Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Giant Kroger Expansion Planned for Embry Village, S&S Cafeterias in Jeopardy

Grocer proposing huge expansion. 

Cincinnati based Kroger is planning to significantly expand their presence at Embry Village shopping center on Chamblee-Tucker Road.  The store, currently just under 57,000 square feet, opened around 2001 (in place of a Winn-Dixie), having relocated from a a roughly 46,000 square foot space in nearby North Hills shopping center.  (A significant portion of the former Kroger is today leased to Big Lots, while a smaller portion, once home to the Velvet Room nightclub, today sits vacant.)  


The former Kroger at North Hills shopping center 

Kroger currently has about 200 stores in what it calls the "Atlanta" region.  

The current Kroger at Embry Village 
Kroger's plan is to roughly double the size of their store to 113,531 square feet, and to add fuel pumps (possibly as many as 18) to the property as well, according to a site plan recently presented to the community. The project represents a reportedly $20 million investment.   This expansion would be accomplished by consuming a large part of the existing center including, but not limited to, spaces currently occupied by a Post Office, Fantastic Sams, China Star (Chinese takeout), The UPS Store, Atlanta Health & Rehab (a chiropractic office), Rite Aid division offices (not the store itself), the former Joe Willingham State Farm, a barbershop, the former Motel 6, and, sadly, S&S Cafeterias. 
The former Motel 6 at Embry Village 
Kroger was proud to take credit for the motel's closure (which occurred this past December), but the neighborhood's pleasure was short lived when it was revealed that the S&S Cafeteria would fall victim to the expansion.  

S&S Cafeteria, a center mainstay since 1973, long before Kroger, is especially popular with older residents as well many local church groups. The restaurant is situated beside the former motel and behind Kroger.  


S&S Cafeterias started in 1936 with their first location in Columbus, Georgia. Today S&S Cafeterias operates five locations in Georgia (Chamblee-Tucker Road, Campbellton Road, one in Augusta and two in Macon), two locations in South Carolina (Charleston and Greenville), and one in Tennessee (Knoxville). 

I spoke to J.A. Smith IVPresident of Cafeteria Operations for Macon based Smith and Sons Foods, the Cafeteria's parent company.  Mr. Smith lamented that "we don't have the money to take on Kroger." Smith was complimentary of the Embry Hills community that has supported his family's restaurant since 1973.  "We have lots of loyal customers and we love every one of them." Although indications previously led me to believe the S&S would be forced from their space in September, Smith indicated he believed the timeline would be closer to the end of the year and possibly not until early 2017, given the holiday season.  "We are gonna ride it to the last minute...'till they have a bulldozer at our door," said Smith of the closure timeline.  
The former Camille's space that was reportedly offered to the S&S
The S&S has reportedly been offered at least two other spaces within Embry Village (the former Camille's Sidewalk Cafe and the former Azalea Bridal) but each is less than half the size of the current 9,325 square foot restaurant.  The restaurant's current lease reportedly runs through June.   It was mentioned at last week's neighborhood meeting that Mr. Smith had considered a smaller version S&S in the past, and that perhaps the Embry Village location could become that "concept" location.  Smith indicated he had "no comment" as to what plans he may have for if/when his restaurant is forced to vacate their space.  

If the cafeteria does close, it would be especially painful for those Atlantans who still favor cafeteria dining given the recent closure of Piccadilly's North Druid Hills location.  

Kroger plans to demolish and rebuild the store, so that it can be rebuilt into what one Kroger employee called a "Marketplace" store. Kroger Marketplace is a  large-scale Kroger introduced in Columbus, Ohio in 2004 and in CarrolltonGeorgia in 2013.  

In Carrollton, the company renovated and expanded in phases a 70s "Greenhouse" Kroger like the former store at North Hills.  The old store was just under 50,000 square feet and was enlarged to create the 113,351 square foot Marketplace store, a 64,000 square foot expansion. (The current size of the Carrollton store is nearly identical to the proposed size of the Embry Village location.)  
A Kroger Marketplace store 
According to a source at Kroger, any store in excess of 113,000 square feet is designated a "Marketplace" store. Marketplace stores offer a greater variety of specialty products, sections of toys, appliances, home furnishings, and bed and bath items and often contain a Fred Meyer Jewelers store, Starbucks, drive-thru pharmacy and an in-store bank. A Kroger can reportedly be a Marketplace store even if it does not have all of the above listed amenities and product offerings.  

