, Cafe Bombay on Briarcliff, and Bhojanic on Clairmont, have been serving Indian cuisine for years and each have a dedicated following. Additionally, Spice Route Supper Club from chef Asha Gomez became so popular she opened a full service restaurant, Cardamon Hill just a few weeks ago, at I-75 and Northside Drive.

Keep up with NaanStop and get opening updates via their twitter and facebook

Are you a fan of Indian cuisine? Do you think NaanStop is a cool name? Is Indian the next Mexican? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

New Development in Buckhead in the Form of Twin Peaks

2012-01-10T00:55:00.000-05:00

A typical birthday celebration and gift at Twin Peaks?

Addison,Texas-based Twin Peaks will be opening their first Atlanta area location later this summer in Buckhead. The restaurant will be located alongside Farmburger at TowerWalk on Piedmont Road across the street from the Disco Kroger. The Buckhead eatery will be two levels, encompassing over
12,000-square-feet, and is being billed as the chains "flagship" location.

Atlanta-based La Cima Restaurants, LLC has development rights for growing the chain in Georgia and the southeast. The wrinkle is that La Cima's Chief Operating Officer is Joseph Hummel, who until last July, and for eight years prior, was Executive Vice President of Operations and Purchasing for Hooters of America LLC. Shortly before Hummel resigned from Hooters, it is alleged that he electronically sent some 500 pages of "trade secrets" and "sensitive information" including plans related to "management, recruitment, distribution and sales” to his private email account.

Following Hummel's departure from the company, many other Hooters executives joined Hummel at La Cima, including Coby Brooks, the son of former Hooters owner Bob Brooks. Coby gained national attention in 2010 when he appeared on the hit CBS reality show "Undercover Boss." At least three other former Hooters executives joined Hummel and Brooks at La Cima.

This past October, Twin Peaks Chief Executive Randy DeWitt spoke with Nation's Restaurant News, a leading trade publication, and though neither he nor Twin Peaks itself is named in the lawsuit, he called Hooters' claims "frivolous" and "baseless." “The bottom line is that any significant competitive advantages La Cima enjoys will come from Twin Peaks, not from the company they left,” DeWitt said.

Hooters started in Clearwater, Florida in 1983 but is now based in Atlanta. With over 430 locations in 44 states and 28 countries, Hooters is known for their signature T-shirts with their slogan "delightfully tacky yet unrefined."

Tilted Kilt started in Las Vegas in 2003 and now operates over 65 locations, eight in Atlanta. A Celtic-themed eatery with plaid skirts, the Tilted Kilt does not have an official slogan per se but "a cold beer never looked so good" is often found on promotional materials and on their website.

Twin Peaks started in Dallas, Texas in 2005, and now has 18 stores open with two more listed as coming soon on its website (excluding the Atlanta location). Like Hooters and fellow newcomer Tilted Kilt, each restaurant features scantily clad, busty, usually 20-something girls, accordingly, such restaurants are now referred to as "breastaurants." Though clearly not as well known as its fellow breataurants, Twin Peaks slogan, "Eats, Drinks, Scenic Views" is clearly intended to become as memorable as the Hooters slogan.

Meggie Miller, director of marketing for Twin Peaks, refers to the concept as a "Mountain sports lodge" in a video on the restaurant's website. The video goes on to spotlight the fact that the restaurant offers 29 degree draft beer, a bit of a rarity in the bars, it seems. Company CEO DeWitt refers to the company's waitstaff as "Lumber Jills." The video goes on to detail merchandise where the first word used is "original" but of course the restaurant peddles a boob mousepad very similar to a mousepad I've known Hooters to vend for years. Similarly, all three of the "breastaurants" offer calendars featuring female employees in variations of employee uniforms, or less.

Twin Peaks itself sued a competitor in federal court in 2010 claiming their slogan "Great Steaks, Cold Beers and Free Scenic Views" was too similar to the Twin Peaks slogan, "Eats, Drinks, Scenic Views." In this case, the proprietor of the business first expressed interest in franchising the Twin Peaks concept before abandoning those plans and opening his strikingly similar concept, North Esposure in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It's my understanding that the restaurant opened this past February after tweaking its slogan, now "Warm & alluring lodge provisions."

In addition to this and the current legal matter involving Hooters and Twin Peaks, others in the segment have had legal troubles of their own. This past fall an African-American former server at the Tilted Kilt in Roswell filed a federal lawsuit claiming she was fired because there were "too many black women already hired."

Hooters has settled numerous suits over the years, most from men claiming it was illegal for them to be denied employment at Hooters because they were male.

A graduate of the Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality at Georgia State, I recall at least one of the Hooters cases coming up in a hospitality law class. The determining factor in many cases is whether or not being a female is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification or BFOQ, to be employed as a server at a restaurant such as Hooters. Hooters and other "breastaurants" depend largely on the sex appeal of their servers to turn an ordinary bar into a cash cow.

Personally, I think the location selected for Twin Peaks flagship could turn out very well for the local franchise group, given the current legal battle ends in their favor. The location offers little to no parking in front of the restaurant but should be less of an issue given their (core) demographic. They will likely do well in the afternoons with white collar businessmen, and even better in the afternoons, showing plenty of sports games. Being a big fan of Farmburger and knowing they have done well on weekday afternoons, but not as well on weeknights and weekends, Twin Peaks may help to improve both of those day parts for them.

I don't think it will put 'em out of business, but I'd anticipate Gordon Biersch and Loco's in Buckhead, as well as Taco Mac at Lindbergh to feel the effects once Twin Peaks opens late this spring.

Would you dine at a "breastaurant" being waited on by a 300 pound dude? Do you think Twin Peaks is a unique concept of a Hooters knockoff? Will you patronize Twin Peaks instead of other area sports bars? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

Sur La Table On Deck At Phipps Plaza

2012-01-07T16:07:00.000-05:00

Sur la table, a Seattle,Washington based privately held retailer of kitchen products will open at Phipps Plaza in the coming months. The store will open in space currently occupied by its chief rival, Williams-Sonoma, which is consolidating operations, leaving open their larger store at nearby Lenox Square.

Sur la table, French for "on the table" is the second largest kitchenware retailer in the nation, operating some 90 locations in 28 states. The first Sur la table opened in 1972 at Pike Place Market in Seattle, about a year after Starbucks opened their first location in the same market.

Sur la table has one other Atlanta area location in Dunwoody at Perimeter Mall. If memory serves, that location opened in 2008 and is located on the upper level near Macy's. A former employee of Bloomingdale's at Lenox myself, I recall my home store manager leaving Bloomingdale's to accept a managerial position with Sur la table.

Currently, plans are to have the store open in April, shortly after the planned opening of Legoland Discovery Center.

Do you prefer Williams-Sonoma or Sur la table? What do you think of the recent changes at Phipps Plaza? Will Legoland be good or bad or retailers at Phipps Plaza? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Phipps Plaza Loses A Few More Retailers Ahead of Legoland Opening

2012-01-07T15:00:00.000-05:00

In the wake of the upcoming Legoland Discovery Center, a 32,000-square-foot kids entertainment center, retailers are leaving Phipps Plaza, the high-end Buckhead mall. Theory closed just after the new year, and Williams-Sonoma will close the 15th, to be followed by Brookstone in early February. To be fair, it was a lilttle odd that both Brookstone and Williams-Sonoma had locations at both Lenox and Phipps. Brookstone has an existing location on the second level of Lenox Square and Williams-Sonoma has a store on the second level near Bloomingdale's that was was expanded a couple of years ago.

Sources tell me Theory simply up and closed almost overnight without so much as a sign or sale. Willams-Sonoma may have a small liquidation a couple of days before their move, but for now, they are just having their annual "Winter Sale." Brookstone has yet to receive direction as to what, if any, sale they will be having or an exact closure date.

Legoland Discovery Center is scheduled to open in March on the third level of Phipps Plaza, taking the place of basically the entire food court. Moe's Southwest Grill, one of many eateries displaced, recently re-opened along the side of the third floor, close to the Belk entrance. Moe's will be joined by Subway and Johnny Rockets in what a mall representative called the "fast casual/quick service restaurant zone."

Johnny Rockets was not originally going to be a part of the zone, but its decision to remain in the mall may have been related to the closure of their West Paces Ferry location and them wanting to maintain a presence in Buckhead. Later this spring, their West Paces Ferry location will reopen as Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, a Florida-based fast casual Mexican eatery that will also open in midtown in Bakeshop's former space.

Juicy Couture and Tiffany & Co. have both been mentioned as possibly being interested in leaving Phipps as well. Juicy, at least at one point, was in talks to move to the higher traffic Lenox Square while Tiffany may have sought to relocate from Phipps Plaza to Buckhead Atlanta. Pampolina, a kids' apparel company whose opening at Phipps would have actually made the most sense, announced their opening at Phipps in the fall of 2010, but they never opened.

Jedal, a store I had on DeathWatch almost since opening, closed this past fall. Vince, Valentino, Versace and Barney's CoOp are all likely closure candidates in addition to Bally. Vince and Valentino's closures both seem especially imminent while Barney's has managed to hang on as long as it has, on what seems like borrowed time.

Bottega Veneta, a high-end accessories and apparel retailer, was one of the original tenants announced for The Streets of Buckhead, now Buckhead Atlanta. BV opted out of that project and instead opened at Phipps Plaza this past summer.

Personally, I think the Legoland may do more harm than good in the mall. In the end, it may work against SIMON, as long standing designer retailers opt to leave the mall in favor of Buckhead Atlanta or there becomes a waiting list to make the move to Lenox. There is no doubt that Legoland will attract people to the mall, but for some, the appeal of the mall is the slow pace and calm environment. As I said in an earlier post, this is the third Legoland Discovery Center in the country. Legoland's other domestic centers are within Grapevine Mills, a single level outlet mall in suburban Dallas and at The Streets of Woodfield, a lifestyle shopping center in Schaumburg, Illinois, in suburban Chicago.

Do you think luxury retailers will suffer at Phipps when Legoland opens or will it instead be positive for them? What store do you think has the worst chance of making it in the mall in the months to come? What store should open at the mall? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Urban Flats Closes "Temporarily" at Lindbergh City Center

2012-01-05T15:45:00.000-05:00

Urban Flats has closed its Lindbergh City Center location "temporarily." I stopped by today and a man entering the locked restaurant who identified himself as a manager said he was told to close the restaurant Monday by owners in Nashville. He was told the owners were looking for new investors and far as he knew, the restaurant would re-open. Apparently, though Urban Flats as a corporation filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy last March, it may have recently exited bankruptcy, as I'm told the owners in Nashville are hoping to sell the Buckhead unit to corporate, and have them run it.

Interestingly, though the restaurant has been closed for over three days, its closure seems to have gone unnoticed by nearly anyone, including the leasing agent for the center, who when reached by phone, indicated that the business was open.

Urban Flats first opened at the project in late 2008, and in early 2009 I questioned how successful they would be. On December 24, 2009, signs were posted indicating their "holiday hours" but they never re-opened. In early 2011, I reported new owners would reopen the Lindbergh location (the other in Lawrenceville that closed before Lindbergh would remain closed.) In late July, despite all signs pointing to re-opening being a waste of money, another investor group re-opened the restaurant.

I was invited in to try out the "new" Urban Flats and I gotta say, the food is not bad, nor is the pricing outrageous, it's just a bad location for that type concept. They are trying to be almost a cross between Seasons 52, with full service healthy dishes, and F2o with moderate to mid level pricing heavy on "long plate" options.

As I've said with new eatery Tre'za, it's very difficult to be everything to everyone, so you might as well be good at one thing and do it consistently well. Tre'za also is not quite sure what it is: full service or fast casual. In my mind, and I think most in the restaurant industry, fast casual is a step above the fast food industry and includes such brands as Panera Bread, Willy's Mexicana Grill and Smashburger. Prices are often between $5 and $10 for most entree options. You order at a counter and pick your own table and your food is delivered to your table, usually designated by a number or placard. While gratuities are always welcome, in this service segment, they are not warranted as they are in other segments.

On the other hand, in full service casual restaurants like Ruby Tuesday and Olive Garden, you are assigned a table, are waited on by a server, and as is customary in America, are obliged to leave the server gratuities for waiting on you. Entree prices at casual "mid level" restaurants such as this usually range from about $12 to $20.

Both Urban Flats, and Tre'za for that matter, seem to be caught in between the two, hybrids of sorts, but I fear their desire to be different may be the reason for eventual downfall. Tre'za has already taken note of their pricing issue where some pizzas were as much as $18, and have lowered entree prices across the board.

According to the Urban Flats website, the Ocoee, Florida-based chain currently has five locations in Florida, one in Nashville and one in Atlanta. Tre'za, based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has two locations open in Arkansas under the name ZaZa (which will later be rebranded Tre'za), the location in Brookhaven, and an upcoming location in Birmingham at The Summit.

Is Lindbergh City Center just a bad location for restaurants in general, or it more a problem with the restaurants that have opened? Should Urban Flats re-open or should some other business altogether open in its place? What is your take on fast casual vs. casual dining restaurants, what do you prefer? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Can Davenport, Iowa Trump New York, New York in Dunwoody?

2012-01-05T10:51:00.000-05:00

General Growth Properties (GGP), owner of Perimeter Mall, announced today that Davenport, Iowa-based Von Maur will open in the space being vacated by Bloomingdale's. In case you missed it, Bloomingdale's will close four stores this coming March, among them, their three level, 8-year-old location at Perimeter Mall. The store is to open late this fall but I'm not so sure it makes sense.

Just this past fall, the retailer opened their first Atlanta location, in a former Lord & Taylor, former Belk, in North Point Mall in Alpharetta (also owned by GGP). If I were them, I'd want to wait and see how store one in the market peformed before opening store two. I highly doubt there is a long line of suitable and interested retailers waiting to open anchor size stores in Atlanta.

While Bloomingdale's at Perimeter suffered partially because of thefts and questionable merchandising, it was also too close to Lenox Square. Von Maur's North Point Mall store is about 13 miles away from their planned Perimeter store, and each serves a different market, but I still worry about having the two so close. By comparison, the two Bloomingdale's locations were about 7 miles apart, but Bloomingdales's, a national retailer, had plenty of marketing and money to support two stores.

It was mentioned that Lord & Taylor might re-enter the market, and honestly, that makes more sense than this. Having visited the Von Maur in North Point, I found a number of similarities between it and Seattle, Washington-based Nordstrom, a store that will be located just feet away in Perimeter Mall. Interestingly, Von Maur does have a "good, better, best" strategy in the merchandise they offer. Basically, brands that are of good quality and price, better, and most expensive / high quality. In the guys' section for instance, one could find DKNY and Columbia (good brands) with 7 Diamonds (better) and finally, Burberry (best).

As I stated on the DeathWatch this past fall, the way for Bloomingdale's to get out of its lease was if another retailer was waiting in the wings to open its place. Von Maur, it seems, is that retailer While I'm not a fan of the store sitting empty, I'm not totally sure it's the right move for Von Maur.

What do you think? Is Von Maur too similar to Nordstrom or will the two stores compliment each other? Is Von Maur getting ahead of itself opening a second location so soon after its first? Please share your thoughts below.

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Strike a Pose Westside : Lululemon Athletica Opening Soon

2012-01-05T04:12:00.001-05:00

Vancouver, Canada-based lululemon athletica will soon add a second store to its Atlanta presence. The popular yoga-wear company will open its second metro location later this summer in Jamestown Property's Westside Provisions District on Howell Mill Road. Ironically, lululemon will open in place of GARDEN, a boutique landscape and garden design firm, that in November relocated to the Shops Around Lenox, home to Atlanta's other lululemon store
.

The new store is located adjacent to YEAH! Burger and close to both West Egg and Yoforia. Lululemon's first Atlanta store came in the form of a showroom on Highland Avenue in Morningside but it closed ahead of the original Buckhead opening on Roswell Road.

The fact that lululemon is open on the Westside does not necessarily preclude them from opening in Ponce City Market, another Jamestown property, but I see as less likely given their proximity. Overall, lululemon operates about 150 stores between the U.S. and Canada.

San Francisco, California-based Gap Inc. launched ATHLETA as an internet-only store in 2009 and opened their first bricks and mortar locations last year, one of which I had the chance to visit on the upper east side of New York. The stores are designed to resemble lululemon and attract a similar customer.

Currently the chain has nine stores open, with a tenth opening January 18th in Scarsdale, New York. One of their recent stores opened at The Grove in L.A., one of my favorite projects. While I have not heard definitive plans for Atlanta, I'd guess we are on their radar for future expansion. While Atlantic Station does currently have representation from all other Gap brands (Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy) I doubt they would open an ATHLETA store there.

Are you a fan of lululemon and are already awaiting their arrival on the westside? Do you think ATHLETA should open a store in Atlanta? Are lululemon athletica and ATHLETA fad brands or do they have staying power? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Bloomingdale's Closing Four Stores, One in Atlanta

2012-01-04T17:34:00.000-05:00

New York-based Bloomingdale's will close their Perimeter Mall location in March. Bloomindale's is a subsidiary of Cincinnati, Ohio-based Macy's Inc. The Macy's in Perimeter Mall will be unaffected. Additionally, the Lenox Square store, which has been since day one the better performing location in the
region, will remain open as well.

I mentioned in early 2010 that I felt the store would likely close as both service and selection, cornerstones of the Bloomingdale's brand, were poor at the Perimeter location. than anything else. The store itself never performed that well. As a former associate at the Lenox location, I knew Perimeter to be the "dumping ground" for customer returns. (Customers would often buy from Lenox or other Bloomingdale's locations but take their returns to Perimeter. For this reason, they often had single odd items and carried an overall odd variety of products. The Perimeter store was smaller than Lenox but unlike Lenox, offered an extensive rug selection.

Around Valentine's Day of 2010, the AJC broke a story about a woman accused of stealing five Persian rugs valued in excess of $325,000. From working and shopping for the company, I found it utterly amazing that something like this could happen, especially knowing the serious loss prevention department both stores have. Additionally, there was at least one if not two other incidents over the past few years involving groups of people running in and stealing thousands of dollars in Polo Ralph Lauren merchandise and designer jeans. On a recent trip, an armed guard was present at the entrance in the men's department, near both Polo and denim. Perhaps theft was a bigger issue for the store than some may think.

Also, portions of the store on both the main level and second lever had been sealed off to the public and were not being used as selling floor for merchandise. This tactic, of course, was also executed with the cafe in the home store at Lenox but I'm hopeful that re-opens soon.

Bloomingdale's entered the Atlanta market in the fall of 2003, each occupying a former Macy's location. (Macy's and Rich's merged and later consolidated overlapping locations at most malls.) My biggest issue has been that the Lenox and Perimeter stores were too close and Bloomingdale's should have opened at North Point Mall, if anywhere, instead.

This past fall, I again included Bloomingdale's Perimeter on my DeathWatch list, though some new information leads me to believe that there is another anchor ready to take the space once Bloomingdale's closes. Sources told me that the Perimeter Mall lease runs through 2016, and that in order for them to get out of it, they'd need someone else to take over the lease. I said then that Davenport, Iowa-based Von Maur is likely not the replacement, as they just opened North Point Mall a few months ago and I doubt that they would open another location so soon, or so close.

Bloomingdale's will also close locations at the Mall of America in Minnesota, White Flint in North Bethesda, Maryland and a home store in Oak Brook Illinois. Bloomingdale's at the Mall of America was one of the mall's original tenants, the store opened with the mall in 1992. A source tells me the Perimeter Mall location is scheduled to close March 11 and that the Mall of America location will close in "early 2012," presumably around the same time. Liquidation sales should begin in the coming days at all locations.

J.C. Penney was in the mall once, but closed their store in 2002. It was later demolished and rebuilt as a Dillard's in 2005. Costco is already in the area, so General Growth Properties, the owner of the mall, would be unable to do what they did at Cumberland Mall in replacing a vacant anchor space with a Costco. Calls to Perimeter Mall's leasing department were not immediately returned, but I will post an update as soon as new information becomes available.

