Cuerno gets trampled in the Running of the Bulls! Closing Sunday at 905 Juniper

U Restaurants Cuerno eatery will close this Sunday after never achieving the sales figures necessary to remain open. A contemporary Spanish eatery, Cuerno was never the hit that founder Riccardo Ullio had envisioned when he opened it in January of 2008. Located at 905 Juniper in midtown, its sister restaurant Beleza next door will remain open for now but its future is in question by many with Cuerno's closure. The one successful eatery for Ullio appears to be Fritti, still a favorite in Atlanta and thought of by many as having the best pizza in the city. A few doors down, Chocolate Pink Pastry Cafe is open but is for sale. However, if a sale is not made soon, the store may have to go unsold and close! Repeat Atlanta!

Lenox Square 'bout to get up in yo' grill! Lenox Square Grill Opening Soon!

CentraArchy, a local restaurant company, is launching a new eatery at Lenox Square. Opening in the space that once housed The Clubhouse eatery, Lenox Square Grill will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and is scheduled to open later this fall. CentraArchy also operates the Tavern at Phipps along with New York Prime at Monarch Plaza and a number of other eateries around the southeast. Though Repeat Atlanta originally received word that The Grand Luxe Cafe would open in the same space, the economy seems to have cut some locations for the chain, a new concept by its parent company, The Cheesecake Factory. SIMON also has been making a push for local businesses to take space in its malls as national chains have curtailed expansion plans. Cutbacks have been especially visible in the luxury segment which has hurt Phipps more so, with a large amount of vacant space, most notably the closed GAP stores and the closed NIKETOWN. Repeat Atlanta!

Adrenalina Runs Out of Energy At North Point Mall

Adrenalina, a Florida-based water sports retailer has delayed its anticipated opening of its North Point Mall location what seems like indefinitely. Originally scheduled to be open last June, then delayed to Fall, then early 2009, then summer 2009, now...? Another location that was announced at the time the Atlanta store was first mentioned, the Plano, Texas location recently opened but the Atlanta location remain MIA from the Adrenalina website and has been removed from the North Point Mall website, previously listed as "Coming Soon." According to a representative from North Point Mall, Adrenalina is no longer opening. Though there may have been a number of factors that contributed to Adrenalina not opening, its highly possible that concessions and incentives offered to them from mall owner General Growth Properties fell through as a result of GGP's Bankruptcy filing. Repeat Atlanta!

Owners Behind Carpe Diem Seize Former Allegro Space

The former Allegro on Dutch Valley is said to be becoming a new concept from the people that have brought you Carpe Diem, Apres Diem, Carroll St. Cafe and Village Pizza Co. The new eatery is said to be in an "infancy stage" in terms of development but rumor has it they may opt for a second location for their Carpe Diem eatery. Another eatery is also planned for Buford Highway in an unknown location. Repeat Atlanta!

Phipps Plaza Debacle

On a recent trip to Phipps Plaza, I was shamefully treated by Simon Properties employees, Brown & Company Jewelers, and the Atlanta Police Department. ( Lower right: Asst. Director Public Safety Curtis A. Pulliam)

