Friday, October 28, 2011

UPDATE: Zaxby's Chamblee Finally Breaking Ground

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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12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've been waiting for the Zaxby's Chamblee to open. It will be nice for them to have another location since there aren't that many. I drive by the North Buckhead one every evening but don't stop because it's on the opposite side of the steet. Too much trouble getting back into traffic on Roswell Rd. At least with the Chamblee location there is a traffic signal for the location.

Anonymous said...

The contractor is going to have to work diligently if they're planning to have the facility constructed, employees hired & trained, and open by mid January.

Thanks for the updates Eli.

Cari said...

This area needs more REAL restaurants, not more fast food. Or even a Chipotle. We could totally use a Chipotle.

Anonymous said...

Cari: that area has non-chain Gallas within eye sight of the Zaxbys and the BBQ joint ("Since 1976...") yards from Gallas. What type of "REAL" are you looking for in that post-industrial Chamblee - BluePointe to relocate where the Red Lobster used to be?

Anonymous said...

Have you heard anything about the Shops of Brookleigh, just down the road from here?

Atlantan99 said...

Hello Anon,

According to a recent neighborhood meeting, the Shops at Brookleigh will no longer have a retail or restaurant component, just apartments.

Thanks for reading the blog and for the question.

Anonymous said...

Bad news about the Shops at Brookleigh. Oh well.

Anonymous said...

For what it's worth, starting a business as a restaurant in Chamblee seems to take much longer than in other cities. Not sure if it is because Chamblee is understaffed or reluctant.

Anonymous said...

This is excellent news! We need an alternative to Chick Fil A in Chamblee. Their social conservatism makes me lose my appetite. Zaxby's will have my business regularly starting on day 1!

Anonymous said...

Can anyone elaborate on a rumor I heard about potential redevelopment of Chamblee Plaza? Apparently a developer wanted to purchase the property but had difficulity working with the City of Chamblee and walked away from the deal. From what I head the CFA, IHOP, and D&D were going to stay, but the rest of that strip would be torn down. Any more info? Thanks.

Anonymous said...

Any update on this? The building is not finished, and is all fenced in. Scoop?

Atlantan99 said...

Yes, please see an updated story below...

http://www.tonetoatl.com/2012/03/peachtree-boulevard-has-to-wait-for.html

Thanks for reading!

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