What do you think should open in place of the Bloomingdale's? Will you miss the Perimeter Bloomingdale's or was much of your shopping done at their Lenox location? Should the space be broken up into smaller stores or should an anchor be found to take the entire space? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Ludacris Flying South to Open New Eatery at Hartsfield-Jackson ; Closing Straits

2012-01-04T12:13:00.002-05:00

GRAMMY Award winning recording artist Chris "Ludacris" Bridges is finally pulling the plug on his midtown eatery Straits. The restaurant, specializing in Singaporean cuisine was never that popular with Atlantans and its closure is not surprising. Straits was an existing restaurant in San Francisco, run by chef Chris Yeo, who was a partner in the Atlanta location. It's my understanding that all California locations, of which there are three, and a Houston location will all remain open.

Yesterday Ludacris announced via the @StraitsATL twitter account that " Straits Atlanta will not be open this week for New Year renovations... Sorry for the inconvenience..." and minutes later (via his personal @Ludacris account) announced that he had won contract to open a restaurant at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. While at time time it seemed both would be open, I received the confirmation that the airport eatery will actually be in place of the midtown restaurant.

Chicken & Beer, a restaurant that will feature "comfort food and craft beers" will open on Concourse D of the airport and is presumably named for the rapper's 2003 studio album "Chicken-n-Beer.

What do you think of this move? Is Ludacris the right guy with the right concept at the right place, or out of place again? Will this restaurant become an Atlanta landmark like the Varsity? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Think Quik : Former IGA Making Way For QuikTrip

2012-01-04T00:45:00.000-05:00

Food Universe IGA closed January 1st at the intersection of Briarcliff and Clairmont Roads in Briarcliff Shopping Center. The center opened in 1960 with Big Apple, then Food Giant, Piggly Wiggly, SuperValu , Ed's IGA and finally Food Universe IGA. (Back in the 60s there were far fewer shopping centers, so I guess they were far less creative with naming them)

The IGA store was rumored to be closing but when I stopped by December 30th, it seemed like business as usual with no signage indicating an imminent closure. I stopped by again this past Monday the 2nd and the store was already closed and over 90% of the store's inventory was gone. Not sure when it all happened as there was no sale or anything, just kinda closed and gone. Rumor has it the store will re-open in nearby Williamsburg Village shopping center but I highly doubt that would work.

I have lived in the neighborhood near this shopping center my entire life but had not been in the grocery store since the Ed's days years ago. Back when it was a SuperValu, I recall making regular trips there with my family, but the store's overall appearance and food quality seemed to have deteriorated substantially over the years, so I, like many of my neighbors, do most grocery shopping at the nearby Publix and Kroger at Toco Hills and Toco Hill respectively.

I'd heard that a Family Dollar had looked at the center for a new store last year but had decided the demographics did not support their concept. Interestingly, not far away, another former SuperValu (and later Ed's IGA and Village Market) at Vista Grove shopping center gave way to a variety of businesses including a package store and Napoleon's, a restaurant. In the same center, Village Market built a gas station in the shopping center's parking lot that currently sits empty. Within the same center, Eckerd gave way to RiteAid which in turn closed and is now a Dollar General.

Both the Briarcliff and Vista Grove centers have been proposed by residents as prospective locations for Trader Joe's, but nothing has materialized. Personally, I love my 'hood, but if TJ's won't open in Suburban Plaza, there is no way they would ever open in either center, even if there was room, which now there won't be.

Now, with IGA closed, Tulsa, Oklahoma-based QuikTrip plans to open a new convenience store and gas station on the land in place of the IGA store, adjacent parking lot and a small, undeveloped parcel behind the center. It's my understanding that the IGA portion of the aging shopping center will be demolished and that the other businesses like the pharmacy and dry cleaners will remain open. I would love to see the entire center get a facelift, but I'm told that is not a sure thing at this point.

QuikTrip, unlike its chief rival Atlanta-based RaceTrac, has a number of existing intown locations. Less than a mile and a half from the location at Clairmont and Briarcliff, QuikTrip operates a unit at Briarcliff and North Druid Hills Roads. QuikTrip also has a location further down Briarcliff, near Clifton Road. Overall, Atlanta is QT's largest market, with over 120 locations. RaceTrac, in comparison, has just shy of 70 in the area. QT entered the market 25 years ago, whereas RaceTrac had a 50 year head start.

In 2010 QuikTrip launched what it calls "Gen III" stores which are about 1000-square feet larger than typical locations. (5700 s/f compared to a typical 4600 s/f.) If I counted accurately, the coming Doraville location will have 20 pumps, about twice that of typical intown locations. The Doraville location is located just inside the perimeter at Buford Highway and Stewart Road on the site most recently home to a Shell gas station.

In addition to an increased number of pumps at high traffic locations, Gen III stores also carry a wider variety of prepared foods and have a slightly different interior layout, dual side entrances and seating outside in front of the store. Smoothies, soft serve ice cream and specialty coffee beverages are also likely to be found in Gen III locations. Take & Bake pizzas and single-size lasagna were also recently added to the food offerings. I'd also heard of up to 16 different teas and 10 variations of frozen beverages being offered at new locations. Much, if not all, of the prepared foods are made at QT's ever-expanding Ellenwood QT Kitchen commissary.

The first three Gen III locations opened in the company's home territory of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and after proving successful, were expanded to other markets. Atlanta will soon have a number of these locations with one scheduled to open next month in Morrow on Jonesboro Road. The aforementioned location in Doraville, as well as another location in Suwanee at Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and Satellite Boulevard, are both scheduled to open in March. Henry County will also get a Gen III location later this year in Locust Grove, but as it was only announced last week, I'm not sure when it may open.

Another location was proposed at Ormewood and Moreland Avenues in Ormewood Park, but after fierce opposition from the neighborhood, QT will not build on that site though they have stated they are still interested in the area.

As the Briarcliff Shopping Center is already zoned for C-1 commercial, I'm told no community meetings were held and therefore it was a bit difficult to track down details of their plans. Calls to various real estate and public relations officials at QuikTrip were not immediately returned but I hope to have an opening timetable soon. I'd anticipate this location will be a Gen III but likely not as big as the upcoming Doraville location.

As a lifelong resident of this exact neighborhood, I personally welcome the QuikTrip and see it being successful, but possibly not popular with all. Presumably, the station will have access from both Briarciff and Clairmont, making access in and out easy.

The shopping center is well situated in a high traffic area. Interstate 85 is less than a half mile away with many commuters making their way to the nearby CDC, VA and Emory campuses. In addition, students and parents of Cliff Valley School, Sagamore Elementary and Lakeside High Schools pass through this intersection as well.

Across the street from the planned QuikTrip, there is an existing Chevron that just re-opened last month after being closed since early August. In the early morning hours of August 4th, two cars were involved in a collision that forced one vehicle to careen off the side of the road and into a gas pump at the Chevron. Both vehicle and pump burst into flames and it took months to sort everything out. Additionally, there is a Shell gas station closer to I-85 and a BP on the other side of I-85. A couple of years ago, the Sam's Club (on the site of former Kmart) added gas pumps to their store as well.

Having attended the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) convention in 2009, I witnessed first hand C-store operators and vendors extended moves into the food industry. Already in competition with other convenience stores, adding so many food and beverage offerings puts them in competition with both fast food eateries and coffee houses like Starbucks. Given QT's sterling reputation for clean stores and courteous sales associates, similar to that of Atlanta-based Chick-fil-A, the company seems destined to continue to grow and prosper in Atlanta and beyond.

Do you live in the neighborhood and feel the QT is a good idea, or are you just another NIMBY type person? Did you patronize the grocery store from national chain to IGA and already miss it? Does this new QT concept store sound like too much or is it just keeping up with the times? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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The Container Store Can No Longer Contain Itself at Peachtree & Piedmont

2011-12-30T09:05:00.000-05:00

The Container Store will relocate late in the fourth quarter of next year to the former Borders within the Buckhead Triangle shopping center. I'm told the store will be bigger than their current location at Peachtree and Piedmont but that they will not occupy the entire Borders space. Borders' Buckhead location closed this past May ahead of the liquidation of all stores a short time later. I'm told Total Wine
may open in TheContainer Store's old space once they move but that has not been confirmed.

Adjacent to the Borders space, Pinkberry, a frozen yogurt shop, replaced what had been a Marble Slab Creamery. They will surely welcome a new anchor tenant. Just below the Borders space, on the lower level of the shopping center, a former Circuit City space remains available, left vacant when the bankrupt electronics retailer shuttered all of their stores in early 2009.

Selig Enterprises owns both the current Container Store shopping center as well as the one where they will now move. Similarly, Selig owns the property where the Aveda Institute was previously located on Piedmont Road and also the Brookwood shopping center in south Buckhead where they recently relocated to a former Borders space.

The Container Store has one other area location near Perimeter Mall in Perimeter Station. One of its co-tenants there is a Restoration Hardware, which closed its location in Lenox Square earlier this year. Ahead of their closure, I was told they planned to eventually close the Perimeter location and open a flagship store of sorts in Buckhead, but not in either Lenox or Phipps. The Shops Around Lenox was at one time discussed as a possible location but with Crate & Barrel relocating there, not enough room remains for another junior anchor like Restoration.

Though not ideal, one possibility for Restoration Hardware is the now vacant Filene's Basement at Lenox Marketplace, where Target, Dicks and Publix highlight a list of existing anchors. Another idea that was mentioned last year, was for Restoration Hardware to open a freestanding location on Piedmont Road on the site of the former Chrysler dealership. The longest shot would be for them to be for them to open at Buckhead Atlanta, something I doubt will happen. If all goes well, perhaps by this time next year, Atlanta will have sparkling new Crate & Barrel , The Container Store and Restoration Hardware locations!

Do you like the idea of The Container Store moving to Buckhead Triangle? Where do you think Restoration Hardware Hardware will open? Do you have any ideas for what should open in the former Circuit City? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Kmart and Sears Release (Partial) Closure List

2011-12-29T15:00:00.001-05:00

Hoffman Estates, Illinois-based Sears Holding Company has released a partial list of Sears and Kmart stores it will close after a disappointing holiday shopping season. Included in the Georgia closings are a Sears store at Macon Mall in Macon and a Kmart store on Buford Highway in Buford. (A Kmart store already closed last month on Buford Highway in Doraville)

The list includes 79 stores slated for closure though the chain may eventually close between 100 and 120 stores.

Where did it all go wrong for these two storied retailers? Should the two companies not have merged? What other metro locations of Sears or Kmart do you think may be shuttered? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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BirthWatch Progress Report Q4 : A Look Ahead to 2012 and Beyond

2011-12-29T02:20:00.000-05:00

New Atlanta Del Taco locations may sport this new look

As we close out 2011, here's a look at what's on tap for Atlanta in the months and years to come...

Eateries

Baci Restaurant & Bar by Cafe at Pharr (TOWN Brookhaven) - Originally set to be a Cafe at Pharr, ownership has opted to go higher end with a new concept. According to a restaurant representative, Baci will be open for both lunch and dinner and feature a larger menu and be more family friendly. The tentative opening was "late summer" but as summer turned to fall, it was clear that was not going to happen. Now, the restaurant plans to open Monday January 16th.

Cafe 980 (Midtown) - Maureen Kalmanson, who operates Downtown’s Peasant Bistro, is opening Cafe 980 in Midtown on Piedmont Avenue. Cafe 980 will open in the seemingly cursed space that has previously been home to Nona Mia, Sweet Devil Moon, Fishmonger Restaurant, Balance Restaurant and Big Red Tomato. Kalmanson is spending plenty on an extensive renovation of the space and currently hopes to be open by March.

Cafe Agora (Midtown) - The popular Buckhead eatery will expand its empire to include a second location in midtown early next year, hopefully by mid to late February. After that, a long delayed expansion of the Buckhead location will take place, more than doubling its size.

Cafe Intermezzo (Midtown) - A longtime favorite for late-night revelers in Buckhead and Dunwoody, Intermezzo has added locations in Hartsfield-Jackson and in the new downtown Courtyard by Marriott hotel in recent years. Now, they will open in 1010 Midtown on Peachtree Street. Originally slated to be location five, I'm now told it will replace the Brookwood location and is expected to open "in late 2012." I'm a little disappointed to see them leave the Brookwood location as part of Intermezzo's charm to me was that location.

Cameli's Pizza (Little Five Points) - Cameli's Pizza, with one location already open on on Ponce de Leon Avenue at Ford Factory Square adjacent to Ponce City Market, will soon add a second location. Not far away, on Moreland Avenue, location two will open in a currently under construction building next door to Tijuana Joe's and Front Page News. Cameli's owners hope to have the restaurant open by late April or early. May.

Cardamon Hill (Berkeley Heights) - Asha Gomez, who caught the attention of the local foodie scene with her Spice Route Supper Club will finally open her long-talked about bricks & mortar location, Cardamon Hill, January 5th. Located within the Berkley Heights shopping center just off I75, Cardamon Hill joins restaurants Little Azio and Rising Roll. I'm a bit worried about the minimal parking and not so prime location but am a fan of Indian cuisine, and of Asha's and hope this concept finds success and is supported by the community.

Corner Bakery (Peachtree Corners) - Corner Bakery will open their fourth area location and first under ownership of Atlanta-based Roark Capital Group late in the first quarter in Peachtree Corners.

Cucina Asellina (Midtown) - They planned to open in January, now it's being pushed to late February. I still believe STK OUT, a more casual version of the high-end steakhouse, would have been a better fit. Piola, offering a very similar menu to that which has been talked about for Cucina Asellina is located across the street.

Del Taco (Snellville and Kennesaw) - Lake Forest, California-based Del Taco is returning to Atlanta after exiting the market in the early 2000s. The first location will open on the site of a former Fazoli's restaurant on Scenic Highway in Snellville. This location is on track to open in February and will be followed by a location in Kennesaw on Chastain Road near Kennesaw State University.

East Paces Tavern (Buckhead) - Proprietor Amanda Fore closed on the former Abbadabba's location on East Paces Ferry back in June but little (visible) work has been done. I'd imagine Fore will be putting a significant amount of money into the building as for starters, it will likely need a grease trap to go from retail to restaurant space. Additionally, as many will recall, the parking lot is slanted and Fore may want to restripe or in some way restructure the parking situation. The restaurant is said to feature a "range of top-notch appetizers, sandwiches and light entrees with a lean towards Mexican, southwestern and southern California fare. High quality beer, wine and liquor will also be served." Given the progress thus far, look for this joint to open late in the first quarter of next year.

Egg Harbor Cafe (Sandy Springs) - Lincolnshire, Illinois-based Egg Harbor Cafe will add their second Atlanta area location with the opening of Sandy Springs in mid to late March. The concept's first metro location opened last year in Johns Creek and more could soon be on their way.

F&B (Buckhead/Ritz-Carlton Residences) - F&B, once said to be opening in addition to FAB downtown, will instead replace it. Returning to Buckhead where until 2006 Brasserie Le Coze was a popular eatery in the Luxury Wing of Lenox Square. F&B will open in the street level of the new Ritz-Carlton Reisdences on Peachtree at Peachtree-Dunwoody Roads. The restaurant joins fellow eatery TOMO which closed its Vinings location ahead of its Buckhead opening. An early release about the restaurant said it “will modernize French & Mediterranean cuisine by infusing the flavors with a farm-to-table approach.” Currently the ownership hopes to open "in the spring."

The Optimist (West Midtown) - Fresh off the opening of No. 246 in Decatur, Ford Fry announced he will open two seafood concepts in West Midtown. The first will be a “large seafood focused restaurant” offering “simple, wood-fired fish and shellfish in a casual yet clean setting” and the second restaurant (attached to the other) would be a casual “fish camp” with a raw bar and craft beers. Both sound pretty darn good to me and look to be great additions to the foodie haven that is the West side. Both restaurants are currently scheduled to open mid to late spring.

Genghis Grill (Camp Creek/Alpharetta) - Dallas, Texas based Genghis Grill, "The Mongolian Stir Fry," is starting to heat up the Atlanta market. Genghis Grill has plans to open a total of 10 locations in Atlanta over the next 18 months. Currently the chain has locations in Buford at the Mall of Georgia, in Dunwoody near Perimeter Mall, and in South Buckhead near Piedmont Hospital. The chain is said to be preparing to open in Alpharetta and Camp Creek in the coming months and is scouting additional sites in Athens, Marietta and Kennesaw, among others. Expansion in Atlanta has slowed and neither the Camp Creek nor the Alpharetta locations are listed as coming soon the company website.

Grant's Bar and Grill (Smyrna) - Former Georgia Bulldog and Atlanta resident Charles Grant plans to open his upscale sports bar on Cumberland Boulevard. Grant was drafted by the Saints in 2002 and played with them until 2009. Now a free agent with free time, I guess he figured he'd open a restaurant. Originally scheduled to open in September, it was later pushed to mid to late October. Today, their Twitter account has been silent since September 2nd and a phone number listed for the restaurant is invalid. I would not be shocked to see Grant simply not open or only only for a short period of time before calling it quits and realizing the error of his ways.

Istanblue ( Buckhead) - VIA at the Eclipse condominium building on Pharr Road in Buckhead will soon be reconcepted into Istanblue, a restaurant specializing in Turkish cuisine. Personally, I favor Al's Cafe Agora on East Paces Ferry around the corner, but will definitely give this place a try. I'm told ownership hopes to make a quick transion from one restaurant to the other with VIA closing after dinner service on New Year's Eve and Istanblue opening about a week later.

Jack's New Yorker Deli - (Buckhead/Terminus 200) With locations already open in Smyrna, Marietta and John's Creek, Jack's will now open ITP in the heart of Buckhead. The restaurant was said to be opening in July and later indicated a mid to late October opening. Now I'm told they plan to open by mid January.

Lime Fresh Mexican Grill - (Buckhead and Midtown) Maryville,Tennessee-based Ruby Tuesday bought the licensing rights to open up to 200 Lime Fresh Mexican Grills in late 2010. At that point, the chain had a handful of locations in their home state of Florida, but has since added a location in Huntsville, Alabama and another in Clarendon, Virginia. In Buckhead, Lime Fresh will open in place of the landmark Johnny Rockets near the intersection of West Paces Ferry and Peachtree Roads. Atlanta-based Moe's Southwest Grill is not far away, with its first location on Peachtree Road across from the Peach Shopping Center. Another location will open in place of BAKESHOP in midtown. As it stands now, Buckhead is scheduled to open in mid to late March with midtown to follow in mid to late April.

Lure (Midtown) - Fifth Group will open Lure, a seafood concept, in the former Vickery's space. Fifth Group opened their first restaurant, South City Kitchen, a few blocks away on Crescent Avenue 18 years ago, and with Ecco not far away, Midtown is an area in which Fifth Group has thrived. Lure is currently scheduled to open in April, joining their newest concept, Alma Cocina, which opened earlier this month at the 191 building downtown.

Meehan's (Atlantic Station) - 101 Concepts will open their fifth Meehan's Public House at Atlantic Station next year. Currently on track to open in the first week in May, Meehan's will be the first full service local restaurant to open at Atlantic Station since Here to Serve opened STRIP in 2005.

Mi Cocina (Midtown) - Irving, Texas-based Mi Cocina will open at 1010 Midtown in late October or early November 2012. Mi Cocina is a full-service Mexican eatery and will join fellow restaurants RA, RiRa and Piola in the project already.

Modern Restaurant & Bar - (Buckhead) Modern will open at Tower Place in Buckhead in the former Copeland's. Connecticut-based restaurateur Kane Xu will open a restaurant in the space along with what he is calling a "tasting room and market." He previously anticipated opening in February but I'd wager he doesn't open before March given the progress on the space thus far.

Olde Blind Dog (TOWN Brookhaven) - Olde Blind Dog, an Irish pub with one location open thus far in Alpharetta, hopes to open location two by April in TOWN Brookhaven. I've heard its owner is a retired UPS executive with money to burn so even it doesn't do well, it may stay open much the way nearby restaurant Slack's has.