On my way to purchase a Theory suit from Saks, I decided to snap a photograph of the new retail space occupied by Brown & Company. I pulled out my iPhone to take a picture of the exterior of the store. The next thing I knew, someone from Brown & Company jumped up from her desk, ran out to where I was standing, and screamed at me. "What do you think you doing taking pictures of my store? What are those pictures for? You'd better stop taking pictures!" Stunned, I answered "for my personal use," not giving it a thought because it is something I had never been questioned for doing before. Suddenly, the police officer from within the store approached me in the same manner and said, "You better stop taking those pictures or I am going to arrest you!" At this point, my mouth had fallen to the floor in disbelief. I could not believe that I might be arrested for casually taking a picture in the mall. I asked why I couldn't take pictures, and the officer informed me that it was against mall policy. Still in disbelief, I asked to see the policy and informed both the police officer and the employee that I would delete the photos as soon as I saw the policy because I was unaware of it. Moments later, another Atlanta police officer, W. Crossen, approached me with SIMON employee (mall cop) Mathew Lewis. Officer Crossen demanded to see my ID. Meanwhile, mall cop Lewis radioed others about the situation. I told mall cop Lewis that I would gladly delete the photos upon seeing the policy. He informed me that he would be taking me to the posted policy. At this point, with my ID in the possession of officer Crossen, I was taken down the elevator to P2. On the elevator ride, mall cop Lewis said "We will be escorting you off the property immediately." Other mall shoppers were watching the entire ordeal on the elevator as well. We reach P2 and I was shown the policy. I was asked by mall cop Lewis how I came to the mall today, by MARTA or by car. I informed him that my friend had driven (Mark Edge), but had parked on P3. I then asked for each of their names. Crossen responded by saying "Here is my name tag, if you are even capable of spelling." After recording their names, mall cop Lewis exclaimed that it was taking too long for my friend to arrive. “This is taking too long. You are coming with us to the security headquarters.” As I sat there, Crossen asked that I give him my ID again. Lewis began to fill out paperwork as Crossen treated me like a common criminal asking absurd questions and belittling me. "Do you even have a high school diploma?" I informed Crossen that I was a GSU student. "Must not take much effort then to get accepted. What do your parents do anyway?" My Dad has been in the military for 23 years, I told Crossen. "They obviously didn't know how to raise you." At this point I was infuriated. I can't remember all of the derogatory and belittling statements made by mall cop Lewis and officer Crossen. Every other word included some smart comment calling me uneducated and stupid. I was then firmly asked by mall Cop Lewis to sign a document. I demanded to know what I was signing and said that I would require a copy. He said that a copy would not be made available and that I'd better sign it. At this point, officer Crossen demanded that I sign it or he would arrest me for non-compliance with authority.

Curtis A. Pulliam, SIMON Properties Assistant Director of Public Safety entered the room. He also demanded that I sign. As I look over the document, I notice that it has my Dad's name instead of mine, apparently because the ID I provided was my military ID with my father's name as well as mine. They did not even know whom they were detaining, but I am the one lacking a high school diploma! I continue reading to learn that I am banned from Phipps Plaza for a year (well, actually my Dad is). Finally, Pulliam makes a copy and I sign. I unlocked my iPhone, deleted the pictures I had taken, as Pulliam looked over my shoulder. Another mall cop snapped my picture. I grabbed my copy and headed for the car.

I am requesting a written letter of apology from SIMON Property Group and re-admittance to Phipps Plaza so I can continue to be a law-abiding citizen and once again stimulate the economy.

- Caleb J. Spivak

UPDATE: As of May 26th, 5:30 pm, Phipps Plaza General Manager, Dewayne Herbert called me on my personal cell phone to asses the situation. He apologized and made clear that the ban placed on me from admittance to Phipps Plaza would be removed.

Invitation only! Brown & Company Gold Party?

Brown and Company has taken what was once a museum of fine goods and made it more like the Buford Highway flea market. Opening in the space on the second level next to the American Cafe that was once Uncle Tai's and most recently was XDC Motorsports, the space had been empty since January. As the economy has plummeted, it seems that Phipps has been reduced to taking the approach of lower end malls and leasing to whomever. Giving free rent and or reduced rent to entice tenants to re-locate or open additional concepts in the mall is good for SIMON in the short run but will hurt the mall's reputation in the long run. Local concept Jedal, an Italian footwear store, opened a few weeks ago and is an interesting addition, but this Gold Store is pathetic! To have what amounts to a "permanent gold party" in a mall dedicated to luxury and exclusivity is foolish to say the least.