(How great could those ads be: "No, he didn't go to Jared. HE went to Kroger!") 

Kroger has been on a growth spurt lately, having expanded both their Brookhaven (now 81,718 square feet) and Decatur (now 109,773 square feet) stores, with plans to expand their Sandy Springs store in Fountain Oaks shopping center soon.  

In addition to the stores above, Kroger recently opened new Marketplace stores in Athens (123,000 square feet), Gainesville (more than 123,000 square feet), and Savannah (about 125,000 square feet.) 

In June, Kroger plans to open a new 109,000 square foot Kroger "Bountiful" in Glenwood Place. The store will be very similar to the renovated/expanded store in Decatur, but will be just shy of "Marketplace" qualifications.  Later in the year, Kroger will open a new 82,000 +/- square foot store in Lindbergh Place, the new center being built near Lindbergh Drive and Piedmont Road.  Also later in the year, a 120,000 square foot Kroger Marketplace store will open in Cartersville and  replace an aging and much smaller Greenhouse store nearby.  

Other Marketplace stores are in the works in Snellville, Dawsonville and Loganville.   

I contacted Glynn Jenkins, Director, Communications & Public Relations for Kroger, regarding the planned expansion at Embry Village.  Jenkins offered no confirmation saying only  "I have no information confirming the expansion of the Kroger Embry location to a Marketplace store."  Jenkins added that it is the offerings of a Kroger that determine its classification as a Marketplace store, not its square footage. When I reasoned that a store's size would allow for its expanded offerings, and likely Marketplace qualification, Mr. Jenkins refused further comment.  

A neighborhood meeting was held this past Tuesday to present and discuss the plans (mandatory per DeKalb County Zoning Code prior to filing for re-zoning or Special Land Use Permit) and was hosted by Kroger, its attorneys, and Kimco, the shopping center's owner.  

Kroger must get a SLUP for the construction of the Fuel Center planned to be built near the current SunTrust Bank.  Zoning approval of the fuel center is reportedly a pre-condition to building the new Kroger.

The Post Office and other businesses to the left of Kroger that would be displaced 
Zoning must be changed from O&I (vacant offices near S&S and old motel) to C-1.  Kimco reported having offered the Post Office, barbershop, Rite Aid Regional Office, The UPS Store and China Star alternate space "on the hill" (the property in front of Kroger, near Goodyear and behind Galaxy Diner (this space deliberately has not been leased for that reason).  
The plan 
The new store would have 568 parking spaces, which would be both wider and deeper than the current spaces, news that seemed to please many of those in attendance.

If the plan progresses as intended, existing tenants affected by the new store would start to move in May or June, with construction expected to begin in September.  There will reportedly be a three month period during which neither Kroger store is open.  The idea of a mobile trailer for pharmacy patrons was mentioned as an alternative during this time.  A separate Kroger source indicated to me that current corporate project timelines indicate the new store is "on the calendar" for a third quarter 2017 opening.  

The Kroger expansion would also come with overall improvements to both the exterior and landscaping of the center.  
The former liquor store property has reportedly seen interest from at least two food service operations 
Although not publicly announced, Waffle House and Dunkin' Donuts are both said to be interested in the property currently occupied by the old liquor store near Planet Fitness.  I've thus far been unable to confirm that a lease has been signed, likely due, at least in part, to other tenants wanting to know the new Kroger is happening before signing their own new lease. 

It is speculated that Mr. Cue's, a popular pool hall, RiteAid and Planet Fitness, will all remain in the center.  (This could change, given rent is likely to increase across the board following the improvements to the center.) 

What are your thoughts on Kroger's plans at Embry Village? Where would you like to see S&S Cafeterias reopen?  Have you been to a Kroger Marketplace store, and if so, what were your thoughts?

Please share your comments, suggestions and or gripes below.  

63 comments:

Anonymous said...

Does this area (or any other area) actually need a Kroger of 113,000+ sq. ft. with 500+ parking spaces?

Anonymous said...

Wow, I had no idea Embry Hills was such a happening area. This *sucks*. Just ate at the S&S, a southern institution, and a place where you can sit back and relax without being nagged by servers.