Olde Towne Tavern (Buckhead) - Kennesaw-based Olde Towne Tavern plans to open its fourth location in Buckhead early next year, at 360 Pharr Road in a space that has seen restaurants come and go almost as often as DAVE FM morning shows. I'm awaiting word that a lease has been approved by all involved parties, If all goes well, the restaurant should open in time for March Madness.

Panera Bread (North Buckhead) - I mentioned this upcoming location last October, and now, work is finally progressing. Panera will open in an outparcel of Powers Ferry Square on Roswell Road, across the street from The IVY. Given they will occupy an as yet unbuilt building, I'd anticipate them opening in May or June.

Pano's (Buckhead) - Buckhead Life Restaurant Group was supposedly reopening Pano's & Paul's as simply Pano's at the St. Regis Hotel in Buckhead. As that plan fizzled, another was born. Pano's will open basically across the street from the St. Regis within 103 West. Pano's will occupy about 3,500 square feet on the main level of 103 West and should open by late Fall. Bill Johnson of the Johnson Studios will collaborate with Pano and his sons on the design of the new eatery. The restaurant and accompanying lounge should seat about 200 patrons in total.

Pollo Tropical (Akers Mill) - South Florida-based Pollo Topical is coming back to Atlanta and should have three to five locations open by this time next year. Pollo Tropical had three locations in Atlanta in 1995, but they all closed in 1996. This past August, the chain returned with a new eatery on Duluth Highway in Lawrenceville and will add a second location on Cobb Parkway early next year. The chain will construct a new free standing restaurant in an outparcel of Akers Mill shopping center and hopes to have it open by May. Other areas of town are being scouted for up to three additional locations.

Red Pepper Taqueria - (LaVista & Briarcliff) With Artuzzi's finally closed, Red Pepper will turn things from Italian to Spanish in opening Red Pepper Taqueria. Honestly, this may be just the thing to make the space successful. With Emory so close, this concept has the potential to do very well. The team previously hoped to be open by year end, they now plan to be open January 2nd.

Romeo's Pizza (Emory Village and Lawrenceville) - Johns Creek-based Romeo's Pizza will jump from one to three locations by summer. Romeo's will open its second location by mid January in Lawrenceville followed by their third location at Emory Village by early April.

The Capital Grille (Dunwoody) - Orlando, Florida-based Darden purchased the lease of Chicago, Illinois -based Lettuce Entertain You's Wildfire restaurant and will open The Capital Grille in its place. Wildfire closed December 21st and stripped the building to the walls, shipping basically everything in the building back to Chicago. Darden hopes to have The Capital Grille open by April.

The Lawrence (Midtown) - Darren Carr and Patrick La Bouff of Top Flr and The Sound Table will open their latest concept, The Lawrence, at 905 Juniper in the space that formerly housed Riccardo Ullio's Cuerno and later, Lupe. At one point, the duo hoped to take over the former Nona Mia space on Piedmont, but opted for this space instead. A number of private dinner parties have taken place ahead of the official restaurant opening which at this point is planned for early to mid January.

The Spence (Midtown) - Bob Amick, Todd Rushing and Richard Blais have teamed up (again) to open The Spence at Technology Square on 5th Street in Midtown. (pre Top Chef, Blais was EC at ONE. midtown kitchen, a Concentrics concept) Home for years to The Globe and later WaterHaven, the space's worst quality is its limited parking. Blais and Co. hope that won't matter with their food being so damn good. Hope the hype matches the product. According to Bob Amick, they hope to be up and running in March.

There (TOWN Brookhaven) - A local restaurant opening in TOWN Brookhaven amidst a sea of chains, There was delayed over 90 days, a result I'm told, of petty citations issued as a result of complaints from nearby Slack's. With frequent visits to the center, it looks about the same as it did in June. Given what the space looked like just last week, I'd anticipate a late January-early February opening.

Tim Drum Asia Cafe (North Buckhead) - Ownership will open in former Doc Green's in mid Janaury and follow that with another opening in Augusta in mid February. Also, the chain recently opened their first out of state location in Birmingham at the Summit.

Waffle House ( Downtown) Waffle House will open what it's calling a "showcase" location this coming spring. The restaurant is located at the corner of Andrew Young International Boulevard and Centennial Olympic Park Drive, across the street from Centennial Olympic Park and a couple blocks from CNN Center.

Watershed (South Buckhead) - A longtime Decatur favorite, the restaurant closed earlier this summer, saying they would reopen elsewhere by soon. This past August I uncovered their plans to open at The Brookwood in south Buckhead. Currently I'm told they hope to be open by May.

Wendy's (Perimeter Pointe/Sandy Springs ) - According to a contact at Wendy's corporate office, this will not be a new prototype location but as far as I can tell, will be different from any other Wendy's in the market. The plan is to have the restaurant up and running by early April.

White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails (Downtown) - Alan LeBlanc of Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery will open White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails in the former All Star Cafe on Peachtree Street. The restaurant will feature contemporary southern cuisine, prepared with locally sourced ingredients in a casually upscale atmosphere and will open "early next year."

Willy's Mexicana Grill (Midtown Place) - Locally based Willy's Mexicana Grill will mark its 20th location in Atlanta with this midtown opening early next year. Most recently Willy's opened a location at the Petit Science Center at Georgia State University earlier this month and also added their first out of state location in Gainesville, Florida. The Midtown location will occupy a former Qdoba restaurant and is scheduled to open no later than late January.

Yard House (Atlantic Station) - Irvine, California-based Yard House will open their first Atlanta area location in the worst possible location, Atlantic Station. I say that, but it may actually do well, despite Atlantic Station being a colossal disaster overall. Yard House will open in the space vacated by Dolce, another California-based eatery which itself closed earlier this summer. With a menu with something for everyone, including, Gardein™, a beef and chicken substitute, Yard House has been mentioned as a possible acquisition target of Orlando-based Darden Restaurants. They plan to open in Atlantic Station in April.

Yogurtland (Peachtree City) - With their first location in Paces Ferry Plaza Shopping Center now open, Yogurtland's local franchisee Rick Evans finally opened his second location in the Forum in Norcross in early November. With a proprietary product and a .33 per ounce price point, Yogurtland seems well positioned for growth and success against area competitors. After a number of delays, Evans now turns his attention to Peachtree City, where he hopes to be open sometime in the first quarter of next year.

Yum Bunz (Westside) - Mike Blum, founder of the original The Real Chow Baby, left the baby and the bowls behind to launch this new concept. Similar to Lettuce Entertain You's "WOW BAO" from Chicago, Yum Bunz will feature "Bao," a favorite food in Asia. The "Bao" are puffed bread filled with vegetables, meats and in some cases, sweets. Yum Bunz will open in the street level retail spaces of the 935M apartments on Marietta Street, not far from Bocado and 5 Seasons Brewing Co.

Unnamed eatery from Brian Lewis of Bocado (Buckhead) - Brian Lewis will open his next venture sometime during the first half of 2012. The restaurant will be located on the site of the former Sears automotive lot, adjacent to the St. Regis hotel, on West Paces Ferry. I'm told his restaurant will feature an Italian theme with pizza and pasta making up much of the menu.

Zaxby's (Two locations) - Next year Athens-based Zaxby's will open locations in Chamblee on Peachtree Boulevard and near North DeKalb Mall on North Druid Hills Road. The Chamblee location has experienced construction delays and as a result, likely won't open until late February. The location near North DeKalb Mall should open in late April or early May.

Retail

Crate & Barrel (Buckhead / Shops Around Lenox) - After first breaking news of Crate & Barrel's planned relocation to The Shops Around Lenox last October, work began on their new space a few weeks ago but the build out will be very time consuming. Originally intended to be complete for holiday 2011, the Lenox space will remain open til mid to late January, with the planned completion of the new store now late February or early March.

Madewell (Dunwoody/Perimeter Mall) - It's no longer listed as "coming soon" on the Perimeter Mall site but no one seems to know anything either way. Management at the Lenox Square location confirms the store is in fact still on track to open at Perimeter and anticipates being open in late March.

Rag-O-Rama (Sandy Springs) - Rag-O-Rama, a store similar to Plato's Closet, will open its second area location, not far from an existing Plato's Closet. Rag-O-Rama will open today at 6500 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs.

T.J. Maxx (Midtown) - T.J. Maxx will open in the former Borders at Midtown Place later this spring.

Hotels & Projects

Holiday Inn Express (Downtown) - The abandoned Centennial Inn on Cone Street is being renovated and remodeled and will reopen as a Holiday Inn Express. Over the summer the hotel's reservation system was accepting reservations for arrivals after October 20th, that date was later pushed to January 8th and is now January 21st.
*** In related news: A Wingate Inn on Clairmont Road near I-85 converted to a Holiday Inn Express shortly before Christmas.

Buckhead Atlanta (Buckhead) - Delayed yet again this week developer OliverMcMillan reveled construction would not begin until the end of the first quarter of 2012, rather than the end of 2011, as previously announced. The project was started by local developer Ben Carter in 2006, with a ground breaking in 2007. Since that time, the only constant has been French luxury goods retailer Hermes, an early sign-on to the project. They have been waiting patiently in a temporary location next to Fado Irish Pub on Buckhead Avenue since 2008, I believe. Bottega Veneta, originally announced as part of the Streets of Buckhead, opened instead in Phipps Plaza earlier this year. Art Smith, who was listed on the Streets of Buckhead website as opening an eatery in the project, opened Southern Art and Bourbon Bar within the InterContinental Hotel this past October. I hope for the completion of the project as much as anyone, but it seems like all we hear lately is bad news. Here's to hoping OM gets their act together soon, gets the cranes moving, and stores open.

Ponce City Market (Old Fourth Ward) - Jamestown, a large real estate firm with North American headquarters in Atlanta, will open Ponce City Market on the site of the former Sears Roebuck & Co. and more recently, City Hall East, by early 2014. The largest brick building in the southeastern United States, Ponce City Market encompasses 2.1 million square feet that will be converted into office, retail, restaurant and residential space. Anne Quatrano of Abbatoir, Bacchanalia and Floataway Cafe, among others, has announced she will open a po-boy shop in the project in addition to Dancing Goats Coffee Bar.

Newborns

Eateries

Alma Cocina (Downtown)
Burger Tap (Morningisde)

Chipotle (Emory Village & Northlake)

Chuy's (Dunwoody)

Latitude (Phipps Plaza)

New York Butcher Shoppe (Midtown)

Smashburger (Sandy Springs)
Tre'za (TOWN Brookhaven)

Retail

Gregory's (Lenox Square)
Henri Bendel (Lenox Square)
Jos A. Bank (Downtown)
Prada (Lenox Sqaure)
Swatch (Perimeter Mall)

What opening are you most looking forward to? Is there a restaurant or retailer not yet in Atlanta you'd like to see open? Did I miss something? Leave me a comment below and share your thoughts.

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Start The New Year Off With Spectacular Savings!

2011-12-28T15:52:00.002-05:00

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G-Star RAW Opens Teaser Store at Lenox Square

2011-12-28T00:10:00.000-05:00

G-Star RAW quietly opened a temporary store at Lenox Square a few days ago and will soon close for a full build out. Based in Amsterdam, G-Star was first launched in 1989, and in 1996, G Star was the first brand to introduce a "Raw Denim" style of jeans, completely untreated and straight out of the factory. Since then the word "RAW" was added to the company branding though it's commonly referred to simply as G-Star.

G-Star's Lenox store took space vacated by LoveSac, which moved next door to the
spaceBetsey Johnson vacated, as they too moved, for now, to Phipps Plaza. While small in size, G-Star has thus far manged to pack plenty of merchandise into the store, and from what I can tell, does carry some of the women's collection, but not much. The amount of merchandise and what exactly is carried is sure to change once the store gets its permanent fixtures and layout. I've been told the store prioritized opening in time for last minute holiday shopping and that they will close in late January for between "five and seven weeks" to create their permanent store.

Until now, certain pieces from the line could be found at boutiques such as Bill Hallman and STANDARD and department stores like Nordstrom and the newly opened Von Maur in Alpharetta. STANDARD is located just a few feet from the store while the other mentioned stores are in other parts of the city. Bloomingdale's in Lenox has carried the line on and off over the years but if I recall, recently clearanced out the line again and has not stocked new merchandise.

The store in Lenox will be quite small, but I'm hopeful that it will both do well and be properly stocked. It's a bit of an odd location, but being near both STANDARD and Nike may work to its advantage. Fellow international retailer Miss Sixty / Energie did not fare well domestically, and closed all of their US stores over the past year, including one at Lenox Square. I've visited the G-Star stores in Aventura Mall in south Florida and Santa Monica Place in California, and while Atlanta and Lenox Square do not provide the same demographics, this store should do well.

Have you heard of G-Star RAW? Will you patronize their new location? Do you have a certain retailer you think should open at Lenox that is not yet here? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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FOX Sports Grill and City Sports to Shutter at Atlantic Station

2011-12-24T11:10:00.000-05:00

Atlantic Station's FOX Sports Grill and City Sports will both close effective January 1st, confirms North American Properties managing partner Mark Toro. While Toro continues to deny that a deal is in the works to bring Neiman Marcus's new Last Call Studio store to the the same space these two businesses now leave empty, I feel that the pieces are falling into place.

FOX Sports Grill opened in October 2005, followed shortly after by City Sports. They were among the early openings of Atlantic Station. FOX Sports Grill, based in Westlake Village, California, first experienced some difficulty in 2008 when its then parent company B&B Restaurant Ventures LLC. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Luckily though, the location at Atlantic Station along with another west coast location were kept open and were both purchased by an original investor of the concept. Now though, with new Atlantic Station owners looking to overhaul the massive intown project, FOX Sports Grill is leaving, the exact reason unknown. They had been mentioned as early as last year as a potential location for Legoland, which opted to open at Phipps Plaza instead. At the time, talk was that FOX Sports would relocate to the Geisha House space. Instead, Geisha House's space sits empty, and across from it, in the former Dolce, Irvine, California-based Yard House, similar in price and cuisine to FOX Sports, will open this April. I was told earlier this month that North American was pushing FOX Sports out, as they, unlike the Dolce group of restaurants, were paying rent. Whether this is true remains a mystery.

As far as City Sports goes, it seems they never caught on locally and as a result, have no plans to replace the Atlanta location elsewhere in the city.

With the success of the Regal Cinemas, the largest draw to Atlantic Station, these two closings open up what should be prime real estate for someone, Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio or not.

What do you think should open here? What is Atlantic Station missing? Have you visited the center for anyone other than H&M, Publix or Regal Cinemas? Take a moment and weigh in, share your thoughts and gimme your two cents.

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Another Zaxby's to Hatch ITP Next Year

2011-12-21T12:35:00.000-05:00

Athens-based Zaxby's will soon add another location to its suddenly growing store count inside the Perimeter (ITP). Up until recently, Zaxby's lone ITP location was on Memorial Drive across from Belvedere Plaza, not far from the former Avondale Mall, now home to Walmart. Zaxby's also has a location on Hugh Howell near Lawreceville Highway in Tucker, but it's OTP.

This past July, Zaxby's opened their highly anticipated Buckhead location on Roswell Road near Wieuca Road. Its opening was so successful that an off-duty APD officer was brought in in the days following the opening to direct traffic. In late October, construction finally started on Zaxby's new Chamblee location in an outparcel of Lowe's Home Improvement. I drove by recently and judging from the little progress that has been made, I'd wager their planned January 23rd opening may be pushed at least a a few weeks.

Now Zaxby's will add another intown location, this time on North Druid Hills Road, near North DeKalb Mall. Located next to Pier 1 Imports, the new restaurant opens at a time when interest and consumer traffic in the area surrounding the mall has decreased substantially. Costco Wholesale had been in talks with the mall's owner Hendon Properties repeatedly over the years, but I'm told at this point the Costco that opened last year in TOWN Brookhaven is in lieu of the previously proposed North DeKalb location. (Clearly the two markets are different, but it seems the store is simply off the books)

The Zaxby's will occupy about an acre of land that has sat vacant for years, and judging from the work being done onsite, may feature access from both North Druid Hills and Sweet Briar Roads. Rumors are flying among residents and mall employees that a Golden Corral is opening next to the Zaxby's too but there is simply not enough room for both. Though representatives from mall owner Hendon Properties were unable to confirm much, they were able tell me that the Zaxby's land was originally their property and it was sold to the restaurant. Judging from the initial work being done, I'd hope to see the restaurant open for business sometime around late March or early April.

View Larger Map

Golden Corral has been experimenting with smaller sites where restaurants measure roughly 7800 s/f as opposed to their larger roughly 12,000 s/f locations. Its parking requirements also decrease from 155 to 115 spaces with the smaller locations. Perhaps the Golden Corral will make use of other available land surrounding or within the mall?

While their space is not large enough for a Golden Corral, Checkers recently shuttered their longstanding restaurant at the corner of North Druid Hills Road and Lawrenceville Highway, and its size and location could be ideal for another fast food eatery. When I first mentioned its closure, numerous people mentioned Starbucks as an ideal replacement but personally I'd love to see a Cookout open!

Zaxby's immediate neighbors are a jewelry store and the aforementioned Pier 1 Imports. Just north on North Druid Hills though, a McDonald's recently renovated and added a second drive-thru and Chick-fil-A maintains its triple drive-thru only location after it closed its location within North DeKalb Mall in early 2010. It's worth noting that not far from Zaxby's new location is an abandoned Mrs. Winner's Chicken & Biscuits in an outparcel near The Home Depot. This restaurant has been vacant for upwards of five years and practically screams redevelopment.

I've lived in this neighborhood my entire life and have fond memories of going to Challenges and the AMC Theaters as a youngster. I'd name some of my other favorites, but then I'd have nothing for my Twitter trivia, which by the way, you should be playing and following.

Now it's your turn, area resident or not, what do you think could be done at this mall or in the area surrounding it to make it popular once again? What should occupy the the old Checkers or Mrs. Winner's? Are you excited about the upcoming Zaxby's? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Neiman's Bringing Sham Outlet to Atlantic Station?

2011-12-20T00:45:00.000-05:00

Last fall Neiman Marcus launched "Last Call Studio," not to be confused with their "Last Call" chain of outlet stores, with a local location at Discover Mills in Duluth. Last Call Studio sells all full price items, none of which have ever passed through a full-line Neiman Marcus or Bergdorf Goodman store. Unlike Last Call, which for all intents and purposes is a way to get rid of seasonal merchandise passed down from the full line stores, Studio will carry lines including VINCE and 7 For All Mankind. The store will not carry couture lines such as Marc Jacobs, Gucci or Lanvin.

In Atlantic Station, Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio will occupy space where City Sports and Fox Sports Grill are. Fox Sports Grill has had issues in the past and its closure would surely be welcome news for upcoming eatery Yardhouse. (An unconfirmed report indicates North American Properties has asked Fox Sports to break their lease and leave voluntarily but they are thus far not complying) City Sports never fit in, if you asked me, and I doubt it will be missed. They do well in their home base of Boston and other northern cities, but the Atlantic Station store was their only foray into the south. While overall not a fan of Atlantic Station at all, there is no debating the success and draw of the Regal Cinemas 16 theaters. A former employee of the Hollywood 24 in Chamblee, I can tell you that the Atlantic Station theater has taken a good chunk of moviegoers who would previously have gone to Hollywood 24. Being the largest theater in the midtown area, with Georgia Tech and Georgia State so closeby, along with plenty of well-to-do south Buckhead and midtown residents, Regal's pull is surely what made the location appealing to Neiman's. For those unfamiliar, the theater is at the rear of the center on 19th Street, and the would be Neiman's is directly to the right.

Clearly if this opening does occur, it goes against North American Properties' managing partner's Mark Toro's pledge to lure local retailers to the troubled center. Toro, and newly hired leasing manager Dotan Zuckerman have managed to add local boutiques DrewLewis and Fab'rik but I'd bet they are both receiving heavily reduced leases. Early tenants, independent boutiques Knitch and Taste both closed in the center. Bill Hallman had a short-lived boutique in the center over a year ago. Now women's-only boutique K-la remains open.