But wait, there's more! As many know, each story on Repeat Atlanta is accompanied by a photo that relates to the story, and recently we have been taking our own pictures on location. Keeping with this initiative, Repeat Atlanta's Repeatant was on location at Phipps Plaza on his way to shop at Sak's. He stopped by Brown and Company to take a quick picture and that's when the fun began. Expect a full report of what we are calling the 'Phipps Plaza Debacle' shortly! Repeat Atlanta!

Luxury Wing Loses First Wingman As Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic Closes!

Rachel Ashwell Shabby Chic has closed in the Luxury Wing of Lenox Square. After the company announced closures, it was only a matter of time before our local location bit the dust. One of the early announcements for the Luxury Wing when tenants were announced in early 2007, the store opened in the Fall of 2007. The website and all of its other stores are now closed for business though the Simply Shabby Chic line will continue to be sold at Target stores nationwide. For now, all we have is yet another empty space for SIMON to rent out to another shabby retailer. Repeat Atlanta!

Georgian Terrace Gala One For The Books

The Georgian Terrace Hotel had its Grand Re-Opening this past Thursday evening with burlesque entertainment Dames Aflame and Kingsized, as well as forties-inspired fashions from Atlanta's own Mychael Knight. (PR maven Liz Lapidus donned a Knight original for the evening.) First opened in 1911, the Georgian Terrace has hosted a wide variety of lavish events, most notably the 1939 "Gone With the Wind" movie premiere party. Currently the hotel is owned by Fremont Realty Capital and managed by Fairfax, Virginia-based Crescent Hotels & Resorts. After an extensive $11 million renovation, this classic hotel has been brought into a new era with the help of San Francisco-based The Puccini Group and boasts both a new signature restaurant , Livingston, and cafe, Mim's, both under the direction of the highly regarded Gary Mennie. Also included in the renovation were the addition of a third ballroom and board room. Although we were previously unaware of it, the hotel features a rooftop pool with spectacular views of downtown and midtown. Noticeably absent from the event were the "Real" Housewives of (the outskirts) of Atlanta, who have become ubiquitous at events in Atlanta. Overall a nice event to make sure this 326-guest room property remains on the mind of Atlantans. Repeat Atlanta!

Ann's Snack Bar, Home Of The "World Famous Ghetto Burger" For Sale!

Ann's Snack Bar owner Ann Price aims to have her eatery on the market by months end. After being named "Best Burger In The Country" by The Wall Street Journal's Raymond Sokolov, the eatery has been even busier if even possible considering she only severs eight people at a time. The wait to get one of her hand-crafted burgers can get to be as long as three hours on certain days. Located at 615 Memorial Drive in Kirkwood, if and when the sale is completed Ann has said she does not care what happens to the building. She is just tired, 37 years of making burgers one at a time, by hand have taken a toll on 63-year old Price. Repeat Atlanta!

WaterHaven Attempts World Domination By Taking Over The Globe In Tech Square

The Globe is gone, but in its place, WaterHaven, serving traditional American fare with a twist. Joe McCarthy, who previously was an executive at such restaurant chains as The Capital Grill and Longhorn has opened WaterHaven with executive chef Chris Lee at the helm. Featuring a farm to table style menu, WaterHaven sources as much of its food as possible, locally. The eatery also recycles all that they can and features recycled modular carpeting. Repeat Atlanta!

Sembler's TOWN Brookhaven In Jeopardy

Sembler, the St. Petersburg, Florida-based company behind such local projects as the Edgewood Retail District, Perimeter Place and Canton Marketplace is threatening to abandon its TOWN Brookhaven development if it does not get $51 million in tax breaks. Located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Georgia State's Brookhaven campus and Oglethorpe University and just a few miles north of Lenox Square mall, it has a prime location but apparently Sembler does not have the funds necessary to finish it. Truth is, Sembler and DeKalb County should be thanking the residents of North Druid Hills for mobilizing against their planned TOWN Briarcliff, a development that would have been more than twice the size of TOWN Brookhaven. Had that project also begun, the county might be looking at another huge expanse of dirt and perhaps Sembler’s hand out for another $100 million or so. Unfortunately for Brookhaven residents, the damage there has been done; hundreds of trees have been cut down and the project already underway. To stop now would have as bad, if not more of a negative impact on the neighborhood, than if it had been stopped before construction began. What's your opinion on the situation? Repeat Atlanta!