Really wish that Mr. Cue would go away and S&S could move over there. There'd probably also be room for S&S at the North Hills shopping center, but their octogenarian followers likely have an easier time navigating the current location than North Hills. In any case, I hope the local residents force Kroger to help relocate S&S.

Interesting that WH and DD are interested in the old liquor store (which I'm pretty certain was a Boychik's Deli in the early 80s). I'm just not sure there's enough traffic there to support either. DD already had the prime location that is now Tracy's Pharmacy.

~mindspringyahoo

Anonymous said...

IT may be a little out of your foot print, but Kroger is relocating a store in Cartersville GA to a new site on Main Street.

The new site involves reworking the land around the new store and it appears that the new store will have strip stores as well.

Ham said...

Obviously Kroger’s desire to expand and make more money has little to do with maintaining some of the unique nature of this center. The S&S Cafeteria is one of the few remaining cafeterias that seem to be actually doing well. I only eat there on an occasional Sunday with friends, but they are obviously very busy during those times. I wish Kroger could understand the value of maintaining a merchant like S&S and maybe make some concessions to allow them to reopen in a reasonable location at Embry Village.

Also, what if any difference might the recent cityhood votes have made in these decisions? Would the City of Tucker or the failed Lavista Hills been more sympathetic to the plight of S&S than DeKalb County might be?

Anonymous said...

I hate to tell you; but, that S&S will not be missed. Check their health inspections, and you will think twice about going there. Perhaps they could keep a new location more clean.

ImAndy said...

You guys are missing the larger point. They could have closed this store and left it empty with very few retailers willing to take over a store that size and built elsewhere. There are a lot of redevelopment opportunities in this immediate area. This center could have been an absolute ghost town as Planet Fitness was suddenly the centers anchor tenant. But instead they chose to invest in the current space something few would ever do. This is sad for S&S but hopefully they can go elsewhere. Would somebody just give them the Steak and Ale building???

Ham said...

While S&S may not be everyone’s favorite place, but it does have a pretty big following. Also, for what is worth, many of us have some level of emotional attachment to some restaurants. Remember for many people dining out isn’t always about the food, but abut the people you share it with.

As for me I’m not angry about Kroger redeveloping the center and applaud them for investing in this community. However, it seems they could build a lot of goodwill and lose very little financially by helping S&S find options to stay in that center.

Anonymous said...

I'm surprised Kroger wants to put that much money into Embry Hills. I don't get it. I'll probably shop there some even though I never buy meat, dairy or deli products at any Kroger.

That's just wrong they are taking the S&S spot. They should take the Rite Aid Store - their prices are so high.

I love all the details in this article. Great reporting.

Anonymous said...

I used to live in the Montage next door: relatively expensive apartments whose residents could support a bigger Kroger. I just hope they expand the parking lot. The plans seem to indicate that they will. That's the biggest problem in that shopping center: never enough parking on the Kroger side.

Anonymous said...

Does this area (or any other area) actually need a
Kroger of 113,000+ sq. ft. with 500+ parking spaces?

For people in Tucker the two other closest Kroger stores (on Lawrenceville Hwy. and LaVista) are their "working class" models (not a lot of selection, particularly in deli, bakery, meat, wine, produce). Their closest "hipster/elitist" store is (arguably) at Toco Hills. I think this store will attract wealthier patrons from the Tucker area.

(Labels for the types of Kroger stores are my own)

Anonymous said...

I'd think that this means that it's highly unlikely that Kroger will be moving from Montreal Rd to the Sears lot at Northlake (a possibility that was bandied about previously). Seems like there'd be no point in having two deluxe, gas station Krogers so close to each other.

~mindspringyahoo

misangela said...

I am THRILLED to hear that Kroger is expanding at Embry Hills. I am on the other side of C-T in Tucker and I shop at the Tucker Kroger, but I'll happily drive over to Embry Hills for a larger Kroger with better parking - AND GAS! We currently drive to Decatur to get gas. (The reason they don't have it at Tucker is the Shell station owner that refuses to sell. And that station is GHETTO. Ick.)

S&S may be an "institution", but it's also old and gross. Moving them would be the best thing, but that is up to S&S. There are plenty of open spots on that property as well as the other center on the other side of 285. Kroger's expansion is good for the community. If S&S wants to stay, they'll find a way.