Having worked in both a local boutique here in Atlanta also an upscale department store, I can tell you that Neiman's will have a clear advantage whenever they open. Given the size of their operation, both in Atlanta and nationally, they are able to get far better pricing and concessions from vendors and as a result can afford to offer sales and promotions smaller boutiques like DrewLewis and Fab'rik will be unable to match or compete with.

I've long been a fan of stores like Marshall's and T.J. Maxx where consumers like myself can purchase quality merchandise, that may be last season or an overbuy, at a reduced price. Conversely, I'm not a fan of outlets claiming to be the "last stop for full line merchandise" when in most cases, a significant portion of an outlet's merchandise is either made (in a more economical fashion) specifically for the outlet or has lower quality items sourced to stock the store year round. Gap and Banana Republic are both guilty of stocking their outlet stores with merchandise made cheaper, to sell cheaper, at their outlets. The consumer is often duped into thinking they are saving money when in fact they are paying a reduced price for reduced quality merchandise; no deal. Sort of a hybrid, Nordstrom Rack does carry plenty of merchandise passed down to it from its full line stores but also stocks other merchandise purchased specifically for the outlet.

Neiman Marcus Last Call Studio falls into neither of these categories but still brands itself in a way that it could be confusing to consumers.

Launched in an attempt to reach consumers without the funds necessary to shop the full-line store, the "studio" locations seem very similar to another Neiman Marcus division, CUSP. Launched in the fall of 2006, CUSP targets existing young shoppers and those who may have previously eluded the full line stores. I see it as an expensive proposition to market and operate two very similar concept stores, so perhaps Neiman's will come to their senses and combine them in the future.

I visited a Last Call Studio store in Paramus, New Jersey, one of three open to date. In the same center there is a Nordstrom Rack, Bloomingdale's Outlet, Saks Off Fifth and a Marshall's. I also visited a CUSP store in Tysons Corner Center in McLean, Virginia. CUSP, has six stand alone locations and an additional three within existing Neiman Marcus stores such as the one in Atlanta, within the Neiman's store at Lenox Square. An article in the New York Times last year called the new stores "Bargain Outlets," although neither word applies. The stores are simply smaller versions of their larger counterpart with an emphasis on merchandise costing less than $500. One clear difference is that CUSP is women's only, whereas Last Call Studio stores carry men's and women's apparel and some home furnishings as well.

Interestingly, about a year ago, Neiman Marcus tweaked their branding of the Last Call stores, switching from their signature stylized Neiman Marcus logo, below a tilted box that read Last Call Clearance Center, to a far more simple design. Now, bags and interior signage reflect a more generic approach where the logo now is "Last Call" (in two colors) with Neiman Marcus printed below.

Locally, there is a single Neiman-Marcus full line store at Lenox Square, and one Last Call outlet in Duluth at Discover Mills. Fellow luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue has a full line store at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead and Off Fifth outlet stores at Discover Mills and North Georgia Premium Outlets in Dawsonville. Slightly less expensive than Neiman's or Saks, Bloomingdale's operates full line stores at Lenox Square and Perimeter Mall. The chain launched Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store last summer, and expanded from an initial three stores to seven, although none are in Georgia. Similar in price to Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom operates full line stores at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead, Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody and Mall of Georgia in Buford. Nordstrom also operates two of their Nordstrom Rack outlet stores in the area. One is located a stone's throw from the full line Mall of Georgia store in nearby Mall of Georgia Crossing, and the other is in the Buckhead Loop, not far from the Phipps Plaza location.

Even real Last Call clearance centers are getting less "real merchandise" as Last Call now has it's own eBay store and is often featured on the homepage. Clearly, Neiman's is hoping to garner more for its clearance merchandise by offering it to the world via eBay rather than just in individual stores.

Last Call Studio, like CUSP, has been said to be a competitor not only of other outlets like Nordstrom Rack and Saks Off Fifth and stores like T.J. Maxx, but also full price retailers like Anthropologie. Anthropologie, a division of Philadelphia-based Urban Outfitters, has three locations in Atlanta. Their newest location opened in the Westside Urban Market on Howell Mill Road earlier this year and is about a mile and a half from Atlantic Station. Anthropoligie's other locations are within Lenox Square in Buckhead and Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, each also home to Urban Outfitters as well. Personally, I think the Studio store will be a closer competitor to Anthropolgie than to T.J. Maxx but for what it's worth, there is an existing T.J. Maxx in the District at Howell Mill and there is another store opening with Midtown Place on Ponce de Leon Avenue.

Your turn. What do you think is wrong, right or just "ehh" about Atlantic Station? What could Toro and his crew do to make you want to do more than see a movie? Do you think the idea of a faux outlet store is a good idea? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Pollo Tropical Hoping Second Wave a Hit in Atlanta

2011-12-19T00:15:00.000-05:00

South Florida-based Pollo Tropical is continuing its return to Georgia with a second new location, a free-standing restaurant at Akers Mill shopping center in Cobb county. A location opened in Lawrenceville on Duluth Highway in August, marking the chain's first Georgia location since a local franchisee closed his three Pollo Tropical restaurants in
1996 citing unhappiness with the franchise. (A fourth location had been planned, but never opened.) Although I have yet to visit the new location myself, I'm told they are doing a brisk business and at least on opening day, had a drive thru line that wrapped around the restaurant.

Last year, I reported that their first new Atlanta area location would open in North Buckhead on Roswell Road near Wieuca Road. On land that had previously housed a Just Brakes location, then tenant Lucy's Market was forced to relocate to the former Sears automotive lot on West Paced Ferry Road. Eventually though, the neighborhood refused to support the restaurants plans for access from both Wieuca and Roswell Roads, and I'm told Pollo Tropical abandoned their plans to open on the site. (A nearby Zaxby's did receive community support and opened earlier this summer on land previously home to an abandoned car wash.)

In 1995, Pollo Tropical had three franchised restaurants, one at North Druid Hills and LaVista Roads, near Toco Hills, now home to both an Einstein Bros. Bagels and a Caribou Coffee. A second was in south Buckhead and was later converted to a full-service restaurant called MacArthur's before closing, sitting vacant and later being razed for the Mezzo apartment tower and Varasano's Pizzeria. A third restaurant was was located in Roswell and like MacArthur's, was converted to another restaurant, Dream Doggie Cafe, a family friendly casual eatery that lasted about two years before closing itself.

Tropiclanta Inc., the name of the local franchise of the restaurant was funded by Gary Link, a 20 year veteran of the restaurant industry with time spent in management at both T.G.I. Fridays and Steak. It was Link who also opened MacArthur's and Dream Doggie Cafe. Given Link's restaurant experience, I'd wager the concept's failure in Atlanta was largely due to the (then small) Hispanic population which since 1996 has exploded. Additionally, when Link's locations opened in 1995, Pollo Tropical's store count was a mere 46, almost entirely in Florida. Today the chain has nearly 150 locations in three states and a handful of foreign countries such as Ecuador and Honduras.

Now, 15 years later, the chain has come back, and has high hopes for its second foray into the Atlanta market. Some said the chain was ahead of its time when it opened in 1995, so perhaps now Atlantans, or enough Florida transplants will appreciate this fast food chain's Caribbean cuisine featuring "Chicken on the Grill."

The chain's new location will open within Akers Mill shopping center along Cobb Parkway.

The restaurant at 2955 Cobb Parkway, will be built adjacent to LongHorn Steakhouse on land previously home to no structure, just parking.

Pollo Tropical joins the aforementioned LongHorn Steakhouse along with Hooters, Chipotle and Chick-fil-A along the Cobb Parkway side of the shopping center. Additionally, Cinco Mexican Cantina is located to the back left of the center, near Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint will soon open in the center as well, in the former Wine Styles space. The center is also home to Top Spice Thai Malaysian restaurant and a Pinkberry, among others.

It's probably ironic, but just thought I'd make note of the fact that Uncle Maddio's orginal location is within Toco Hills, adjacent to the first Top Spice location and a few blocks from one of the short lived Pollo Tropicals of the 90s.

Pollo Tropical is a wholly owned subsidiary of Syracuse, New York-based Carrols Restaurant Group. Carrols also owns the Taco Cabana chain, with one location Atlanta on Piedmont Avenue, and is one of the worlds largest franchisees of Burger King restaurants with some 315 locations across 12 states.

Lake Forest, California-based Del Taco, a chain specializing in "American style Mexican cuisine," has also reentered the Atlanta market after leaving it the early 2000s. In its first entrance into the Atlanta market, Del Taco restaurants were dual branded with Atlanta-based Mrs.Winner's, a then popular fried chicken restaurant. After the closure of the dual branded locations, Mrs. Winner's continued to suffer, with even more store closures this past fall. Today the chain operates and or franchises less than 40 locations in the southeast. Many shuttered locations remain vacant and could be appealing to new concepts coming to or expanding locally.

The first next generation Del Taco will open in Snellville on Scenic Highway in February with an additional one on the books for Chastain Road in Kennesaw later in the year. The chain has plans for numerous other locations in the metro but no others are confirmed at this point. Last year, a Del Taco Coming Soon sign was spotted on Fairburn Road in Douglasville but I have since been informed that site was never approved, and no location was or is opening there.

In October I wrote about El Pollo Loco's troubles in the Atlanta market. The Costa Mesa, California-based chain had authorized up to 50 franchised units in 2007 but less than ten ever opened. Fiesta Brands, the local franchisee of the chain filed for liquidation under Chapter 7 in 2009 and corporate took over control of the Atlanta units. It closed more than half of the locations, sparing the successful Chamblee, Norcross and Cumberland locations before closing them too this past October.

Atlanta is the birthplace of uber successful chains like Waffle House and Chick-fil-A but is also very competitive. What do you think of the ups and downs of the chains mentioned above? Do you have a favorite? Had you dined at one of the Pollo Tropicals in the 1990s and have now been to the Lawrenceville location? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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F.A.B. Bids Downtown Adieu, Looks Ahead to F&B Opening in Buckhead

2011-12-18T21:18:00.002-05:00

French American Brasserie or F.A.B., located on Ivan Allen Jr. Boulevard in downtown Atlanta, closed last night, Saturday December 17th. Oddly, the reason provided was so that owners Fabrice Vergez and Cindy Brown could focus on their new restaurant, F&B, set to open next spring at the new Ritz-Carlton residences in Buckhead. This past August, when the Buckhead eatery was first announced, rumors swirled that it was a replacement for the downtown eatery, a rumor the owners vehemently denied.

Strangely enough, Chef Tomo Naito also announced he would open a second location of his popular Japanese eatery Tomo at the Ritz-Carlton residences, saying at the time that his popular eatery by the same name would remain open on Cobb Parkway in Vinings. It, too, closed ahead of the Buckhead eatery which opened this past October.

F.A.B. itself was the replacement of sorts for Brasserie Le Coze, a restaurant that from 1994 until 2006 operated in the Neiman Marcus wing of Lenox Square before the retailer expanded, requiring the restaurant to close. F.A.B. opened as part of a new development downtown on Ivan Allen in early 2007. Sadly, it was never as popular as its earlier Buckhead incarnation.

Restaurants in general have not fared well in the area, as Panchero's Mexican Grill and Au Bon Pain both closed and Mellow Mushroom and BLT at the nearby W Atlanta - Dowtown hotel continue to struggle.

F&B has a far better chance at success in Buckhead, though a lot has changed since it left. Buckhead has since seen Au Pied de Cochon come and go (November 2004 - August 2011) and Buckhead Life open their wildly successful French brasserie Bistro Niko at 3344 Peachtree, adjacent to the Sovereign building in the heart of Buckhead.

What are your thoughts? Did you miss Brasserie le Coze and not a fan of its new location? Do you think the location was the restaurant's problem downtown or has their food been outdone by newcomers? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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The Hail Mary Unsuccessful in Avondale Estates

2011-12-18T12:03:00.001-05:00

In a strange turn of events, The James Joyce Pub, which closed in Avondale Estates at the end of September, and reopened days later under new ownership as The Hail Mary, has reverted back to the original ownership and again changed its name, now to Avondale Arms. James Joyce originally opened in 2002 and did well for a number of years but its owner, Denise Gerard, who also owns the popular Brewhouse Cafe in Little Five Points, saw sales lagging and sought a change.

The Hail Mary has had a location in Grayson, Georgia since 2008, and its owner Blake Hawkins stated at the time of the Avondale Estates opening that if successful, they hoped to franchise the brand. Based on the Decatur restaurant changing hands and concepts so soon after the Hail Mary conversion, perhaps the idea of a "family friendly sports bar" was not so well thought-out.

With Gerard back at the helm, Avondale Arms opened yesterday December 17th, and I'm told will not be an Irish pub, nor just a sports bar, but will hope to fuse successful aspects of both.

Do you live in the neighborhood and enjoyed The Hail Mary or did you miss The James Joyce? Have you already been to Avondale Arms? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Olde Towne Tavern & Grille Taking on 360 Pharr

2011-12-16T15:15:00.000-05:00

Olde Towne Tavern and Grille plans to open next year at 360 Pharr Road at the street level of the Atrium apartments. (A lease is in place pending final approval from the buildings landlord)

Located on the street level at 360 Pharr Road In a space that has seen restaurants come and go like Dave FM morning shows, Olde Town Tavern has the best chance at success in my eyes. It's a bar, its approachable and its seemingly properly geared towards its nearest demographic: 20-30 something apartment and condo dwellers. Parking, which has always been a major obstacle should be less of an issue with more walk-ins and neighborhood traffic. AFC Enterprises still holds the lease on the space from their short lived Tibs Grill, an upscale Popeye's restaurant that never opened.

Spondivits opened in its place and closed not long after. In October 2008 Harry Bissett's, an Athens institution opened what at the times was said to be the first of many planned franchised locations. The Buckhead eatery proved unsuccessful and closed about six months later. Saskatoon, a restaurant from Greenville, South Carolina specializing in wild game such as elk and ostrich was the next concept to walk the plank. Somehow they lasted about a year, having closed sometime this past February.

At the time of Saskatoon's closure, many readers mentioned Marlow's Tavern , Taco Mac and Hudson's Grill as good candidates to open in the space. These businesses derive a lot of their revenue from alcohol and simple bar food. Though Olde Towne is none of these, it fits a similar mold and relies heavily on alcohol though does feature a substantial food menu as well.

The first Olde Towne Tavern opened in Kennesaw in 1996 and was followed by a location in Lawrenceville in 2003 and later Suwanee at Suwanee Town Center in 2007. Suwanee's location was purchased last year by Robert and Pat Moraveck, the same owners who will now open the Buckhead location.

Moravaek is clearly very excited about the opening as he has not once, but twice placed signage on the building ahead of the lease being official. I heard whispers of the opening over a month ago and have waited until now to announce the opening as only now is the lease close enough to call it.

What do think about the would be replacement to all the failed concepts? Do you think OTT will find success where so many others have failed? Are you eagerly anticipating having this added option in Buckhead? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Corner Bakery Cafe to Rise in Peachtree Corners

2011-12-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Dallas, Texas-based Corner Bakery Cafe will soon open their fourth Atlanta area location, and their first under the ownership of Atlanta-based Roark Capital Group. The 120+ unit Corner Bakery and the 22+ unit Il Fornaio concepts were purchased from Il Fornaio ( America) Corporation in June. Roark has a variety of investments, in several categories, but recently has been steadily growing its restaurant portfolio. It's restaurant holdings now include Moe's Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne's, McAlister's Deli, Arby's, Cinnabon, Carvel, Wingstop and Schlotzsky's Deli.

The first Corner Cafe was opened in 1991 in Chicago by then owner Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. The Corner Bakery, along with fellow LEYE concept, Maggiano's Little Italy, were both sold to Dallas-based Brinker International, and later to Il Fornaio in 2005. Maggiano's often featured Corner Bakery Cafes within the lobby of their restaurants, such as in the Maggiano's on Peachtree Road in Buckhead.

Currently, Corner Bakery has locations within the aforementioned Maggiano's on Peachtree, on the second level of Lenox Square (almost directly above competitor Panera Bread), and a third location downtown at 270 Peachtree, close to where White Oak will open later next year. Corner Bakery also had a location within the Maggiano's at Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody, but it closed a few years ago.

Now, with new ownership and an eye to aggressive growth, Corner Bakery is expanding its metro Atlanta footprint with this first location and I'm told there are others in the works. Corner Bakery will occupy a portion of a newly constructed outparcel within the recently redeveloped Peachtree Square North Shopping Center. Not long ago, Dick's Sporting Goods and PetSmart replaced the shuttered Kroger and the entire center got a much needed facelift. Neighboring Peachtree Square features anchors Target and Publix along with junior anchor T.J. Maxx, in addition to Famous Footwear, Office Depot and Panda Express. Just in case you're confused like I was, Peachtree Square and Peachtree Square North were previously known as Market Place and Centre Stage respectively.

Corner Bakery joins a fairly crowded market in the fast casual sandwich category in the area, with Panera Bread and Atlanta Bread Co. both nearby. Panera Bread is located in a free standing building just south in a neighboring shopping center at the corner of Holcomb Bridge Road and Peachtree Parkway. Just a couple of minutes north on Peachtree Parkway, Atlanta Bread Co. is located within the Forum shopping center. Additionally, it's worth noting that Atlanta-based Rising Roll Gourmet opened in Interlochen Village across the street from the Forum, but since closed and is now a Flying Biscuit Cafe.

If you asked me, Rising Roll is probably the worst of the four options, although I'm told Flying Biscuit really wanted their space, so their closure may not have been (entirely) because of poor business. If Atlanta Bread can roll out a new store layout and design chain-wide, they have a great menu and could compete well against Panera and Corner. I just feel like their locations are hit or miss. ( I have become a fan of their Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport location)

Given service is consistent, and prices stay in line with the nearby competition, Corner Bakery should do well in their new location. Also, as you can see in the photo, Corner Bakery makes a point of identifying (new) locations by the city or neighborhood where they operate. This Corner Bakery is located at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, California as noted above the Corner Bakery Cafe logo. This approach, along with its charitable contributions and neighborhood involvement, are well thought out enhancements to the brand that should pay dividends and better distinguish them from their competition.

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Will Atlantans' Get to "C. Wonder"?

2011-12-07T11:03:00.000-05:00

Chris Burch poses in front of a truck promoting the opening of C. Wonder's SoHo flagship store

Chris Burch, ex-husband of Tory Burch and co-founder of her popular namesake clothing line, has opened the first of many planned C. Wonder retail stores. C. Wonder's first location opened in SoHo this past October. Already three additional locations have opened: Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey, The Westchester in Westchester, New York and Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, New York which just opened this week.

C. Wonder's interior looks like a Kate Spade-ifield Tory Burch store. Unlike Tory and Lily though, the merchandise resembles that of famed Manhattan retailer Henri Bendel. C. Wonder's bread and butter merchandise is accessories for both personal and home use as well as handbags and shoes. The store also carries some clothing, but not much. Much of what I saw was private label merchandise, something many in Atlanta were disappointed that the new Henri Bendel carried exclusively.

The similarities between Henri Bendel and C. Wonder may be in more than their merchandise, as a number of Bendel employees and executives were hired away to be a part of C. Wonder.

The amazing part? The prices are very reasonable! The store features a number of monogrammed items like mugs and wine stoppers, and even has a cord winder for three bucks! I'm often critical of ridiculous prices, but the affordability of many of the items I looked at on their recently launched ecommerce site are pretty darn amazing.

I had assumed the "C" in C. Wonder was for Chris but in fact it's not. According to Chris Burch "The letter c in the store’s name refers primarily to the emphasis on customer service, but it also alludes to the “charming, chic and cheerful” spirit of the brand."

Tory Burch opened her flagship boutique in New York's Nolita neighborhood in February 2004. Not long after, in August 2005, she opened one of her first out of state boutiques right here in Atlanta on the first level of Phipps Plaza.