Local Franchisee Sets Her Sights On Vinings For Next Flying Biscuit

After the success of her new Sandy Springs location, Flying Biscuit franchise owner Barbara Juhan has her sights set on Vinings. Though the perfect location has yet to be located, she hopes to be open by late this year. Seemingly close to George McKerrow and Co.'s West Paces location, Juhan's targeted location is in or around Vinings Jubilee. Though time will tell where the location will be, one thing is for sure, Biscuits will be flying in Vinings soon! Repeat Atlanta!

Pure Taqueria Making A Splash in Former Inman Park Grape?

Pure Taqueria is said to be opening a new eatery in the space that most recently was home to The Grape wine bar but closed for "renovations" months ago. Said to be opening, that is, depending on who you ask. Many have their suspicions and assertions but it seems no one knows for sure, or if they do, they have yet to speak up. Our money is on Pure coming to fruition in the next month to 60 days. Repeat Atlanta!

Artmore Hotel Midtown Atlanta Opens After Extensive Renovation

Formerly the Best Western Granada Suites Hotel, the property recently reopened as the Artmore Hotel, a boutique hotel. Boutique Hospitality Management is still the management behind the property but it is no longer affiliated with the Best Western brand in any way. The hotel had its soft opening May 5th and has stayed below the radar amongst many in Atlanta. The hotel is located on West Peachtree, north of Arts Center MARTA station. Baker Barrios served as the architectural/interior design firm on the project. The boutique property is housed in a Spanish Mediterranean-style building that was originally constructed as luxury apartments in 1924. In an attempt to maintain the properties' individuality, Boutique Hospitality Management maintained a number of the unique features of the property such as archways, balustrades, columns and porticos. Repeat Atlanta!

What is Your Favorite FroYo in Atlanta? Yogurberry Whips The Competition!

Repeat Atlanta readers have voted the best FroYo in Atlanta to be:

1. Yogurberry [60%]

2. Yoforia [17%]

3. Freshens/TCBY Original [9%]

4. Fro What? [6%]

5. Juicy Green [An outstanding 0% yet 2 votes]

Make sure and vote for the best Boutique Hotel in ATL!

Sprouts Takes Root in Emory Village! Grand Opening: May 22nd

After quietly opening a few days ago, Sprouts Green Cafe will celebrate its Grand Opening May 22. Located in Emory Village on North Decatur Road, Sprouts Green Cafe was developed by entrepreneur Keith Gross, a jack of all trades who seems to have a hit on his hands with his latest creation. Earth tones and an actual tree slab functioning as a counter set the mood for this hip little eatery. Originally from Florida, Gross has owned and managed restaurants on both coasts, having now found a new home here in Atlanta. Even before his first Sprouts is officially open and before Emory is back in session, there are already plans for additional eateries to sprout up in Atlanta and other markets. Repeat Atlanta!

Au Bon (In) PAIN , Evicted From Downtown Atlanta Location

Au Bon Pain located at Ivan Allen Plaza is no more. Once one of a number of locations in Metro Atlanta, now only one remains at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Last week, the landlord ordered all material items out of the space and put onto the street. The eatery in the Southern Company building at the corner of Ivan Allen and West Peachtree was swarmed with freeloaders, entrepreneurs and every other type person eager to take what they could from the eatery's equipment and supplies.

Space Across From PARISH Leased To _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ?

The restaurant space across from PARISH on N. Highland Ave. is leased but is under wraps as to who is coming in. The space is said be leased to a local owner/operator that has several "unique, proven concepts all over Atlanta". Repeat Atlanta is usually on top of cases such as this but has turned up empty after searching for info. Our money is on Concentrics, but even its a long shot considering all the active projects they have underway between here and the Wit in Chicago. Got a tip? We'd love to hear it! Repeat Atlanta!