This area has become somewhat run down in the last coupla decades, but as the old people die out, young people are moving in. The beautiful mid century homes and nice yards are a big draw for young people starting out. Decatur is maxed out and too expensive to buy in. The close suburbs of Chamblee and Tucker are perfect. Just look as house sales.

Getting a really nice new kroger is a wonderful thing.

Anonymous said...

Will this be in the "new" Chamblee?

Anonymous said...

There is not going to be a "new" Chamblee. Thank God.

Anonymous said...

For people in Tucker the two other closest Kroger stores (on Lawrenceville Hwy. and LaVista) are their "working class" models (not a lot of selection, particularly in deli, bakery, meat, wine, produce). Their closest "hipster/elitist" store is (arguably) at Toco Hills. I think this store will attract wealthier patrons from the Tucker area.

Wow, you folks detest anyone below your perceived class level.

Anonymous said...

The poor elderly are dying off and forced out so no need for S&S

Make room for the high class places because we have so much disposable income laying around our to mansion homes.

No room for S&S when a GOLDMINE awaits.

Anonymous said...

1. Embry Hills isn't very close to Northlake, so an "elite" Kroger (never thought I'd use those two words together) could probably be supported at both locations. Northlake/Oak Grovers don't drive to Embry Hills, and I don't think Kroger would be a draw from that side of town.

2. Note on Chamblee - Chamblee is the new "hot spot" for developers, like Brookhaven was 7+ years ago. I think that's what the poster meant by the "new" Chamblee. That would be great.

3. You guys shouldn't deride the Embry Hills area as "not able" to support an "elite" grocery. Great neighborhoods that are just now being discovered by those who don't want to pay the home prices in Oak Grove/Northlake. My guess is that Embry Hills is going to be a hot spot in the next few years, so this could be an investment by Kroger. Good things are happening in the area, Tucker, Northlake, etc.

4. S&S is geared to an older clientele, and with that population getting smaller in the area, I imagine that S&S will move further out in the suburbs as younger families move into Embry Hills.

Anonymous said...

This is crazy! Kroger doesn't need to expand to that degree and the idea of such a mega grocery store that sells everything under the sun makes my blood run cold! I wouldn't want to fight the crowds in 500+ spaces! As far as S&S goes, they should stay! Trust me when I say, you'll miss it if it's gone and I've driven out of my way to eat there. Fine dining? No, but they are consistent and have a loyal following that won't have anything to substitute if they are forced to close. Upgrade the Kroger but don't destroy the community!

Anonymous said...

the EH Kroger is only about 2.25-2.5 miles from Sears. I don't think that's very far, and a lot of Northlakers do go to the EH Kroger (we used to sometimes do EH Kroger, sometimes N'lake Kroger or Publix). If you're in Oak Grove, I'd think that you'd go to the Toco Kroger.

Hard to know what will happen with S&S. The property owners are working with them a bit, but they don't control everything.

I'm pretty sure this is all part of the annexation area into Chamblee.

~mindspringyahoo

Anonymous said...

S&S is for blue hairs, elite Kroger is for us blue bloods. We have the disposable income and we demand attention upscale venues, top shelf services, etc, et al.

Anonymous said...

I just think Kroger has poor quality meats and deli items. That's why I don't do all my shopping there. I agree in that I really not thrilled with a huge Kroger.

As for Embry Hills I wish a liquor store would open again. I do hope all this development helps the Jersey Mikes get more business. Their subs are awesome.

Surprised that the Fountain Oaks Kroger is getting bigger. It is already a great store but it's never that crowded from what I can see.

CJA said...

When we moved here in 1996 we used to eat at the S&S, but as time went on, after a few years, the food quality declined so far that we stopped - the last time was a long time ago, and the cleanliness was frankly awful (and based on comments up thread has not improved). They've been offered some alternatives (and likely will continue to have offers while the process plays out), but I would absolutely hate to see this new and in my opinion fantastic opportunity to have a very nice and forward thinking Kroger derailed for the S&S. To demolish the trashy motel, and finally get some life in the shopping center again in some of the out parcel buildings (that have been empty for so long), will be a huge improvement, not to mention having the wider parking lot and an opportunity to use Kroger fuel points if desired.

Anonymous said...

I will say.....some readers have a good point....Kroger gets points for not abandoning their space.

countrymouse said...