While no immediate plans for an out of state expansion have been officially announced, I'm hearing talk C. Wonder may open here by the third quarter of next year. Apparently the former Calvin Klein space on the second level of Lenox Square, currently home to the gaudy and out of place PURE, is the space C. Wonder is considering. Previously there was talk that AllSaints Spitalfields was interested in this space, but they have since reduced their expansion plans.

Chris Burch is no amateur when it comes to creating popular brands. He started his first brand, sportswear label Eagle’s Eye, when he was just 21. He went on to launch Jawbone wireless accessories, VOSS bottled water and the Faena Hotel, in Buenos Aires, Argentina in the years that followed.

Though its been five years since their divorce, Chris Burch is still co-chairman of the Tory Burch board and owns a third of the brand. Within the past week though, Tory has apparently shopped her ex-husband's stake to other investors. The asking price, a whopping $600 million, suggesting the company's valuation at $2 billion. With Chris financing C. Wonder himself, I'm sure the proceeds would be put to good use, as he plans to (eventually) open 300 stores, with about a third of them in the U.S.

What are your thoughts on C. Wonder? Does it look like your new favorite store? Do you think it would do well at Lenox Square? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Tomorrow's News Today Launching New Segment

2011-12-06T11:35:00.001-05:00

Many of you have called me out for my DeathWatch, yet the majority of comments this entire year came on its quarterly posts, and in some cases, like the closure of all El Pollo Locos in Atlanta, a restaurants demise locally. BirthWatch garners interest as well, but is less controversial than the DeathWatch, and inspires less interest.

Due in part to this, and also to better distinguish this blog and my interests, I will be launching a new series later this month.

Over the past year or so I've been able to do a fair amount of travel for work and have been impressed with some concepts in other cities. In addition, I read trade publications and try to stay up on new trends and concepts in the retail, restaurant and hotel segments of the real estate industry.

In the weeks and months to come, I will highlight new and or growing concepts in the aforementioned industries. In most instances, those businesses highlighted will be ones that I feel would do well locally.

One of my first posts will be a dual post of sorts. A new restaurant already has plans for opening their first brick and mortar location ever, here in Atlanta. The concept was previously in operation as a food truck on the west coast but the owners plan to launch and grow this concept right here in metro Atlanta!

I hope this new segment is of interest and that perhaps some of these concepts do make their way to Atlanta. I'm always open to comments and suggestions so please feel free to submit ideas for future posts and or concepts you're working with and or have dined, shopped or stayed with you think would be a great fit in Atlanta.

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Enrico Liberato Lights Up Buckhead With Fuoco di Napoli

2011-12-06T01:05:00.005-05:00

Enrico Liberato, the piazzaiolo from Naples who worked for Fritti, later Antico Pizza, and still later Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria, just opened his very own pizzeria! Located at 30 Pharr Road in Buckhead, Fuoco di Napoli's space was previously home to neighborhood watering hole McTighe's before it closed. A resident of Atlanta all my life, I'd say it's only in the past 3 years or so, that I realized there was another side to Pharr Road! Pharr Road can be found on both sides of Peachtree Road, and Fuoco is found on the side behind the former Three Dollar Cafe.

Fuoco, fire in Italian, is a good name for the pizzeria where so much of the taste has to do with the oven and flame. Liberato's Fuoco, like Giovanni Di Palma's Antico Pizza Napoletana, is located in a less than prime location but clearly the hope is that the food will bring the people. While yesterday was day 1 of the restaurant, I can find no indication of alcohol offerings so perhaps Liberato will follow Di Palma's lead in being BYOB.

Fuoco opens at a time when Buckhead has seen a sharp increase in pizza offerings. Already home to contemporary Italian Pricci from Buckhead Life, Nancy's Pizza and Buckhead Pizza Company, a crop of new artisan pizzerias have opened over the past few years. Most notably, Varasano's Pizzeria opened in 2009 on the lobby level of the Mezzo condos in south Buckhead.

This past September, Smyrna-based Blue Moon Pizza opened their third location, at 325 East Paces Ferry Road, on the street level of the 325 condos. Not long after, the guys that brought Buckhead La Fourchette, opened Tartufo Italian Pizzeria in the former Edward's Pipe shop in La Fourchette's adjoining space on Piedmont Road.

Though not to the caliber of any of the aforementioned pizza joints, it's worth mentioning that Piu Bello, another pizzeria, is located within the Disco Kroger shopping Center at 3330 Piedmont, and Pizzeria Venti is located in Lenox Village on Lenox Road. Also, California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has a location within Lenox Square and casual pizzeria Fellini's has two locations in Buckhead, one on Peachtree Road, the other on Roswell Road. Of course, I can't omit the Pizza Hut on Piedmont Road near the Lindbergh MARTA station.

Riccardo Ullio, who first hired Liberato at his Inman Park eatery Fritti, was said to be opening a second location as part of the redevelopment of the former Sears auto center on West Paces Ferry, but those plans have since been shelved. Instead, Brian Lewis, owner of the Westside's popular Bocado eatery, will open an as yet unnamed eatery at the redeveloped Sears auto property, and you guessed it, will feature Italian fare! Lewis plans to focus on pizza but will also offer a serious wine program. He hopes to open in February.

A friend of mine recently moved to the condos not far from Fuoco and I drove by it numerous times unsure what the heck was going on. Now knowing Liberato is behind it, I have hope that it will be a success. Perhaps a test menu of sorts, there's not much to choose from but pies range from $13-17 in addition to a calzone and salad option.

Do you live in the neighborhood and are a little overwhelmed by all the pizza options? Do you like that there are so many pizza options in the area, at various quality and price levels? Do you miss McTighe's? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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A Closure Here, An Opening There; Checkers Restaurants Making Moves in Atlanta

2011-12-05T02:01:00.003-05:00

Tampa, Florida-based Checkers Drive-In Restaurants are disappearing from intown neighborhoods and thus far being replaced by nothing. As many of you know, Checker's pad sites are often small as few feature any inside dining. Most Checkers feature a (twin) drive-thru and a walk up counter. I say twin drive-thru, but in my earlier years I 'd dine at Checkers with some frequency and the twin seemed like a joke, as basically never were both lanes open.

This is not a normal post for me, but I noticed a number of them close lately, and thought I'd share my thoughts. Locations on Peachtree (Industrial) Boulevard in Chamblee, Buford Highway in Chamblee and North Druid Hills at Lawrenceville Highway in (greater) Decatur have all closed over the past two years and more closures may be on the way. I spoke with a representative from Checkers corporate office in 2009 and was told then that they see their opportunity for growth with "in-line" locations, and would be prioritizing their expansion of that model ahead of free-standing units or "FSUs."

In 2009, Checkers opened a restaurant in Lenox Square's food court and later opened an in-line location on Broad Street, near Georgia State University. Shortly after this opening in late 2009, another Checkers opened in Peachtree Center's food court and another replaced what had previously been a McDonald's in the food court at the Mall of Georgia.

I often myself wonder what would make an ideal tenant in a given location. The Buford Highway location for instance, is at a major intersection, Buford Highway at Clairmont Road. This site is decently sized but not nearly enough for a typical FSU of most eateries. Additionally, years ago, an adjacent street was sealed off, limited access to the restaurant. Also, across the street sits a far more appealing out-parcel in the recently vacated El Pollo Loco restaurant. EPL's Chamblee location was built in 2008 and closed in September. The EPL features both a drive-thru and plenty of inside dining. The building is just over three years old, and while unique to the EPL brand, could surely be utilized for another concept or be retrofitted to fit the needs of another concept.

The location at Lawrenceville-Highway and North Druid Hills is probably the most appealing of the locations. It's by far the largest, and has access from both Lawrenceville Hwy and North Druid Hills. In addition, the parcel is a stone's throw from Highway 78. It's located adjacent to a drive-thru only Chick-fil-A and a McDonald's. I see this location as ideal for an expanding fast food chain, although given its proximity to Chick-fil-A, Zaxby's is unlikely. The site sits in front of North DeKalb Mall, an aging mall that has lost nearly all of its national retailers and restaurants. One of Chick-fil-A's earliest mall expansions was within this mall, but even it closed over a year ago. A Costco has long been rumored to open either as part of, or in some way connected to the mall, but that plan seems permanently shelved at this point. Costco has said in the past that their new TOWN Brookhaven store is a replacement for what they had hoped to open at North Dekalb.

The location on Peachtree Boulevard has been vacant the longest, over a year if I were to guess. It's one of the most unappealing spaces from what I can see. It's parcel is not completely level and would likely need to be graded and leveled for any future use. It is located across the street from Chamblee Plaza, an aging and largely vacant shopping center. On the plus side, just north of Checkers site on the same side of the road, McDonald's operates a renovated restaurant and within Chamblee Plaza, IHOP opened last month in a former Hardee's restaurant. Also, Chick-fil-A renovated their existing outparcel space in Chamblee Plaza this past February.

Now that I've weighed in, what are your thoughts? Do you think this is the right move for Checkers? Do you have an idea for what should open at one of their vacant stores?

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Coming Soon: 10% More Willy's Mexicana Grills!

2011-11-30T01:30:00.005-05:00

Willy's Mexicana Grill will soon open two additional Atlanta area locations. One location will open where one of its national competitors failed. Qdoba, a wholly owned subsidiary of San Diego, California-based Jack in the Box, closed its Midtown Place location on Ponce de Leon months ago, and Willy's will open in its place in late December or early January. Another location will open December 6th at the Parker H. Petit Science Center on the campus of Georgia State University. The center opened last year and is already home to a unit of another local chain: Waffle House.

Willy Bitter opened the first
Willy's in 1995, and was the inspiration for Moe's. The story goes that Martin Sprock, who later opened the first Moe's in 2000, approached Willy to buy him out and
franchise, and he declined. Willy's has remained a local business, whereas Moe's was sold to FOCUS Brands in 2007, and now has over 420 locations in over 35 states. Willy's operates a total of 20 locations, all of which are corporately owned aside from a recent opening in Gainesville, Florida. I can think of only one Willy's to ever close. That one was located at the outdoor area just outside Mall of Georgia, where also Max Lager's closed. With the exception of the Mall of GA location, it would seem as though Willy's has a track record for successful locations.

In terms of the GSU location, the store will surely do a great lunch business from students, but I doubt dinner will be nearly as busy. A former GSU student myself, I did have the occasional late class, but the center is not close enough to either the dorms or the majority of classrooms to make it a frequent choice. Moe's Southwest Grill has a location near the Aderhold Learning Center on Broad Street and faces a similar dilemma. The restaurant does very well at lunch, but is nearly dead during dinner hours.

Downtown casual dining is amusing to me with the duplication of so many chains in the area. Subway has at least 4 locations in and around GSU and CNN Center. Waffle House has a location at the Petit Science Center, one at Underground and will soon renovate a structure at 135 Andrew Young International Boulevard for what its calling a "showcase" location.

Moe's has a location within CNN Center, on Broad Street and one at Peachtree Center. Oddly enough, Peachtree Center is home to both Moe's AND Willy's. ( Moe's opened a couple years ago, the Willy's has been there far longer)

Over in midtown, Willy's is opening in a rather competitive area. Just up Ponce, near The Bookhouse Pub, the ever popular Chipotle Mexican Grill operates a successful freestanding location. Just a little further up the road is a recently renovated Moe's Southwest Grill. In the middle lies the building that formerly housed Tortillas, the burrito joint with a cult-like popularity upon which the recently opened Bell St. Burritos is modeled. Tortillas closed in 2003, with co-owner Charlie Kearns saying "The burrito war has been fought and won. We didn't win it."

So how 'bout you, are you a loyal Willy's fan? Do you prefer Moe's or Willy's, Bell Street or Chipotle? Is Taco Bell your go to? Weigh in below and share your thoughts.

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Savings Extended! $25 Gift Certificates For Only 2 Bucks!

2011-11-29T01:25:00.000-05:00

$2 for most $25 Restaurant.com Gift Certificates! Use code: DEAL at checkout now thru 11/30/11.

Learn more about Restaurant.com Dinner of the Month Club, available in 3, 6, and 12-month options!

$25 Physical and eGift Cards are only $2! Use code: DEAL at checkout now thru 11/30/11.

'Tis Not the Season for Boardwalk in Sandy Springs

2011-11-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

Boardwalk Fresh Burgers & Fries closed their Sandy Springs location over two weeks ago yet no one seemed to realize it--myself included. I had included the Sandy Springs location as well as their newer midtown location on DeathWatch earlier this week, unaware the SS location had already closed. The fact that its closure went unnoticed by virtually anyone is a testament to its popularity, or rather lack thereof.

The funniest (saddest) part of all of this is that not even Boardwalk Burgers & Fries corporate (or at least the person in charge of their social media) knew the location had closed. I say this because on November 14th, an apparent fan of the restaurant asked via the restaurant's official Facebook

"Does anyone know where the Sandy Springs, GA location moved to?"

The response from Boardwalk via Facebook:

"Hey Catherine! Our Sandy Spring store is at: 5975 Roswell Road, Suite A-107 Sandy Springs , GA 30328. We also just opened another location @ 1544 Piedmont Rd, Suite 219 Atlanta , GA 30324. We hope to see you soon!"

The fact that whomever was managing the restaurant's Facebook page that day directed the guest to the closed location, making no mention or acknowledgment of its closure, leads me to believe that they were unaware it was, in fact, closed. Additionally, their website still lists both the Midtown AND Sandy Springs locations.

The first of many planned locations for the Columbia, Maryland based chain, the Sandy Springs store opened in late March of last year. Its location within the redeveloped Hammond Springs Shopping Center provided zero visibility from either Roswell Road or Hammond Drive. With industry veteran Michael Coles (founder of Great American Cookies and former CEO of Caribou Coffee) leading the local franchise group, I would have though a better first location would have been selected.

Investors first announced they had secured the franchise rights to Atlanta in 2008, at that time saying they had rights to open up to 50 Atlanta area locations. The first announced locations were in Sandy Springs and at a new lifestyle center, The Park Druid Hills, off North Druid Hills near I-85. The project seemed to be a more manageable version of Sembler's TOWN Briarcliff, but development of the project has slowed and a completion timetable remains up in the air. Suffice it to say, this Boardwalk location never opened, and likely never will.

Another location was to be within The District at Howell Mill in a former Artuzzi's. This location was scrapped, potentially because of the highly competitive neighborhood of west midtown. FLIP Burger Boutique, YEAH! Burger as well as Bocado are all quite close to the shopping center and the investors wisely opted to look elsewhere.

Ansley Mall, a longtime midtown shopping center, began an extensive renovation earlier this year and signed Boardwalk along with Panera Bread to open at the center. Panera Bread opened rather fast but Boardwalk had only a sign up announcing it was "coming soon" for what seemed like months. The location finally opened in September. While the Ansley Mall location does not face the competition that the would-be westside location would have, it is within a mile or so of local favorite Grindhouse Killer Burgers. With the LA Fitness at Ansley Mall one of the biggest draws to the center, I doubt that many of its patrons turn to fries or burgers as a pre or post workout meal.

Overall, the Ansley Mall location is a far superior location to Sandy Springs, but I remain skeptical that it will last. Given that the restaurant does have awesome fries, but only an average burger, I'd bet Ansley Mall lasts about as long as Sandy Springs, about a year or so.

Years ago Boardwalk had locations at Peachtree Center, Lenox Square and Underground, among others, but all have since closed. These locations, unlike the current eateries, only served fries. Perhaps the chain should go back to this model and focus on it's strength: fries.

What are your thoughts? Do you think the fries are great but the burgers are only OK? Do love every bit of Boardwalk and prefer it to local options such as Grindhouse and Farmburger? Do you, like me, think chains like Boardwalk and Smashburger talking of opening up to 50 locations each in the Atlanta area seem a little optimistic? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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ToNeTo Atlanta DeathWatch Q4 - 2011 Year End

2011-11-28T00:15:00.014-05:00

As 2011 comes to a close, please have a look at the businesses I see in trouble in the coming months. Please don't for a minute think that I arbitrarily add businesses to the Deathwatch. I examine the business and appraise the likelihood of them remaining viable and if not, for how long they may last.

Please find DeathWatch 2011 Q4 after the jump.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eateries

57th Fighter Restaurant (Near PDK Airport) - After opening for the third time, the restaurant seems doomed again. Its greatest asset, its cozy, hidden location next to PDK, is also its greatest weakness, as passersby don't realize it's there. I hope they can turn it around once and for all, but I think they need to do a better job of marketing and promoting the restaurant.

BLT (W Downtown) Bistro Laurent Tourondel's BLT at the W Downtown is hardly the hit they hoped it would be. After the restaurant opened in 2009, I had dinner there before an event. My $45 sea bass was awful, and matched by the (lack of) attentiveness of the staff. The fact that the restaurant serves as the hotel kitchen is certainly helping them. As a restaurant alone, it would have surely closed by now. Recent chatter indicates a change may be in the works, though a timetable for that would be change is unknown at this time.

Big Zhaddy's (Inman Park) I was tempted to place this joint on DeathWatch even before it opened but gave it a chance it clearly did not deserve. Poor service, high prices and a bad location combined with a bad name will have this eatery closed in less than six months.

Boardwalk Burgers & Fries (Sandy Springs & Midtown) The Maryland-based chain expanded to offer burgers and signed up Michael Coles to franchise the brand in the Atlanta market. While I agree the fries are awesome, the burgers are not, with management insisting that they be cooked well done. Their location in Sandy Springs at Roswell and Hammond Drive is tucked away and not visible from either street. Their new location in midtown at Ansley Mall is a better location, but will suffer at the hands of locally owned Grindhouse Killer Burgers. I doubt the Sandy Springs location has met expectations and while midtown may do well at certain times, I doubt either will be around in 12-18 months.

Cantina Taqueria & Tequila Bar (Buckhead /Terminus) - Similar to the story below, this Here to Serve concept is just taking up space for now. Lola opened as Italian, then became Mediterranean, then closed. Now we have a Mexican concept, the cuisine du jour for restaurateurs to open. I previously suggested Tom Catherall entertain the idea of bringing back his "That's a Burger" concept but I doubt that will happen. While a long term lease was signed for the space, I'm told that if Catherall closes Cantina, he won't try another concept but will instead hope to flip the space to someone else.

Coast Seafood & Raw Bar (Buckhead) - Having opened in a seemingly cursed space that was previously Seeger's, Posh and Home, there's not much hope for this concept . As good (or bad) as the food may be, it's just a bad location. Seeger's was great, but it became impossible to make a go of it with a space so small. Here to Serve wisely added outdoor patio dining during the Home days, but in doing so, took valuable parking from the front. With the St. Regis across the street, one would think they could get enough business to survive, but that assumption means I'm saying the St. Regis has diners to send, which more often than not, it doesn't. I think they did OK during the spring and summer months, bur fear their sales will dip and may sink the concept during the winter months.

Der Biergarten (Downtown / Luckie Marietta District) - Having now been open a few months, criticisms of this place have not changed. It's a dumb name, crappy location and a niche cuisine. I went to the opening and took a friend of German descent, we both agreed on one thing: once in a while we might want a Bratwurst or Schnitzel or what have you, but there is no way that this will be a viable concept long term. Legacy Property Group will continue to operate this sad eatery as long as they have the willingness or funding to do so.

Deckard's American Tavern ( Ponce de Leon Ave / Midtown) After opening last summer as Deckard's Kitchen & Kegs, the name was later changed to Deckard's American Tavern. While the pedigree is there: Matthew Deckard, Corporate Chef at Taco Mac, the restaurant's second tier location and only OK food are major obstacles for this concept. As I mentioned, some eateries were subtracted from this list, The Family Dog being one. TFD has a great location and decent food, a location that could save Deckard's, but instead I expect that Deckard's will close soon, maybe even by year end.