Holy Cow! Abattoir Awaits Illinois Exported Calf!

Abattoir, the fifth restaurant from Ann Quatrano and Clifford Harrison of Star Provisions is said to be opening next week, presumably May 19th. Among other things, the restaurant is waiting on its signature life size cow that will function as both its sign and logo. Abattoir is located adjacent to Star Provisions in the recently redeveloped White Provisions development. Abattoir's actual space is a former slaughterhouse. Said to be a "meat-centric" eatery, Abattoir promises to be the boldest concept from Star Provisions. While a Repeat Atlanta reader called for Abattoir to be added to the Deathwatch months ago, we're willing to give this calf a chance to become a cow. Repeat Atlanta!

Meehan's Public House Opening This November at 180 Peachtree

101 Concepts will bring its Meehan's Public House concept to downtown Atlanta this Fall. The first and only announced eatery taking space in the redeveloped Macy's downtown store on Peachtree Street, the eatery is said to be opening this November. This will be Meehan's third location, the other two being in Vinings and Sandy Springs. Earlier locations had been in both Brookhaven and Alpharetta but have since closed. 101 Concepts runs Food 101 in Sandy Springs and recently sold off its VaHi location to its chef, Ron Eyester. With limited bars of its kind in the downtown area, there's a good chance Meehan's will do well, though it would definitely benefit from other tenants in the redevelopment. Repeat Atlanta!

Aéropostale Takes Flight to Lenox Square!

Aéropostale will be opening later this summer in Lenox Square Mall. Taking numerous spaces on the lower level adjacent to Bloomingdale's including the shuttered Falcon's 365 space, Aéropostale looks to be similar in size to American Eagle's previous space across from Abercrombie and Fitch. This will be just their second location ITP, the first barely inside at Cumberland Mall. Aéropostale was created as a house brand by Macy's in the early 1980s. Separate Aéropostale stores were opened in 1987. Federated Department Stores acquired the brand through its acquisition of Macy's in 1994 before selling the brand in 1998. Aéropostale and American Eagle, which at Lenox is directly above the new Aéropostale store, appeal to the same teenage consumers. Repeat Atlanta!

III Forks and Cantina Laredo Terminal at Terminus 200?

Dallas-based Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc. had previously announced plans to bring their III Forks Prime Steakhouse and Cantina Laredo to Terminus 200 this year but those plans may be delayed if not dead. Calls to existing locations were met with wonder and confusion and no one had any idea that other locations were planned or announced for Atlanta. In their home base of Dallas, Consolidated Restaurant Operations, Inc. told Repeat Atlanta "they are coming, just not for a few years." To be honest, I'd be surprised to see them come at all: too many similar restaurants are struggling in the Buckhead area to justify 2 more coming online. III Forks looks like just another steakhouse and Cantina Laredo looks like Rosa Mexicano with a different name. No official word from Cousins, the developer of Terminus, or from Consolidated Restaurant Operations. Look for more on this story in the coming months. Repeat Atlanta!

Agnes & Muriel's in Buckhead: "Out of Business!"

A hand written sign tells the story, Agnes & Muriel's is closed, for good. After being purchased and relocated to Buckhead from Midtown, the eatery was never able to recreate what it had in its previous location nor was it able to woo its Midtown clientele up Piedmont to Buckhead. There has been talk that the owner's wife became pregnant and that may have played a part, but sadly, I believe instead that it was opened at the wrong time in the wrong location. Though the lease for the space was signed in November 2008, the store didn't open till February with few visible signs of what took them so long. While it would have been nice to have an alternative to J. Christopher's and The Flying Biscuit, unfortunately that wasn't in the cards. Repeat Atlanta!