First, we are a YOUNG family--not "old folks"---and we LOVE eating at S&S! It is a tradition in our family, and we've taken our kids there to eat out since they were little (they're teens / college age now) and they LOVED it! "WE" loved the family-friendly prices---a dinner at Cracker Barrel or even Golden Corral could easily run to $80 for our family of five, as opposed to half that at S&S, for VERY GOOD FOOD. I have no idea what the problem is with the person who thought it was "gross"--maybe because it's not Starbucks? Or one of the downtown eateries? If I wanted that, I'd GO there. S&S is always clean, the service is always good, the food is always wonderful. Once this S&S closes the ONLY ONE LEFT in Atlanta will be in a rather high-crime area, and one that is too far away for our family on the northside to go anyway. And though I shop at Kroger (not this one), --are they CRAZY? We already HAVE Wal-Mart---WHY is Kroger trying to be a "Wal-Mart Redux"? When I go grocery shopping, I want to go GROCERY shopping--not toy shopping, furniture shopping, or whatever else shopping. Has Kroger never heard of "Jack of all trades, MASTER OF NONE"? KEEP TO WHAT YOU DO WELL, KROGER--GROCERIES---AND LEAVE OUR S&S ALONE!!!

Unknown said...

Great and thoroughly researched article, with only one criticism from me- You mention 'Great Clips' when you actually mean 'Fantastic Sam's'. ;-)

AJ said...

I like big grocery stores with a large selection of items, prepared foods, etc. I don't like grocery stores with jewelry stores inside, clothing stores inside, etc. I was in a Kroger Marketplace in Savannah and was turned off. I don't need that stuff in a grocery store. Kroger Marketplace seems like a good idea for smaller cities that don't have as many options, but in larger cities (like Atlanta), there are Targets and WalMarts all over the place. I assume Kroger wants to compete with them. It's just too much for my grocery shopping. Give me the large Publix at 285 and Cumberland in Vinings and I'm happy. That's a large store that just sells groceries. I don't need anything more in the store.

Anonymous said...

@countrymouse

Agree completely and I doubt these people trashing S&S have ever set foot in the restaurant. Even if they have, I don't know what they can see in the way of uncleanliness Their noses are so far up in the air, they can't see what is in front of them let alone enjoy a good meal.

Anonymous said...

To AJ: That Publix is their best performing store in Atlanta and one of the best in the region. All the employees have been there forever so it must also be a good place to work. It is a top notch store.

I always choose Publix over Kroger because it is just cleaner. It is more expensive but I am willing to pay a little more for a clean environment, especially if shopping for food.

TheJohnP said...

I am excited about the potential expansion of the Embry Hills Kroger, as I can walk to it. I often wondered why they didn't take over the "no name" gas station up the hill (formerly Marathon and various brands before that) and turn that into a Kroger Fuel Center.

My hope with the larger footprint is they bring in the Murray's Cheese Counter like in Brookhaven. That would be so amazing.

Anonymous said...

Kroger may be purchasing The Fresh Market so who knows what is in store.

Anonymous said...

I always pick Publix over Kroger too!!!

Anonymous said...

One day Publix will be under the gigantic Kroger corporate umbrella. Kroger seems to be gobbling up the entire struggling to survive grocery industry.

Anonymous said...

I live in the Embry Hills subdivision and am ecstatic that we are not only getting a new Kroger, we are getting an entire face lift for Embry Village! I've shopped at the Kroger in Decatur and it is amazing! S&S should work with Kroger to get into a smaller space or move over to North Hills. North Hills could use the tenant and they could go into an old restaurant space next to Big Lots.

We miss the old liquor store at Embry Village, but there is a new liquor store in North Hills whose owner is very community friendly and will even order items you want if he doesn't stock it. It's called Chamblee Liquor.

Anonymous said...

You are right on the money about S & S's health dept. restaurant inspection scores. AWFUL! These low scores and the basis for the scores, often rated as "3" which is critical" have been a part of S & S for a very long time. Many people I know aren't bothered by this however, when there are roach/rodent issues, employees not wearing gloves when handling food items, and even worse which I won't list here, I prefer to dine at an establishment that maintains cleanliness, passes inspections with high scores... just my preference... to each his own.

TontoTrails said...

"unique nature of this center"? It's a strip mall.

Anonymous said...

Kroger needs to remodel and renovate the stores on Lavista, Buford @ Clairmont, Redan and Wesley Chapel. They all have that old fashion look and feel!

Anonymous said...