Erbert & Gerbert's (Decatur) - A local husband and wife chose one of the worst locations to open Atlanta's first Erbert & Gerbert's. Located along East Ponce de Leon Avenue, the restaurant is not within the city limits of Decatur and is not close enough to walk from anywhere. Its closest neighbor is the adult entertainment club Pin-Ups and something tells me they won't see much business from there. I give 'em props for having the cool new Coca-Cola Freestyle machine that features over 100 beverages, but that alone will not save them. Not far away, IN Decatur, Jimmy John's recently opened and serves (IMHO) better food at a more customer friendly price point. All in all, decent concept, decent food plus horrific location spell failure for this new-to-town fast casual concept. The fact that the restaurant has been featured on multiple deal sites such as Sweetjack provides more evidence of their troubles. As as I'm concerned, one deal site: good idea... more than one: desperate. One reader even wrote me to make me aware they were offering incentives for shill reviews on Yelp. Based on current intel and market conditions, I'd say this restaurant will be closed by the spring.

Escorpión (Midtown) Riccardo Ullio needs to just be content with the success of Fritti and Soto Soto and give it a rest. After the failures of Cuerno, Beleza and La Lupe Taqueria, taking over the even less desirable space where El Escorpion opened was a terrible idea. The opening chef left, now (replacement chef) Jose Rego has departed as well. If you asked me, this restaurant should have never opened. While Eno lasted years in the same space, it cultivated a following in the neighborhood, something El Escorpion has failed to do. The 5th Street cafe lasted less than two months before closing and while Ullio's eatery has remained open, I see it closing within four to six months.

EVOS (Sandy Springs /Midtown) - Riddle me this, why would a restaurant concept that fared poorly in Atlanta be bought out and see shuttered stores reopened? The original franchisees opened locations at The Prado in Sandy Springs and Viewpoint in Midtown. Another location was announced for Roswell but wisely never opened. Just as DeathWatch Year End 2010 launched, the midtown location closed. With new franchisees in place, the shuttered location in midtown was reopened. I'm a recent graduate of Georgia State's Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality and I can't comprehend why any restaurateur/entrepreneur would invest in a failed concept with poor locations. It's like investing money in a sunken ship or a wrecked car: it's a lost cause. Multiple readers have reported the midtown location slower now than ever before. I, like many diners, have gravitated to healthier options, but this concept is not one of them. It's too niche to be mainstream and therefore will close again, likely within three to six months.

Encore Restaurant ( Lindbergh /Buckhead) Located at the corner of Morosgo and Piedmont near the Lindbergh MARTA station, this location is cursed for anyone. Poorly executed and marketed establishments such as Encore are especially susceptible. The restaurant is, well, not quite sure what it is as signage describes it as "atmosphere." There are often carryover revelers from Wet Willie's but I doubt this place will last much more than another six months or so.

Five Guys (Northside Drive /Peachtree Street) Five Guys is a prime example of a fast casual chain getting too big, too fast. It has opened far too many locations, too fast, often opening in poor locations just to have a presence in a desired neighborhood. As a case in point, their locations at Tivoli Tenside on Northside Drive and their recent opening at Spire in midtown. Neither location is easily accessible by patrons driving by, and the Northside location never seems busy. With Spire having just opened, it's too early to call them slow, but that is my prediction. Unless rent is reduced to pennies, I'd say the Tenside location lasts another 6 months or so, and the Peachtree location, not much more than a year.

Genki (Sandy Springs /The Prado) - Genki expanded from its popular Buckhead outpost on Roswell Road to the Prado last year and it could not have been a worse decision. On Roswell in Buckhead, the eatery is on a prime stretch of Roswell just before it merges into Peachtree. I don't know the exact traffic counts, but they are high. Sadly though, in the Prado, tucked in the back of the center near Joli Kobe and 5 Seasons Brewery, there is far less traffic, and Genki is surrounded by EVOS and the now closed Yoreka (soon to be Subway), among others. Larry's Giant Subs threw in the towel in the adjacent storefront.

Gigi's Cupcakes (Merchants Walk) Nashville-based Gigi's Cupcakes is one of the largest franchisees of cupcakes and I'm sure Gigi is doing well as a result. As far as the franchisees go though, I think too many were opened to fast and in some cases in poor locations.

Glenn's Kitchen (Glenn Hotel Downtown) With B.E.D. , MAXIM PRIME and 30 Tables all prior restaurant failures at the the Glenn, the hotel seems to have a rich legacy for failed restaurants. I doubt that this restaurant, a half-assed restaurant put together by Legacy Property Group, the hotel's owner, has what it takes to survive downtown. Similar to the equally unamazing Der Biergarten, this restaurant will stay open as long as David Marvin feels like it should.

H. Harper Station (Reynoldstown) Last November, Jerry Slater opened this restaurant in the short-lived The Depot space on Memorial Drive. While it has now been open over a year, it's amazing it has lasted this long. The restaurant has failed to find its groove per se and is not exactly located in a hotbed for restaurants. Were this restaurant on the Westside or Decatur, it might last a little longer, but not in its current location. Based on personal observations, research and tips from readers, this eatery looks to be terminal and will likely be closed by spring.

Mellow Mushroom (Downtown at Twelve Centennial Park) Located not far from the original eatery at North Avenue, this location opened with much fanfare but has never been able to capture customers after the white collars leave for the day and go home for dinner. Its location is far from ideal, with parking located on one-way Spring Street and within the TWELVE condos. Panchero's nearby didn't even last a year and Au Bon Pain across the street didn't last much longer. I dined here recently and counted 4 employees for every one customer... and it was trivia night! I'm no hospitality genius but labor cost is pretty important to the bottom line and if what I saw is any indication of the mismanagement they have in place, this restaurant will be toast sooner rather than later.

Menchie's (West Paces Ferry) Prior to the opening of Yogurtland across the street in the Publix anchored shopping center, this Menchie's was apparently top three in sales nationally. After the opening of Yogurtland where a comparable fro yo product can be had for 33 cents an ounce, verses 45 cents an ounce at Menchie's, its sales have dropped to the bottom three.

O.M.G. Taco (Little Five Points) Not much to say here. The food is not great, the location is. The concept is cool, the prices are not.

Park's Edge (Inman Park) Not even Kitchen Nightmares could save this restaurant. I have not a clue how it has stayed open for as long as it has but it will surely not last much longer. I'm not sure there is a line of people waiting to take over their space but I'm sure they will not be open next fall.

Pita's Republic (Midtown) Florida-based Pita's Republic entered the Atlanta market with its midtown location. After many delays, the eatery opened in July of last year. A falafel enthusiast, I was eager to try theirs. Boy, was I disappointed. They use pre-made falafel balls and wraps made for burritos rather than, dare I say it, PITAS! The space has been a few things, even a Gyro Wrap (Great Wraps) back in the day, and even they couldn't make it. While plans are on the books for a second location in Sandy Springs, I say, go back to Florida and save some money. I'll give this place till February to fold. For the record, awesome falafel are available in Buckhead at Al's Cafe Agora, near Emory at Pita Palace and in Sandy Springs at Cafe Posh.

Pizzeria Venti (Buckhead) - Atlanta-based Pizzeria Venti is in a tough spot, in more ways than one. Located on Lenox Road, in Lenox Village Shopping Center, the center and road outside it always cluttered with "Pizza" signs but the place is rarely busy. It's location is far from prime and not convenient or known for that matter by most Buckhead residents. Given the chain is still new, having started in 2003, and only has a handful of locations, they can't be taking lightly the thought of seeing this location close, so perhaps corporate will assist either financially or in a relocation effort.

Pizza Vesuvius (Edgewood) This restaurant space has played host to a number of concepts of the past few years, none of which have lasted very long. It's surprising PV has lasted along as they have but something tell me the heat is getting to be too much and they will be closed in less than six months.

Ringside (Buckhead) Clay Harper and friends opened Ringside in the space left vacant when they closed Three on the Tree frozen yogurt. While pizza (Fellini's) and Mexican (La Fonda) tend to be popular in Atlanta all the time, Harper's recent foray into the food fads seem to be far less successful. Harper opened Three on the Tree in Buckhead and about a year later, closed it. This past June, he opened LeRoy's Fried Chicken with chef Julia LeRoy, it closed a few weeks ago. Not a huge fan of gourmet hot dogs, I will say the dogs at HD1 beat Ringside any day. The fries however, are quite good at Ringside but that alone will not save this eatery. To pay upwards of four bucks for what appears to be a standard dog on a standard bun is not gonna fly and I doubt this joint last much longer than its prior cuisine.

Rise Sushi (Downtown) - Located within David Marvin's Luckie Marietta District, the restaurant has been on life support for over a year. Given their lack of sales, I'm not sure how they continue to operate but surely they will close by May.

Slack's Hoagie Shack, dba Slack's Restaurant and Bar (Brookhaven/TOWN Brookhaven) - You already know how I feel about this place. Simply put, bad idea, plus bad location plus unproven concept equals failure. I'm told the franchisee is a retired millionaire who is opening the place for kicks, so I guess it may stay open as long as he has "play money" to sink into it. With Costco open and getting busier, and other tenants like LA Fitness and CineBistro open, they appear not to have any positive effects on Slack's. I guess it will stay open as long as the owner has "play money" but perhaps he comes to his senses and close before going broke.

Sprig (Oak Grove) I should love this place, my whole neighborhood should, but alas, I don't, nor do most on Yelp and elsewhere. The restaurant is located on LaVista Road in Oak Grove, within walking distance for many families, myself included. An overpriced menu and lackluster service make this joint destined for doom. I'd like for them to get it together and stay, but the writing's on the wall and it reads CLOSING SOON. I'd give em til the spring, at the most.

STEEL (Midtown/Plaza Midtown) Dallas-based STEEL has somehow stuck around for a number of years at the corner of West Peachtree and Peachtree Place. A number of boutique, bank, apparel and restaurant closures at Plaza Midtown have finally taken their toll on STEEL. With decreased hours and talk they are in trouble financially, I'd expect them to within the three months or so.

Swirlin' Twirilin' (Decatur) With basically zero barriers to entry, seems like everyone and their mother is opening a yogurt shop (or burgers, or hot dogs). Swirlin' Twirlin's other location is in Flowery Branch and from what I can tell it does well there. In the less competitive market of Flowery Branch, they are able to get away with charging 43 cents per ounce whereas in Decatur, they adjusted their pricing to meet that of neighborhood favorite The Yogurt Tap. A bit of a yogurt snob, myself, I would say that The Yogurt Tap has a superior product and a more prime location. Neither shop has very much easily accessible (or free) parking, but head to head, I think The Yogurt Tap wins overall. That said, and the fact that it is run by locals from the area, not OTP'ers, I think Swirlin' Twirlin' will last no more than a year, but likely less.

Swirll (All Atlanta area locations) By far one of the weakest yogurt shops to open in Atlanta since Yoreka, this Texas-based chain is not gonna last. I walked in one, and walked out. Any one who knows me knows that I love frozen yogurt. This place has only decent yogurt in combination with pushy employees. The interiors look cheap and the the location on Wieuca, hidden from Roswell Road, has got to be one of the worst locations known to man! I give this crappy chain 'til early spring, unless they don't care if they make money or not.

Tantra ( South Buckhead) Having been featured on what seems like every deal site in Atlanta, this joint is in trouble. Not the best of locations or food, this restaurant and lounge is bound to be closed within six months.

The Cup (TOWN Brookhaven) This independent cupcake shop was one of the first eateries to open in TOWN Brookhaven and that alone could have done them in. Instead, in addition to that, their offerings are basically all overpriced and their cupcakes, undersized, especially given what you can get at Cloud 9 or Smallcakes. Given their location away from the new CineBistro, they will not get much business from even theatergoers, so I'd say they are up a creek. If nothing changes in terms of size or price, I think they could be closed by March.

The Great Cupcake Company (Buckhead) With a few too many cupcake shops in Atlanta, and especially in Buckhead, this bakery is the weakest link. Goodbye.

The Nest (Clairmont) Opened by Emory students, this location seems cursed, and I'm doubtful these amateurs will have any better luck. Athens Pizza was originally located here before relocating to a larger, free standing space nearby. In recent years, Moya and Selam have both opened and neither had done well with Selam lasting less than a year. The space seems to be the resting place for failed concepts, the Nest being the latest example, my money is on them closing by next summer, if not sooner.

The Real Chow Baby (Ponce de Leon location) Need I repeat myself? The food is good, the location awful.

{three} sheets (Sandy Springs) - Located at City Walk this restaurant was opened by the children of RCG's (Restaurants Consulting Group) owner Tony Akly and it's my impression they have a long lease. That said, it's unlikely they will close until someone comes in to buy them out. The restaurant is busy but only for monthly special events such as the grilled cheese dinner and flavor tripping parties. It's hard to imagine the restaurant making sufficient profit if they are only busy a couple days each month. This place will last as long as daddy Akly continues to foot the bill.

Truva (Downtown) - They recently added outdoor dining, but I doubt that will save them. Their Mediterranean cuisine is OK, but not the best by any means. They did what they could with the former Steak and Ale space but it just does not "seduce your senses." One reader predicts they will last no longer than next spring.

Tuk Tuk Thai Food Loft (South Buckhead) - After opening November of 2009 in what was my favorite SoBu eatery, Taurus, Tuk Tuk Thai loft has been anything but impressive, let alone busy. The second level restaurant went through a total makeover. Charlie and Nan Niyomkul created successful restaurants in Nan Thai Fine Dining and Tamarind Seed at Colony Square but this newest concept may be a sign that they have lost their magic touch. A colleague of mine dined here shortly after opening, and remarked it should be called "Yuk Yuk" (Yuck Yuck). The food is overpriced for being billed as "street food," and it's just not as good as the Niyomkuls' other concepts. The decent food and poor location leaves little room for success. I predict a closure or rebranding of some sort to take place by the second quarter of next year.

Twisted Taco (Tucker and Buckhead) - Two of a number of recent franchised locations to open, neither one has met the expectations of many area patrons and they are not in prime locations. Having taken over a failed Chili's restaurant, Twisted Taco Tucker faces nearby competition from Marlow's Tavern within the nearby DoubleTree Hotel and has been ripped a new one by patrons on sites like Yelp. In Buckhead, the location on Wieuca off Roswell is just bad and the place is rarely busy as a result. I doubt either location will make it into the new year.

Urban PL8 (West Midtown) - Pangaea, Milk & Honey: this space is not meant for a restaurant. Try as many have to make it work, it does not have the space to do the number of covers necessary to make a go of it. I went to the opening and loved the nut burger and if the place were not so far off the beaten path, I think it could work and might even exceed expectations. To rely on Turner employees and word of mouth marketing may work for Antico Pizza, but this place is in trouble and doomed.

NAVA (Buckhead) Buckhead Life Restaurant Group may finally be showing signs of the struggles of operating so many separate restaurant concepts. I mentioned earlier this year that as many as three of their concepts would either close or not have their leases renewed. Bluepointe was one of those three with the next most likely being NAVA. The third is up in the air but one their two Italian concepts, Veni Vidi Vici in midtown or Pricci in Buckhead, changing hands or closing would not shock me. Based on current intel, look for their to be changes at NAVA by April.

Retail

7 For All Mankind (Buckhead /Lenox Square) I can't make sense of it, but this store has not done well. Rock & Republic filed for bankruptcy last year, True Religion opened a second Atlanta area store at Perimeter Mall, and somehow 7 has not fared well. Parent company VF also opened a large The North Face store in the Whole Food Market anchored shopping center at West Paces, not far from arch rival Patagonia, it has apparently done well. With so many stores carrying 7 FAM jeans at retail price and less, perhaps over-abundance of the product has done the store in. I see the line as being the new Levi's in a sense, but you wouldn't think that walking by the store basically any day of the week. As sad as it is, it would not surprise me to see them close by early next year.

Bloomingdale's (Dunwoody/Perimeter Mall) - A far cry from the offerings of New York or even Lenox, this store's service is trumped by Chick-Fil-A on a daily basis. Bloomingdale's Perimeter has yet to meet expectations and seems to shrink its saleable floor space almost as often as it replaces its knowledgeable salespeople, which is to say, frequently. I won't go into all the miserable interactions I have personally experienced at this location, but let's just say they leave much to be desired. Management has yet to wake up and acknowledge the issues that plague their store, and as such, the store's sales and reputation have suffered. Some industry contacts have said this Bloomingdale's is tied for worst performing store in the chain. (I wonder which store they're tied with?) The thing that may be keeping them open, like Barney's CoOp at Phipps, is that they are tied to a lease that runs through 2016. Without another anchor to take on their space, they must remain open. One option, Von Maur, a new to market department store, would likely not want the space as they have just opened at North Point Mall.

Barney's New York CoOp (Buckhead - Phipps Plaza) - Similar story to that of fellow (recently defunct) Phipps retailer Jedal, Barney's is lucky enough to have deeper pockets by way of Istithmar, a private equity firm that purchased Barney's from Jones Apparel Group for $825 million in 2007. Although Atlanta was once rumored to be on the map for a Barney's New York flagship, Atlantans have proven they won't support such high end and cutting edge designers by the lack sales for even the CoOp. With mounting losses and closures of many other better performing stores, I'm amazed this store has stayed open as long as it has. One reason may be that while they want out, and SIMON presumably does too, there is no retailer, or restaurant for that matter, that is will to take over the Barney's lease. As the company itself is not in bankruptcy, they can't just up and leave without another interested party waiting in the wings to move in.

Coposhi (Buckhead) - If I get one more email from the guy that owns this place, I may just go in and verbally tell him to take me off his list. I included this new Buckhead boutique in the DeathWatch last year and since then, he has added me to his stores "VIP" email list. I guess I was unclear. I don't like your clothes, I think you have an awful location, a goofy name and will be closed soon. Oh yeah, please remove me from your mailing list, as I am not interested!

Gregory's (Buckhead - Lenox Square) What a joke! Jedal, a member of the DeathWatch up until this edition closed last week, was basically a mini version of what Gregory's is, with many unheard of Italian designers at outrageous prices. Even at liquidation prices, Jedal's prices were above others' more well known designers' regular prices. In Atlanta, like it or not, the consumers with money (and even those on credit), know what they want and buy it, not up and coming designers without an established and visible brand. I see Gregory's lasting a year or so, max... unless they are OK losing money, and in that case, the sky's the limit!

Valentino (Buckhead /Phipps Plaza) It's sad to say, but this is just not a store Atlantans will support. With couture designs and a select clientele, I'd be surprised if this store has made "plan" a single month since opening. This couture label is past its prime and unless Buckhead Betty's grandmother is in there more often than I realize, I doubt they will be in business much longer.

Versace (Buckhead/Phipps Plaza) Once a favorite in Atlanta and elsewhere, the store's glitzy makeover (and size reduction) last year could not save this store. Its sales are down and it's lost its luster and relevance to Atlanta shoppers. I doubt they will be around next holiday season.

VINCE (Buckhead / Phipps Plaza) A day does not go by that I can't locate multiple VINCE items for women, and at times, for men, at deeply discounted prices at the likes of Marshall's and T.J. Maxx. Those who know the brand can easily find it cheaper elsewhere and those unfamiliar with the line are turned off by the simple clothing with a relatively high retail price. I'd say all the Vs of Phipps (Valentino. Versace and VINCE) all close around the same time, and all by next spring.

86'd

Coffee & Bagel Company (Cheshire Bridge Road) - This place had horrible signage, awful location and a questionable interior set up. I visited once and could not bring myself to actually ordering. It appears to have lasted less than three months.

A new addition to the DeathWatch is OTB or On The Bubble. These businesses are questionable but not so much so that they've earned a place on the DeathWatch. As with the DeathWatch, please feel free to weigh in and share your thoughts on any or all of the listed businesses.

Amuse ( Midtown)

5 Napkin Burger (Midtown)

Bad Dog Taqueria (Emory Village)

Baroni (Brookwood)

Davio's (Phipps Plaza)

DBA Barbeque (VaHi)

Decatur Diner (Decatur)

do Pizza (Westside)

MF Buckhead (Buckhead)

Nacho Daddy's (Duluth)

Noni's (Edgewood)

One Eared Stag (Inman Park)

P'cheen (Old Fourth Ward)

Peter Chang's (Sandy Springs)

Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint (Downtown)

U.S. Cafe (Piedmont Road)

Know something I missed or think I'm way off? Leave me a comment and share your thoughts.

