Despite rumors that Apple would take the space, midtown's former The Grape at 999 Peachtree is becoming yet another sit down establishment. Empire State So is on schedule to open by spring 2010 and is expected to be another eatery jumping on the ever popular farm-to-table-style cuisine. Chef and owner Hugh Acheson may find Atlanta a little more fickle and competitive than Athens where he runs the successful Five & Ten and The National.Athens, with the University of Georgia and its thousands of students, and few quality sit down restaurants, provides a unique environment in which his other two concepts have thrived. Midtown Atlanta, more specifically the location he has selected for his new concept, may prove challenging. With limited parking and a lot of nearby competition, we wish him the best of luck given the state of the economy. You can rest assured there won't be a Repeat Atlanta Cafe anytime soon. Repeat Atlanta!
6 comments:
The news of Apple not coming to 999 Peachtree is disappointing but expected. The mass market retail 1010 Midtown/12th & Midtown was expected to bring just hasn't materialized yet. Maybe once the economy has picked back up (which could be many years, in my view) we will see some big name retail come to midtown. I think we have enough restaurants though...
The Apple rumors were related to the expansion and rebuilding of the ground level that would replace the plaza on the corner of Peachtree and 10th with new retail space. The restaurant locating in the existing retail space does not eliminate the possibility of Apple eventually locating in the building.
Jamestown has indicated that the expansion will only proceed when they have signed "flagship" tenants.
I agree with you on that being dependent on the overall economy turning around.
Haha I would love to know what would be on the menu at the Repeat Atlanta Cafe. :)
The Empire State So restaurant will actually take space at the rear of the building, opening onto the landscaped plaza between the office building and the parking deck. This leaves the front corner space open to other possibilities.
Speaking of Midtown retail, I'm surprised there is no mention on this blog of CB2 choosing to open a store in 12th & Midtown. This could be the first big domino to fall for Midtown since it is the first national retailer on Peachtree.
Anon,
CB2 coming to Midtown is very significant but as it was covered by numerous media the day it was announced, we did not do a story on it. Repeat Atlanta is dedicated to delivering the most up to date info BEFORE the masses find out. Had we known earlier, we would have done a story. Thanks for your interest in Repeat Atlanta!
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