Prickly Pear Taqueria Soon to Fix Midtown's Taco Drought

Prickly Pear will open late next week in Plaza Midtown and will feature a menu similar to Tin Lizzy's and slightly lower in price than The Original El Taco. The eatery is taking roughly half of the former Amore space: the space gives them a second level of "lounge style" seating. Prickly Pear will also have an entire wall of various tequilas on the main level bar. The eatery will feature some green aspects such as refurbished Delta Air Lines seats from a decommissioned Boeing airplane. They have also utilized lettering from old airport signage, the letters "P, P and T" to represent Prickly Pear Taqueria from the rebranding of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport years ago. All in all a nice addition to the neighborhood, and at a great price considering the economy. Repeat Atlanta!

DrewLewis Takes On The Universe (al) Gear Space!

DrewLewis, currently on West Peachtree in the bottom of the MidCity lofts, is relocating. Of all things, DrewLewis, is enlarging its offerings and also its space. Despite many retailers' grim forecasts for the next few months, DrewLewis is taking its concept to the next level with a new space after having launched early last year. Taking the closed Universal Gear space in the bottom on the Metropolis condos on Peachtree Street, the new 3000 s/f space is considerably bigger than their current location. Carrying lines such as Rogues Gallery, William Rast, Band of Outsiders and Paul Smith, the store will expand its selection of its existing lines while also adding others. The store will also begin to carry suits and additional accessories. Repeat Atlanta!

Back To Basics, Here To Serve Opening Second Noche

Tom Catherall of Here to Serve Restaurants, will open his 10th restaurant, Noche-Vinings, this May. Having tweaked the logo a bit, the new one reflects additions made to the new location. Tequila and Tapas Bar are now printed on the logo and it is a darker shade of blue. The 4350 s/f eatery is located in the popular Vinings Jubilee shopping center and will serve dinner nightly and offer lunch on the weekends. The bar is said to offer over 30 different tequilas and is sure to be a great addition. Noche-Vinings is set to open May 29. Repeat Atlanta!

Wanna Win? Brad Williford Wins First Repeat Atlanta Contest!

The Esperanza Atlanta T Giveaway has come to an end. Thanks to everyone who entered!!!

Though this was our inaugural contest, you can expect many more to come with a variety of prizes. In order to win the next contest, the only requirement will be to become a fan of ToNeTo Atlanta on Facebook. The winner will be chosen at random from the list of fans.

As always, thanks for reading, and be sure to check out ToNeToATLANTA.blogspot.com for your insider information on Retail, Properties, and Eateries of Atlanta & for your chance to Win future contests!

Brides May Have To Hope For Bargains Elsewhere As Filene's Basement Files For Chapter 11

Filene's Basement was sold April 22 to an affiliate of Buxbaum Group, a liquidating and consulting company based in Agoura Hills, Calif. Its owner of late had been Retail Ventures whose portfolio also once included Value City which it closed last year and currently DSW and a portion of both American Eagle and American Signature Furniture. The local Filene's once had an American Signature above it but it was closed late last year. They both had great locations in Lenox Marketplace, across from Phipps Plaza in the heart of Buckhead. Retail Ventures said before the sale it was selling Filene's for no proceeds after the chain experienced "significant liquidity problems.'' Its unknown if all stores will be closed as result of the bankruptcy filing, but I would not be surprised if all were closed. Repeat Atlanta!

Rock Bottom Brewery Bottoms Out In Buckhead

After months of speculation, Rock Bottom Brewery in Buckhead has closed. Though I originally thought the 05 Peachtree development construction would have killed them long ago, the brewery closed a couple weeks ago and will reopen in July as a Gordon Biersch. The building is now boarded is and there is to be a complete renovation of the space and new amenities added ahead of their reopening. Though Rock Bottom seemed to have a developed a niche clientele in the uber competitive Buckhead sub-market, Gordon Biersch is the growth brand and the parent company, so the decision to re-brand was made. This will he second Atlanta area location for Gordon Biersch, the first, on Peachtree in Midtown. Repeat Atlanta!