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Mi Cocina Opening on the Midtown Mile Next Year!

2011-11-25T17:05:00.010-05:00

Irving, Texas-based Mi Cocina will open, at Peachtree and 11th Streets late next fall. While the announcement of their opening at the12th & Midtown project came this week, the restaurant is not expected to open until late October or early November of 2012. The restaurant will be two-levels and located around the corner from Piola and adjacent to CB2 in the street level restaurant space of 1010 Midtown. Also, in the same building, on the rear, are Ra, a sushi-centric restaurant from Benihana and RiRa, an Irish Pub like Fado.

Across the street, in 1075 Peachtree, New York-based The One Group will open STK next month, and recently decided to replace their planned STK OUT, a casual version of
their upscale steakhouse, with Cucina Asselina. Cucina Asellina is a more casual version of the group's popular Asellina eatery in New York, and will serve light Italian fare such as flat breads, pizzas and pastas, and should be open in early January. While the One Group stated they changed directions so that they would not have two similar concepts serving similar fare next to one another, Piola, located across the street from where Mi Cocina is opening, serves an almost the identical menu to that which is planned for Cucina Asellina.

Austin, Texas-based Chuy's Fine Tex Mex will open their first Atlanta area location December 6th in Dunwoody and has plans for another location, thus far targeting the west midtown area. Back in midtown, Lime Fresh Mexican Grill, a fast casual eatery, has leased the space currently home to Bakeshop, and will open a new location there next year. Earlier this year, Lime Fresh also leased the space currently home to Johnny Rockets on East Paces Ferry and plans to open there early next year. Miami-based Lime Fresh started in 2004 and last year signed a licensing agreement with Maryville, Tennessee-based Ruby Tuesday whereby the storied chain will expand the fast casual Mexican eatery with plans to open up to 200 locations in the coming years.

Are you as confused as I am as to why Selig would arrange for Mi Cocina to open across the street from Cucina Asellina after already opening Ra doors away from RiRa? Have you been to Mi Cocina in Texas? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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It's Your Lucky Day: Meehan's Public House Opening at Atlantic Station

2011-11-25T15:05:00.013-05:00

Meehan's Public House will open their fourth area location next year with a new restaurant and bar in Atlantic Station. Current Meehan's are in Vinings, Sandy Springs and the newest one, downtown in a portion of the former Davison's /Macy's building. 101 Concepts, Meehan's parent company, also operates Food 101 and the adjacent Cibo & Beve, both in Sandy Springs.

Meehan's marks the first local full service restaurant to open in Atlantic Station since STRIP, a restaurant from Atlanta-based Here to Serve that opened as a part of the center's opening in 2005. Locally-based Tin Drum Asia Cafe, a fast casual eatery, opened in late 2008 in the former Au Bon Pain. Also, as I mentioned earlier today, Atlanta-based Yogli Mogli will open at Atlantic Station instead of the previously announced California-based Pinkberry. Other restaurants added to the center include the ubiquitous eatery Subway and Which Wich. I wrote a piece earlier this year about how both Atlantic Station and Buckhead are promising local restaurants (and retailers), yet local chefs like Richard Blais and Ford Fry are opening their new eateries in other neighborhoods.

To date, Atlantic Station has seen the closures of restaurants Tahitian Noni Café, Dolce Enoteca, Geisha House, Ten Pin Alley, Au Bon Pain and Doc Greens. Additionally, PJ's Coffee and Bonehead's, both former Raving Brands concepts, have each closed and have reopened under new names. PJ's is now cafe nineteen, and Bonehead's is now Fishook Grille, each independent, no longer affiliated with a chain.

Although the exact location of the upcoming Meehan's in unclear, it's said to be located near cafe nineteen, leading me to think that my notion that Z Gallerie may be on its last leg, may be accurate. Though not local, Yard House, a California-based full service restaurant will open in the former Dolce next year as well.

If you could pick one local eatery that is missing and would do well in Atlantic Station, what would it and why? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Atlantic Station Apparently Not Ripe for Pinkberry

2011-11-25T11:11:00.014-05:00

Another local blog reported in August that L.A.-based Pinkberry would open in Atlantic Station, I have now confirmed that is not the case. Instead of national chain Pinkberry, Atlantic Station has a lease in place for Atlanta-based Yogli Mogli to open in the former Cold Stone Creamery on 19th street across from City Sports.

In a six month progress report published in August, Atlantic Station states they "selected Pinkberry from numerous yogurt options via social media." Why now the change of heart? According to Mark Toro, managing partner at North American Properties the change was to bring another local option to Atlantic Station rather than yet another national chain. Cincinnati based North American Properties purchased the troubled Town Center at Atlantic Station from AIG last August and in the time since, Toro has spent much of his time weeding out less than ideal or non performing tenants and promising more local options. It's curious, though, that he would involve social media in the selection process, a platform he claims has led to their renaissance, announce Pinkberry, but then go the local route.

My belief is that Pinkberry is not doing well locally, and that they backed out, and that Yogli Mogli was selected from among local yogurt shops. Pinkberry is one of the most well known frozen yogurt shops, but remains fairly generic and stale in their offerings. Frozen yogurt shops like Yoforia and Yogurtland offer as many as sixteen flavors, sold on a per ounce basis. Most Pinkberrys only offer four flavors (that change periodically) and sell their yogurt by size, making their yogurt in most cases more expensive than other options. The fact that they offer so few flavors is also a disadvantage. It's almost like they are a normal soda fountain and that others, like Yogli Mogli, are the Coca-Cola Freestyle, with something for everyone. Additionally, I see Pinkberry as a more expensive brand and experience and perhaps it just doesn't fit the demo of Atlantic Station with such stores as Old Navy and Gap.

Pinkberry has three locations in the metro area, one in Buckhead, one at Akers Mill near Cumberland and one at Merchants Walk in East Cobb. Additionally, there is a fourth location on the campus of Valdosta State. Yogli Mogli started with one location at the corner of Abernathy and Roswell Road in 2009 and has now grown to sixteen, with a half dozen more in Georgia coming soon. Additionally, their first out of state location opened in Wheaton, Illinois earlier this year.

Given the change in direction, I'm told the switch to Yogli Mogli is a fairly a recent development, and that as a result, they will not open until March. I doubt that they have a ton of work to do, after all, they are just converting from ice cream to yogurt, but opening towards the end of the first quarter of next year will hopefully provide a better kick-off with warmer months ahead.

Are you an Atlantic Station resident and happy with the changes Toro and his team have made? Would you have preferred Pinkberry to Yogli Mogli? Do you remain hesitant to visit Atlantic Station? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Buyer's Remorse: Decatur Diner For Sale Again

2011-11-22T01:01:00.003-05:00

The Decatur Diner is again for sale! The Decatur Diner was first announced to be opening in the former Atlanta Bread Co. space at the intersection of E. Ponce de Leon Avenue and Church Street in April of last year. After countless delays and a horrible exterior paint job, the 24-hour eatery finally opened in early February of this year.

Having heard about the bad business practices of the restaurant's ownership including failure to vendors and employees at other locations, I reported that their Empire Diner in Sandy Springs was "Closed Temporarily," which turned out to be permanently. (Egg Harbor Cafe will soon open in the space they vacated.) Even before opening for more than a day, Decatur Diner earned a place on the DeathWatch in January and maintained its position until now.

Late last month, Decatur Diner was sold to a man with prior restaurant experience, but none in the full service segment. As a result of his inexperience, he has decided to put the restaurant back on the market.

So there you have it: the Decatur Diner is somehow still open, for now, but is available for sale for the second time in less than a month. Given the recent openings of No. 246, Cakes & Ale and Sapori di Napoli, hopefully some (experienced) restaurateur will find this location too good to pass up and open something wonderful.

Do you have an idea for what should open in place of Decatur Diner? Do you think the diner could do well with new, experienced management in place? Do you miss Atlanta Bread Co.? Please share your thoughts and suggestions in the comment section below.

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Hot From the Oven, Maddio's Moving Forward With Franchise Expansion

2011-11-21T00:50:00.003-05:00

Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint is finally expanding, for better... or worse. Matt Andrew, co-founder of Moe's Southwest Grill and Tony Lewis, one of the first Moe's and later Mama Fu's franchisees, teamed up to launch Mattio's Pizza Joint which was later renamed Maddio's Pizza Joint and most recently Uncle Maddio's Pizza Joint. The addition of the "Uncle" was likely caused by Maddio's Pizza in Tarentum, Pennsylvania.

After opening in Toco Hills in early 2009, talk turned to franchising about eighteen months later when I reported last June the business would begin to offer franchises. Earlier this month, the first franchised and first out of state location opened in Louisville, Kentucky and a few days ago, another franchised location opened in Woodstock, Georgia. Ironically enough, the Woodstock location is located right next door to Moe's.

The aforementioned name changes were minor, but what surprised me was seeing that "Subs," originally the third menu item touted in promotional materials and branding, was replaced by "Paninis." I'd had their subs a couple times and was never impressed, so perhaps they've wised up and are gonna let the Subways of the world do subs and have opted for a more niche offering in paninis.

Toco Hills recently underwent a massive renovation that saw the addition of Menchie's, Mirko and La Parrilla, among others, and also saw Uncle Maddio's finally get their patio made over. It was at this event that talk of franchise expansion and upcoming locations was mentioned. In addition to the Louisville and Woodstock locations, new restaurants are said to be opening in Buckhead, East Cobb, Vinings, Savannah, Charlotte, North Carolina and Greenville, South Carolina. Additionally, other territories have been "awarded" in Raleigh, North Carolina, Knoxville, Tennessee, Columbia, South Carolina and Jacksonville, Florida. As of this past January, a total of 10 franchise partners are said to be involved with 30 stores in development.

While it has been difficult to find information regarding when future locations will be opening and or if specific sites have been selected, I'm told the "Vinings" location will be located within Akers Mill Square. The shopping center is anchored by a newly expanded Toys R Us Superstore and an LA Fitness and sources indicate the Maddio's will open in the former WineStyles, towards the rear of the center. Merchant's Walk in East Cobb is likely not the "East Cobb" location as it is managed by Edens & Avant, who also manages Toco Hills and is said to have wanted Maddio's out of Toco Hills. The location I'm most curious about is the Buckhead location where there seem to already be plenty of pizza options from Varsanos's Pizzeria to Pizza Hut, Nancy's Pizza to Tartufo Pizzeria.

While Maddio's is the only restaurant of its kind locally, The Colony, Texas-based Pizza Inn is expanding its fast casual offering Pie Five. Pie Five is strikingly similar to Maddio's, with custom made pizzas starting at about $6.49 for a 9" pie, the one key marketing difference is that Pie Five, as its name suggests, guarantees its pizzas in five minutes, whereas Maddios promises six minutes. The difference is small, but in the fast casual segment, every minute counts, and this could be the difference between success and failure. The stakes are great though, as according to the Uncle Maddio's website:

Pizza is a huge market – $32 billion sales per year.

It’s the second most consumed food on the planet.

Approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold in the US each year.

93% of Americans eat pizza at least once per month.

Americans eat approximately 100 acres of pizza each day.

As it stands now, both chains are relatively small with only a handful of locations open and each with additional locations in development. Pie Five opened their first location in Fort Worth, Texas this past June, and has since added locations in Irving and Dallas. Second locations are now in development in both Fort Worth and Dallas with Pie Five planning to have a total of nine locations open by next June.

Have you been to Maddio's? Do you think Maddio's is another Mama mess in the making or the next Moe's ? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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UPDATE: Waffle House "Showcase" Location Revealed

2011-11-18T19:25:00.004-05:00

While a number of local media have already reported that Waffle House plans to close on a new downtown location next month, no one seemed to be able to identify the exact location. I received a number of inquires from readers and can now, after just a little digging, report the location. Waffle House will convert an existing structure at 135 Andrew Young International Boulevard into its signature Black and Yellow eatery. If memory serves, the building was a gift shop of sorts leading up to and during the Centennial Olympic in 1996. Recently the store sold Atlanta-souvenirs and assorted convenience items.

The building is adjacent to the American Cancer Society and a stone's throw from the Tabernacle music venue. (There's a joke to be made here about post-concert revelers but I'll just leave it alone.) The location is across the street from Centennial Olympic Park and various other tourist attractions such as The Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca Cola and Philips Arena. Georgia State is not far away, but students already got their very own Waffle House last year with the opening of one at the Parker H. Petit Science Center. Another Waffle House opened at Underground Atlanta and still another opened at Tech Square near Georgia Tech. This may seem like overkill to some, but I recall a time when there were Waffle House locations on both sides of the highway near my house, and both did well for years.

If the closing goes as planned next month, I'm told Waffle House plans to be open by the spring.

Here is a link to the property listing by Colliers International and below is a street view of the exact location.

View Larger Map

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Calling All Maxxinistas to Midtown

2011-11-14T09:45:00.001-05:00

Next year T.J. Maxx will open an additional intown store in Coro's Midtown Place Shopping Center in what had been a Borders Bookstore, then had been operating on a short term basis as Spirit Halloween. I'm told that at one point, Whole Foods was at least somewhat interested in expanding their existing store into a portion of the Border's, but their expansion would have prevented the T.J. from opening. In the end, while this Whole Foods (originally built to be a Harris Teeter) is one of the best performing in Atlanta, they will maintain their current footprint.

Currently there is a dearth of retail in the vicinity, especially clothing, with the center's other tenants being The Home Depot, Petsmart, Staples, Verizon Wireless and assorted eateries.

This will all change, of course, in 2013, when Jamestown's Ponce City Market opens and is expected to include a variety of national and local retailers in addition to restaurants and offices.

Presently, T.J.'s nearest location is on Howell Mill Road in The District at Howell Mill. Depending on what route you take, the distance between the two stores is as little as 5 miles.

Are you a Maxxinista deprived of deals intown and eager for this store to open? Would you have preferred an expanded Whole Foods? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Where's The Beef? Wendy's Opening in Sandy Springs

2011-11-09T08:35:00.009-05:00

Wendy's may have moved its corporate headquarters back to Dublin, Ohio, but it still loves its one-time home of Sandy Springs. In the works for over a year, Wendy's will open a new freestanding location in an outparcel of Perimeter Pointe, along Abernathy Road in Sandy Springs in February. Oddly enough, the restaurant is opening a stone's throw from Arby's headquarters, a building still home to about 50 Wendy's corporate employees.

Wendy's merged with Sandy Springs-based Arby's inSeptember 2008, but this past summer, amidst difficulties in creating synergies between the two brands and executives seeing more growth potential for Wendy's, Arby's was sold. Arby's was purchased by Atlanta-based FOCUS Brands (Roark Capital), the corporate owner of Moe's Southwest Grill, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Carvel, Cinnabon, McCallister's Deli, Corner Bakery and others.

I recently watched a very informative CNBC special on Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy', and learned a number of interesting facts. Among the more interesting, the late Dave Thomas, like the late Steve Jobs, was adopted, but found great success in the business world. Additionally, Thomas started his career in restaurants with Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) At one point he owned four KFCs, but after making them successful, he sold them back to corporate and went on to open the first Wendy's in Columbus, Ohio in November 1969. I was also reminded that Wendy's burgers are square, not round, because at Wendy's, they "don't cut corners."

Though Wendy's does have a loyal following, it remains the world's third largest fast food hamburger chain with nearly 7000 locations, trailing Burger King's 12,000+ locations and McDonald's 31,000+ locations. Last year, they replaced their french fries with "natural cut fries with sea salt" and most recently replaced their existing hamburger lineup with "Dave’s Hot ‘N Juicy Burger." The new burger is still square but is a thicker patty with a buttered bun, crinkle-cut pickles and extra cheese. Instead of white onions, the veggies are now red.

McDonald's is the only other fast food burger eatery with a freestanding location in the area. It opened in a former bank location at the corner of Ashford-Dunwoody Road and Perimeter Center West. Within Perimeter Pointe Shopping Center, there is a free standing Chick-Fil-A restaurant, though it's located on the Mt. Vernon Highway side, near The Sports Authority, whereas the new Wendy's is located in front of the Regal Cinemas.

Wendy's recently announced plans to create stores using a new store design, taking a page out of the McDonald's book. McDonald's has begun renovations at more than half of its U.S. stores and will continue to open new stores with its fresher, more updated look. The new Wendy's executives refer to the new location as "ultra modern." Thus far, only a handful have opened but I imagine the new location in Sandy Springs will sport the new look. I reached out to Wendy's communications department for comment on the new location, but multiple messages went unanswered.

I spoke with friends at neighboring Goodwill and Fidelity Bank, both excited for the opening of another affordable lunch option. Do you live in the area? Are you excited about the opening? Do you favor the Golden Arches to the square patty? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Doc is Drummed Out

2011-11-07T00:01:00.006-05:00

A couple weeks ago, Doc Green's Gourmet Salads & Grill closed its Roswell Road location in North Buckhead for "renovations." A word that has become a joke on this site, the restaurant's "renovations" were anything but, as the concept, like others from Big Game Brands ( formerly Raving Brands) were half-baked and not successful. ( Bonehead's and Mama Fu's come to mind) At one point, the chain had over a dozen locations open with "hundreds more in development." Today, four remain in operation locally, and another two in Wichita, Kansas. The location within Perimeter Place in Dunwoody ( ironically catty-corner from Tin Drum) has been listed for sale by the Shumacher Group for months with seemingly little interest. The chain's original location, on Ponce de Leon, was converted to a Chow Baby restaurant last year.

Instead of a renovation of the Doc's office, Tim Drum Asia Cafe will open their seventh area location. With a planned January opening, it will actually be the chain's eighth overall restaurant as the Atlanta-based chain will open at The Summit in Birmingham in a few weeks, its first location outside of Georgia. Tin Drum's other area locations include Atlantic Station, Lindbergh Plaza, Perimeter Place, Cumming, Broad Street and Tech Square. The same owners also operate the Wonderful World Burgers and More, with one location on North Decatur at Emory Village.

The new Tin Drum joins existing eateries Willy's Mexicana Grill, Goldberg's Bagel Company & Deli, and Five Guys, in the Roswell-Wieuca Shopping Center. Additionally, an Arby's is located in an outparcel of the shopping center and a Zaxby's opened across the street from the center earlier this summer.

UPDATE: Yum Bunz Location Revealed, Opening Delayed

2011-11-04T08:08:00.008-04:00

For over a year I've heard from Mike Blum, creator of The Real Chow Baby, that his next concept would be something (smaller) but better, then came the name, Yum Bunz, and finally, a location. Located within a street level restaurant space at the 935 Marietta apartments, (935M) Yum Bunz will occupy a 3300 sf' space with planned seating for up to 100 diners.

While Mike originally had hoped to have his first Yum Bunz open and operating by year end, finding what he feels is the perfect location took a little longer than expected and as such, delayed the opening. With the deal set to close any day now, Blum tells me he hopes have the restaurant open by May. One major factor that drew Blum to this space in particular ,is access to 85 (non valet) parking spaces.

Given the success of The Real Chow Baby, it's clear Blum knows what he's doing when it comes to Asian cuisine, but the Bao is a bit tricky and rumor has it he got some help. A well known local chef (possibly Guy Wong of the ever popular Miso Izakaya) is consulting with Blum on the menu design and could turn out to be a partner in the business. The extent of Guy's involvement, if any, remains unconfirmed as of this article.

Based off the the popular Asian "Bao", Yum Bunz will feature eight Bao varieties stuffed with such fillings as chicken, beef, pork and even chocolate. Costing about $1.50 per Bao, the food is economical and would seem to be a perfect fit for the area considering the large concentration of college students. Additionally, the menu will also include a wide range of pot stickers, noodle bowls, salads and soups, all under 6 bucks.