Reading all these comments about how good the S&S was, I'm kind of surprised this many old people know how to use the internet.

Anonymous said...

Bring it on! I love everything about it. Community-minded development... wish it could happen faster. Above all, thank you for getting rid of the Motel 6. S&S, take advantage of the opportunity to move close by, start fresh, and continue to serve your loyal patrons (and maybe even some new ones) — especially if Kroger/Kimco is offering to help. Change is not always bad, and clearly you have the support to keep your business running. Take that as a sign.

Anonymous said...

I have lived in the area since 2003 and am thrilled to see Kroger wanting to stay and make the entire shopping center better. Right now I avoid Kroger at Embry Hills because of the parking, the cramped store and generally feeling like there is too much stuff in too little of a space. I think getting rid of the motel and some of the empty space in the center is good for the community and will increase property values, with better quality shopping. I too have eaten at S & S and have fortunately not run across the issues cited by others regarding cleanliness, etc. I would suggest that S & S ought to seriously consider moving to North Hills shopping center and they would remain in the area, but maybe move to a bigger and cleaner space!

Anonymous said...

hey 3:10, the true retro-hipsters eat at S&S, not like the poser retro-hipsters flocking to overpriced slop at PCM.

Anonymous said...

I just want better food, organic food, and a larger selection. Not toys and appliances (who would buy an appliance at Kroger?... I don't even buy meat at Kroger...).

Kroger has been doing better with organic sections and craft beer selection recently. That's what we need, not a Walmart...

We could use some better restaurants in the area, and a drive-through Starbucks - great location near the highways...

Glad to see the development, but hopefully they tweak plans a bit.

Anonymous said...

This is awesome news for this area! We live in Embry Hills directly behind Embry Village and love this area. Both of us are physicians and have lived in Midtown and Buckhead and now can't imagine living anywhere else. We have a lake house in Milledgeville and Kroger built this type of store there and it is amazing! And as one reader said, Kroger could have abandoned this site and left it vacant to build somewhere else. They will have many more parking spaces and are relocating other businesses within the site. S&S has been offered other space in the village, and although smaller, it could work. Zaxby's which just opened across the street doesn't open any of their restaurants without scrutiny and knowing they will succeed. Also as far as competing with a Kroger at Northlake mall, keep in mind Kroger and Publix are right next door to each other in Ansley and both are super successful. DD may have been in the Tracy's building and left, but that was long ago and times have changed! For Kroger and others to see value in this area is so awesome. With all of the diversity, so many people moving to this area and traffic, I applaud Kroger for making an investment in Embry Village. If, for some reason, you don't like the plans, you don't go to this Kroger, or you won't go to the new one, that is perfectly fine as there are so many options for you. However, for so many of us this is exciting, amazing and so welcomed!

Disneypal said...

This is where I do the majority of my grocery shopping. I think the store is perfectly fine the way it is. I really don't have a problem with them expanding but I don't see a true need for it.

I love Fantastic Sam's and will be upset if it is forced out of the Embry Hills (I didn't read that they were offered a spot in the area behind Galaxy Diner).

Plus, S & S is a true staple. I would be so disappointed to see if leave Embry Hills - I hope they do remain in Embry Hills, even if the restaurant is smaller.

Anonymous said...

"Progress" will happen no matter what. I just hope S&S survives whether at current local or elsewhere. S&S is truly "family!" How 'bout at Chamblee Plaza?? Plenty of room! :)

Anonymous said...

I've always called the Buford-Clairmont Kroger the MexiKro.

Anonymous said...

I would like to see Kroger embrace the spirit of our community by including S&S within their space at its present location. They were there first,and we love them.Why do you have to tear down what works for us?

Anonymous said...

2. They are talking about the Chamblee annexation that was proposed by Lavista Hills area residents. http://brookhavenpost.co/proposed-chamblee-annexation-draws-from-former-lavista-hills-area-but-is-it-feasible/37456/

Anonymous said...

Please stop with the negative comments about this expansion. It's long overdue. The area is changing and getting younger with higher incomes moving in. Sorry, but S&S didn't change with the times. If they had then they'd be able to keep up. It's called business. This Kroger is GREAT for the area and very much needed. I can't wait. It's sad that the older people can't come to grips with how their area is changing and improving. You should be grateful and happy.

Anonymous said...

