Thursday, June 24, 2010

Barcelona, The Restaurant, Coming Soon to Inman Park

I received confirmation late last night that Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant will open in the recently closed Zaya Restaurant in Inman Park. Barcelona Wine Bar & Restaurant is based in Connecticut, with six locations across the state. Atlanta will be the restaurant groups first expansion outside of their home state, and the opening is planned in about 6 to 8 months. I had called the restaurant group a "chain," but Barcelona co-founder Andy Pforzheimer corrected me, saying "each of our restaurants has a completely different look, different menus, different music, a different crowd completely." I'm hopeful this uniqueness, a non "cookie-cutter" approach, will appeal to the intown crowd.

I'm told that the wine bar of Barcelona is quite nice, but that the Spanish tapas are really what sets the place apart. A Barcelona representative told me that they looked at The Grape space next door but were beaten out by its current tenant. While little else is known locally about the concept at this time, executives of the chain have spent time in Atlanta's dining scene and had been looking for an Atlanta location for some time. Scott Lawton, Barcelona's Director of Operations, graduated UGA and the Art Institute, spent time at Chops, the Atlanta Fish Market and McKendrick's Steakhouse. Adam Halberg, Barcelona's Executive Chef, also graduated the Art Institute and spent time at La Grotta Ristorante Italiano. Expect more on this story in the coming weeks and months, as it's likely work will begin shortly. ToNeTo Atlanta


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6 comments:

Carl said...

I continue to be blown away by ToNeTo Atlanta's ability to get the scoop! Thank you. I'll be interested to see the Barcelona concept launch.

Atlantan99 said...

Thanks Carl! I'm glad to hear you enjoy ToNeTo Atlanta. I too will be interested to see how this new concept turns out in our fair city.

In search of intriguing ideas, restaurants, bars and events said...

Thanks for the glimpse into the future. I follow the restaurant business in Atlanta and it's nice to know what's going to happen. Barcelona sounds like a good addition to the Inman Park mix.

honesttruth said...

I am from CT and frequent 2 of the Barcelona's frequently. My wife and I love them. The food is always fresh, and if something isn't available at the best possible quality, it is taken off the menu. They also have a cook book for sale and do "cook the book" cooking classes at their restaurants. It is an amazing place and Atlanta will be lucky to get one.

Anonymous said...

Hello everone-

I just wanted to let you know that I work for Barcelona and can attest to the amazing food and wine selction that sets them apart. Yes, each location is different with their own great employees, chefs backgrounds, clientele and vibe. Atlanta is going to be a great location as the concept is a great fit for the wonderful people there. Look forward to meeting all of you.

Anonymous said...

honesttruth..which ones do you visit? I worked in SoNo

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