While in Chicago earlier this year, I had the opportunity to try Wow Bao, the Lettuce Entertain You concept from which Blum drew his inspiration for YB. ( In related news, Lettuce Entertain You's sole Atlanta concept, Wildfire, will close December 21st after having its lease bought out by Darden who plans to open The Capital Grille in its place.) It was on this trip I found out that the Bao was merely a menu item at Big Bowl Asian Kitchen (now known as Big Bowl Fresh Chinese and Thai), another LEY concept, and it became so popular, that the separate Wow Bao business was launched. Currently there are five Wow Baos open, all in Chicago, but I'm told others will soon follow, possibly in other markets. Having tried a number of Bao on my trip, I would not be surprised to see the Yum Bunz concept become a hit here in Atlanta.

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UPDATE: Suburban Plaza Redevelopment Plan Featuring Walmart Supercenter

2011-11-03T01:50:00.009-04:00

Back in June, I broke news of Selig Enterprises's planned re-development of of Suburban Plaza with among other things, the addition of a Walmart. At the time, my post received a great deal of attention, and as a result, other media doubted its accuracy, leading representatives from both Selig and Walmart to refute my claims. This week has brought a 360 of sorts, as representatives from both companies met with area residents to discuss their plans for the re-development, including... the addition of a Walmart Supercenter.

Among other things discussed at the meeting were other potentially interested retailers including electronics retailer hhgregg, sporting goods retailer Dick's, home furnishings retailer HomeGoods and craft store Michael's. Additionally, LA Fitness is said to be "extremely interested" in being part of the project. In my earlier post, I mentioned the old Pizza Hut that is currently Cozy Burger Town. This space is scheduled to change hands and be re-concepted in conjunction with the redevelopment.

Oddly, though not mentioned by anyone from Selig, sources tell me Petsmart will take over at least a portion of the former Winn-Dixie / Save Rite store. Perhaps this was deliberately not mentioned to avoid criticism about adding another pet store so close to the existing Pet Supermarket in a nearby shopping center.

With a Facebook fan page dedicated to it, and seemingly countless avid fans of the company, many hearts were surely crushed with the revelation that Trader Joe's has no interest in being a part of the project. Apparently Selig contacted Trader Joe's and was told to "take a hike." Also, it was mentioned that Trader Joe's is not doing well locally and that may be the cause for them showing no interest. Personally, I don't shop there a ton, but it seems like many friends of mine have pantries that seem to be stocked with 90% TJ's merchandise any day of the week.

Big Lots, an existing retailer in Suburban Plaza, is said to be staying "temporarily," perhaps waiting to see how the Walmart will affect their business. I certainly hope they stay, as I already lost one intown Big Lots when Lindbergh Plaza was redeveloped in 2005. There is still, however, a Big Lots on Chamblee Tucker Road in a portion of a vacated Kroger store.

As far as the planned Walmart goes, stories, sketches and rumors continue to spread as to what exactly the store will look like and how big it will end up being. At one point, there was talk of the store being a relatively small 30-40,000 sq' "Neighborhood Market," with 90+% of the store dedicated to grocery items. Now, talk is that the store will be 147,000 sq' Walmart, with 40,000 sq' dedicated to grocery. Contrary to what I had previously been told, Piccadilly Cafeteria to the right, across the parking lot, through to the Last Chance Thrift Store and neighboring former Eckerd will all be torn town to make way for the Walmart. At one point, there was talk that Walmart would only take the Eckerd / Pep Boys spaces ( for the smaller "Neighborhood Market") but that seems not to be the case.

An underground parking structure that will reportedly cost nearly $10 million is being financed exclusively by Walmart. The hiccup here being Selig, on behalf of Walmart, is seeking a variance that would allow a parking ratio of 3.5 per 1,000 opposed to the stated code of 5.5 per 1,000. Also, as of now, the store will be open 24 hours, something I, like many, take issue with, especially with the underground parking deck.

What this does mean, is that the local bowling alley would stay put, at least for now, but that the longstanding Suburban Custom Awards & Framing would be displaced. Family Dollar, another current retailer in Suburban Plaza, may depart when the Walmart opens, and its space could potentially be used to satisfy the needs of the trophy shop, should they wish to stay.

Though it's a little far away, I feel the need to mention how awful the former Cub Foods looks in the shopping center near North DeKalb Mall. Half of the shell remains, with the other half looking like it was blown away, perhaps for a renovation that never materialized. A free standing Mrs. Winner's is also vacant and in need of some TLC. Anyone have any idea what the heck is going on with the center or have any ideas for redevelopment?

As a nearby resident, I have my reservations about the traffic and noise, and potentially the crime associated with a Walmart, but what do you think? Is a Walmart a good neighbor for Decatur?

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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UPDATE: Zaxby's Chamblee Finally Breaking Ground

2011-10-28T00:01:00.007-04:00

Zaxby's is finally breaking ground on its location on Peachtree Boulevard in Chamblee. Opening in an outparcel of Lowe's where there is currently excess parking, the restaurant is scheduled to open January 23, 2012 according to my corporate contact. While it's good to finally see progress, I worry about Zaxby's furnishing such an exact date with basically no work done yet.

It's been over a year since I first reported their intention to open, so it's good to see things have worked out. The city of Chamblee had reservations over access to the restaurant off Peachtree Boulevard and about signage, but thankfully it would seem that the two sides have come to an agreement.

Based on documents onsite, certain approvals, such as one from the county water and sewer division, were received as long ago as early February, so one has to wonder why the process as dragged out so long.

The Zaxby's is opening on the south end of the Lowe's. On the northernmost corner, at Johnson Ferry & Peachtree Boulevard, former gas station Buddy's, was said to become a PURE Taqueria. While at one point the deal was on, then dead, I'm told there is once again renewed talk of it opening, but it is definitely not a done deal and has no projection for completion.

Just north on Peachtree Boulevard in Chamblee Plaza, IHOP will open its newest Atlanta area location on November 21. IHOP reconstructed a former Hardee's, but it too faced obstacles from the City of Chamblee, and its work and opening were delayed as a result.

Before announcing this location last summer, I received tremendous interest in the then upcoming Zaxby's on Roswell Road in North Buckhead. The Buckhead location opened this past July and has been well received. During its opening week, an off-duty cop was employed to direct traffic at the restaurant.

Another eatery I announced last fall was a Panera Bread coming to Powers Ferry Square, just south of the Buckhead Zaxby's. Recently I've noticed increased activity around their would-be space and hope this means construction is underway or set to begin soon.

Are you eagerly awaiting the opening of Zaxby's Chamblee? Do you think PURE Taqueria will ever open? What would you like to see done or added to Chamblee Plaza? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Darden Puts Out Wildfire in Dunwoody to Open The Capital Grille

2011-10-26T00:20:00.004-04:00

Wildfire Restaurant in Dunwoody will close effective December 21st. The restaurant served steaks, chops and seafood and also catered to guests with gluten allergies and religious diets with special seasonal menus. Having opened in 2006, the restaurant's lease is being purchased by Orlando-based Darden Restaurant Group. It's my understanding that Darden plans to open Atlanta's second The Capital Grille in the space and hopes to have it up and running about six weeks after the Wildfire closure.

The Capital Grille's current Atlanta location is atop the Capital Building on East Paces Ferry in the heart of Buckhead. Ned Grace opened The first The Capital Grille in 1990 in Providence, Rhode Island. Later, the restaurant expanded and launched the Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse chain. Atlanta-based Longhorn Steakhouse purchased The Capital Grille and Bugaboo Creek in 1996, and the new entity was renamed RARE Hospitality International. In 2007, RARE sold the Bugaboo Creek chain to Trimaran Capital Partners, a New York-based private asset management firm, and then sold their remaining chains to Darden.

After the Atlanta location closes, Wildfire will be left with seven locations; five in Illinois, one in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and one at Tysons Galleria in McLean, Virgina. The chain is a concept from Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. Lettuce Entertain You is best known for their popular Maggiano's Little Italy chain.

Please note, this gets a little confusing...

Maggiano's and its sister chain Corner Bakery were both sold to Dallas-based Brinker International in the mid 90s but LEY retained the rights to Maggiano's in Illinois and still owns and operates five locations in Chicago and one in Milwaukee. (Corner Bakery was purchased earlier this year by Atlanta-based Roark Capital Group)

Though never affiliated locally with Wildfire, local Maggiano's in Buckhead, Cobb and Dunwoody will accept Wildfire gift cards through next year.

Oddly enough, I was informed of a similar situation that occurred at Aventura Mall in South Florida. Ocean Prime, which just opened this week in Buckhead, had its Aventura Mall restaurant's lease purchased by LVMH so that they could relocate and expand their Louis Vuitton boutique from nearby Bal Harbor. In both cases, the restaurants were performing well by all accounts, but were presented with offers lucrative enough for them to give up their leases.

Darden opened the first Seasons 52 in Orlando in 2003 and entered Atlanta in 2006. Atlanta was the second market for the chain but it has since been launched in multiple additional markets including King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and Costa Mesa, California. Sources tell me that it's Darden's current plan to model growth of Seasons 52 around that of The Capital Grille. When The Capital Grille opens next year in Dunwoody, they will sit side by side with Seasons 52 in the Dillard's outparcel at Perimeter Mall. The two concepts would seem to compliment each other well: The Capital Grille, a high-end steakhouse and Seasons 52, a healthier alternative where all entrees are 475 calories or less.

In all honesty, it's a wonder Tampa-based Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar from OSI Restaurant Partners is not the one closing. Its location within Sembler's Perimeter Place is hidden from view and is their only in the market. Having previously never dined there, I've been sent not one, not two, but THREE $50 gift cards. Desperate much? Locally owned McKendrick's Steak House is also in the area, but somehow has hung on for years and probably will continue to do so.

OK, your turn. What do you think of this restaurant shake-up? Were you a fan of Wildfire and are already planning a trip to Chicago? Do you prefer The Capital Grille to any other steakhouse? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Me-ality is in Atlanta to Guide You to Your Perfect Fit

2011-10-24T00:55:00.006-04:00

General Growth Properties quietly launched "Me-ality" at North Point, Perimeter and Cumberland Malls over the past few weeks. Formerly knows as "My Best Fit," the units resemble those highly criticized units utilized by the TSA at airports to reveal what you may be hiding under your clothing. The device at the mall, however, takes precise measurements of a shopper's body in about ten seconds and then prints out "recommended " items, in my case, jeans from Levi's (via J.C. Penney) and American Eagle. I imagine the options for women are broader, and that options for men and women will both increase in the coming weeks.

For now, as it is still early, they have incentivised your purchasing by offering you a free $5 Starbucks gift card if you purchase one of the recommended items from the suggested retailer. Note though, that the purchase must be made the same day, and that it must be the exact item, style and size the machine said would be best for you. Simply purchasing "jeans" from American Eagle would not suffice.

While the retailers are undoubtedly paying for their merchandise to be "recommended," I wonder what they are hoping for ROI-wise from this unit. Of course, consumers could go to the retailer, buy the specified item, and then return the item after receiving their incentive.

A one time fan of Rock & Republic denim, my current go-to is 7 For All Mankind. The thing about 7s, though, is that a pair with the same waist as another pair may fit completely differently depending upon whether it's made of a 98% Cotton / 2% Elastane blend or whether it's 100% cotton. According to the on-site personnel, the Me-Ality system does not take fiber content into account when it recommends clothing, something that especially for jeans, I think it should do.

According to the Me-Ality website, the units are currently only at King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia and North Point Mall but are "coming soon" to Illinois, Texas and Georgia. Further research indicates the unit is also currently available at GGP's Water Tower Place in Chicago, where GGP is based. Personnel are also being hired for Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and Superstition Springs Center in Mesa, Arizona. All but King of Prussia and Superstition Springs are GGP properties with the others operated by Macerich and Simon, respectively.

The unit at Cumberland Mall is already getting a little famous with one user's shopping companion posting her reaction to the machine's "recommendations" on YouTube.

What do you think? Are you eager, or scared to try this new technology?

Side Notes

7 For All Mankind is not, and has never been, the same as "Seven" jeans.

7 For All Mankind in a brand under the V.F. Corporation umbrella.

Earlier this year, Rock & Republic was purchased out of bankruptcy by V.F. Corp, who in turn made the line exclusively available at Kohl's Department stores, with the line to debut at Kohl's next spring.

Yogen Fruz vacated their North Point Mall food court space a few days ago after a final notice of pending eviction was posted by the Fulton County Marshal's department.

Davenport, Iowa-based Von Maur is scheduled to open their first of three planned Atlanta area locations at North Point Mall on November 5th.

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Egg Harbor Cafe Drops in Sandy Springs

2011-10-14T23:35:00.001-04:00

Egg Harbor Cafe will soon join a crowded stretch of Roswell Road in serving breakfast fare.

Lincolnshire, Illinois-based Egg Harbor Cafe opened a location in Johns Creek earlier this year. Originally they were looking to open in the project adjacent to the St. Regis, but opened in Johns Creek instead. The new location will open in Parkside Shopping Center, in a an endcap space many nearby residents would call cursed. I can't even remember all the restaurants that have been in the space, but the short-lived Empire Diner was its most recent occupant and the space was also Chicago's in the past. If I recall correctly, the space was also a Blockbuster Video years ago. Parkside's main attractions include Lefont Theaters, Tuesday Morning and Chipotle Mexican Grill.

Just north of the upcoming Egg Harbor, The Flying Biscuit Cafe opened in Hammond Springs shopping center in 2009. Additionally, next door to The Flying Biscuit is a freestanding Chick-Fil-A, which has been heavily promoting their breakfast menu, most recently featuring a number of oatmeal options. Less than a half mile away, J. Christopher's has a location adjacent to the Kroger in City Walk, off Hammond Drive.

Destin-based Another Broken Egg Cafe recently opened in Peachtree Battle and is seeking additional locations around the metro. Also, in the coming months, Boca Raton-based Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. plans to enter the market, and Burlington, Vermont based Bruegger's, another bagel eatery, hopes to re-enter the Atlanta market, after closing five stores in the mid-90's.

With the breakfast daypart still said to be "underserved" in Atlanta, this is surely not the end of new and expanding breakfast joints.

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Romeo's New York Pizza Coming to Emory Village

2011-10-07T12:35:00.008-04:00

After the Dunkin' Donuts deal fell through at Emory Village, Romeo's New York Pizza was quick to grab the prime space just steps from Emory University. With one location open in Johns Creek that opened in 2008, Romeo's will open in a portion of the former Emory Bookstore on Oxford Road early in the first quarter of next year. The lineup will now be Yogli Mogli on the far left, Romeo's in the middle and Chipotle Mexican Grill on the far right.

While the restaurant offers franchising, this location will be a corporate store. Romeo's features pizza by the slice or by the pie, as well as calzones, strombolis and assorted subs. The restaurant will also serve both beer and wine. With the nearest Fellini's Pizza being about two miles away on McLendon Avenue, Romeo's is well positioned to serve the Emory student market.

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El Pollo Loco Leaves Atlanta as Other Chains Make a Comeback

2011-10-05T01:00:00.003-04:00

Costa Mesa, California based El Pollo Loco has now exited the Atlanta market. Fiesta Brands, the official name of the franchise group led by veteran restaurateurs Chris Elliott and Joe Uhl, opened their first of more than 50 planned franchise units in late 2007. If my count is accurate, a total of nine eventually opened in Hiram, Marietta, Smyrna, Norcross, Chamblee, Roswell, Gainesville, Lithia Springs and Cumming. The first location in Hiram was initially said to be doing quite well but that soon changed as it, along with locations in Cumming and Marietta, were rebranded " The Crazy Chicken" due to sluggish sales. A few months later, their same locations were among the first stores to be closed when Fiesta Brands filed for liquidation under Chapter 7.

After the filing, El Pollo Loco corporate took over Atlanta operations, shuttering more than half of the existing locations and halting plans for additional stores. Among those that remained open were Chamblee, at the intersection of Clairmont Road and Buford Highway, and Marietta, on Cobb Parkway about a mile north of Cumberland Mall.

While I was a frequent diner at the Chamblee location during its first couple of years, service became inconsistent and prices began to change almost monthly, and I patronized the restaurant far less frequently.

On a recent trip to Los Angeles, I got to see what a typical El Pollo Loco looks like, and let me tell you, there was not much to see. Most locations in California are 10+ years old and all of the locations I noticed were "in-line" ( in the middle or endcap of a shopping center) rather than "FSU", free standing units, as all of the Atlanta area locations were. This higher end look led the Atlanta group to an identity crisis of sorts as they had basically injected themselves into the "fast casual" category and out of the "fast food" category. For those not familiar, when I say "fast casual," I'm talking Willy's Mexicana Grill, Panera Bread, Smashburger etc. Fast food, commonly considered a less expensive alternative, would include such chains as Burger King, McDonald's, KFC and Taco Bell.

The fact that the locations in Atlanta were newer was one difference, but they were also clearly more expensive too. While it was reported that build-outs per unit were to run $800K to $1.1M, a restaurant spokesperson told me the Chamblee site, and most others, came with a price tag in excess of $1.3M.

I'm definitely sad to see the entire chain leave Atlanta, but perhaps they will return in the future. As I detail below, three other similar chains have either entered or re-entered the Atlanta market recently.

Pollo Campero, with U.S headquarters in Dallas, Texas, opened its first area locations in Gainesville in December 2008, but by January 2010 was closed. Having gotten past the initial failure, Pollo Campero now operates three locations in the metro area. In Chamblee, not far from the now defunct El Pollo Loco, Pollo Campero opened in a former Popeyes last October, in addition to locations in Norcross and Roswell.

Miami-based Pollo Tropical exited the Atlanta market in the late 1990s but has recently re-entered the market. Pollo Tropical and sister restaurant concept Taco Cabana were recently spun off from former parent company, Carrol's Restaurant Group, and are now operated under the newly former Fiesta Restaurant Group. (No clear reasoning for the spin-off but Carrol's will now focus on its other restaurant business, as the largest franchisee of Burger King, with over 300 locations.) Thus far, Pollo Tropical has opened one area location, on Duluth Highway in Lawrenceville, and has plans for multiple others. They also planned to open on Roswell Road on the site of an old Brake-O in South Buckhead, but they have since abandoned those plans.

Lake Forest, California based Del Taco started with free standing units before getting in bed with Mrs. Winner's to open dual-branded locations. Neither did well and by the early 2000s, all were closed. Last year there were signs announcing a store "Coming Soon" on Fairburn Road in Douglasville but that location is apparently no longer in the works. Instead, Del Taco will re-develop a former Fazoli's restaurant on Scenic Highway in Snellville. A Del Taco corporate representative tells me this location should be open by February.

Were you a fan of El Pollo Loco? Have you given Pollo Tropical a second try and changed your mind? Do you prefer a certain local eatery over the many chain offerings? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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Bell Street Burritos Rolling Into the Westside

2011-10-05T00:45:00.001-04:00

Matt Hinton of Bell Street Burritos finally has his long awaited second location. I spoke with Hinton this week and he recently signed a lease for the former Social House eatery on Howell Mill Road, and will open Bell Street Burritos there in the coming months. He was hesitant to give an exact timeline, as you never know these days, with all the shenanigans the City of Atlanta pulls.

Hinton opened the first Bell Street in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market last year, and had been looking for a second location for months. It was originally reported by not one, but two ill-informed websites that he would open in East Atlanta Village in an old Wachovia bank but that is not the case.

Bell Street Burritos is an attempt by Hinton to recreate the flavor and experience of the much loved Tortillas, a restaurant that had a cult-like following at its Ponce de Leon location. Tortillas was open 19 years before closing in 2003. At the time, Tortillas co-owner Charlie Kearns blamed the closure on the opening of a Moe's Southwest Grill just a few blocks away. That said, there is not a Moe's anywhere near the upcoming Bell Street, but there is a Willy's Mexicana Grill just six tenths of a mile away, in a converted Hardee's restaurant.

Recently Grindhouse Killer Burgers creator Alex Brounstein recently sold his first location in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market to focus on his new location on Piedmont Avenue and further expansion. The same could be possible for Hinton, but for now we'll all just have to wait and see and ready ourselves for another stellar addition to the Westside.

What is your favorite burrito in town? Were you a fan of Tortillas? Is Chipotle your one and only? Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

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