I eat at S&S. It needs to go. It's past it's prime. If the business had been managed properly it would have been able to survive this and adapt to the changes in the area. Higher incomes are moving in. This area is preparing for redevelopment. The location right on the perimeter is a developer's dream, especially as other parts of Atlanta continue to rise in price. I love this area! So convenient, but the stores around are not up to par. I shouldn't have to go all over the place just to get decent food and avoid shady, old businesses. Sorry older people, but you'll be gone soon.

Anonymous said...

if S&S leaves there will be no place close by to get a home cooked meal for so many of us who work long, hard hours S&S was a place to run in and get a good home cooked meal quickly on way home or during lunch. if S&S leaves, there are only poor-nutrition, fast food drive through restaurants remaining in the Embry Hills area. Kroger must have a "we want to be Walmart" complex.

Anonymous said...

if Kroger pushes the Post Office out in Embry Hills, everyone would have to go to the big post office on Buford Highway (closest one to that center) and that post office is jammed. And if Kroger pushes S&S out I will not ever shop at a Kroger again. who does Kroger think they are, Walmart? if everyone in Embry Hills is now supposed to be a person earning above a certain income now, should all the older people in that neighborhood just be put to sleep at the veterinarian since many of the comments are from obvious cold hearted who have no idea what it is like to grow older and have facilities you count on removed in the name of expansion. I will let all the people at the local churches know that Kroger wants retirees to move away/get out since that is pretty obvious.

Old man said...

The Kroger is becoming a Walmart. I do not buy groceries at a Walmart and will avoid this marketplace Kroger for a smaller grocery store.

Anonymous said...

The existing Kroger is subpar. Parking is atrocious. Now we will not have to drive to Publix at Northlake or Tucker. This area is underserved by businesses and amenities. Want to go out to eat, well you have the lovely choice of Moe's, Zaxby's, S&S, and other lousy establishments. Maybe with the growth of Kroger we will get development serving the changing demographics.

Old man said...

If the Kroger is going to be so large maybe it will have a restaurant inside the store. That would be perfect for the changing demographics.

Nayhere44 said...

Excellent post!! I have eaten at S&S for 26yrs. approximately 2x a week due to working in the area. I use to go to the one on pleastant hill rd. until they closed that location years ago. I dont want fast food. I am 55 years old. If krogers do not help out S&S I will give my business to Publix.

Anonymous said...

S&S just failed health inspection. They don't need to "keep up with the times", just at least try and keep their food safe to eat. Never understand why someone would want to eat at a restaurant where their health inspection scores are consistently low. Won't miss it a single bit!

Old man said...

S&S will be relocating. The official announcement will be coming soon. The new demographic haters can enjoy dining at the Kroger restaurant.

Old man said...

Last day July 10, 2016.

Unknown said...

I understand some employees bought the store contents n will open a cafeteria close by soon. It will not b a s & s. I'll b a regular customer.

Unknown said...

I understand some employees bought the store contents n will open a cafeteria close by soon. It will not b a s & s. I'll b a regular customer.

Anonymous said...

The whole complex feels busy to me, so I hope they streamline a bunch of it when rebuilding. I don't do more than pick up incidentals at the current store, as I prefer to jot over to Northlake Publix, but maybe with a revamp, I'll be going to this shopping center more often.

Generally the whole area over there seems "off" to me somehow, and while it doesn't scream the need for an update, it certainly murmurs it.

As far as the S&S, having never eaten there, I can't speak to the value it brings. However, I am not a big fan of big-chain restaurants, so I hope that some "mom and pop" eateries, or small-chain stuff like this, still have a healthy presence. I hope Aweful House ends up being a no-show.

Anonymous said...

Someone posted it will be in 2018 before the new store will be open. The old store will remain open until the new one is ready. That was posted on here someplace.

Anonymous said...

"That area" is a busy I-285 interchange surrounded by middle to upper-middle income neighborhoods. The demographics, density of population, and drive by traffic is certainly strong enough to support the Kroger expansion and upgrade. Home values are increasing and the community is filled with a diverse mix of educated citizens who fully support local endeavors. The Embry Village shopping center is obviously in need of a complete overhaul and repositioning - it unfortunately suffers from bad management and deferred maintenance. The management nor Kroger nor the county fully understand the economics of the area or they would be readily leading the charge. It is their under-investment in the area that has stagnated their own growth.

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