tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post1444178149867078263..comments2024-03-29T10:24:03.360-04:00Comments on Tomorrow's News Today - Atlanta: ToNeTo Atlanta Retail + Restaurant + Hotel DeathWatch Q1 2011Atlantan99http://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-905142578966334812011-04-18T14:17:37.058-04:002011-04-18T14:17:37.058-04:00Urban Pl8 seems to have found its niche catering t...Urban Pl8 seems to have found its niche catering to the paleo/CrossFit crowd. They boom at brunch and seem to do well at dinner, too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-90670129619498215632011-03-14T12:20:09.810-04:002011-03-14T12:20:09.810-04:00Abrigo in midtown appears to be closed. A friend w...Abrigo in midtown appears to be closed. A friend went by there a few times around dinner in the last few weeks and it was closed. A bad review from CL probably didn't help either.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-73042781461669590332011-02-16T16:11:13.029-05:002011-02-16T16:11:13.029-05:00Sadly it appears that Pho #1 on Buford Hwy has clo...Sadly it appears that Pho #1 on Buford Hwy has closed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-3035328717812413692011-02-11T16:02:20.548-05:002011-02-11T16:02:20.548-05:001.Borders has been on the brink of bankruptcy for ...1.Borders has been on the brink of bankruptcy for well over a year. We began pro actively marketing that space about a year ago - and I am pleased to say that we have been successful in landing a highly sought after replacement tenant. We have signed a lease with Aveda Institute for the Borders space. They will be opening mid to late summer. This is a real coupe for Brookwood Place and Aveda will be an amazing addition to our impressive line-up of tenants.<br />2. Taurus closed their doors in early 2009 (as did many restaurants all over the country) due to the impact of the recession. We successfully replaced them with Tuk Tuk, a new concept founded by one of Atlanta's premier restaurant operators. Further, Tuk Tuk was named one of Atlanta's Top New Restaurants in 2010. They are very successful in this location and an ideal replacement for Taurus. We feel privileged to have found such a great replacement for Taurus in such a short amount of time.<br />3. Wolfgang Puck has closed nearly all of their cafe locations (outside of airports) across the country. Their closure at Brookwood was not an isolated instance. Within 6 months, we were able to replace them with yet another strong restaurant, Baroni, a sister concept to the hugely successful Baroanda.<br />4. As you know Swoozies filed bankruptcy in 2009. They closed all of their locations across the country. Brookwood Place has been on their list of Top 10 stores to re-open at the direction of their new equity partner, Gart Companies, out of Denver, CO.. We are in negotiations now with them now.<br />Brookwood Place remains a very strong and viable retail location. Selig Enterprises, as a long term holder of real estate, remains committed to maintaining the highest standards in the leasing and management of its properties.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-33880339903337534122011-02-05T01:18:15.329-05:002011-02-05T01:18:15.329-05:00No, actually, I don't work in Retail. I guess...No, actually, I don't work in Retail. I guess I call things as I see them. <br /><br />What I have noticed, though is that the Belk at Phipps seems to be doing better than people thought it would. They have good collection of upscale brands like Lacoste, Tommy Bahama, and 7 For All Mankind to keep the Phipps clientele happy, so they're doing something right. TBH, I've never noticed much of a difference in that particular Belk from when it was a Parisian. <br /><br />In all honestly, I'm hoping that the Perimeter Bloomingdale's can get it's act together and not eventually close. <br /><br />Perimeter's already got Dillard's and Macy's to take care of the clientele that a Belk would serve, so to bring one there would be kind of redundant. I just suggested it so as to find a use for the empty space. <br /><br />On the other hand, while Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom are both upscale stores, I feel that they serve two different purposes. Bloomingdale's tends to cater to a younger, more urban and fashion forward clientele. It's what it's famous for. Nordstrom's offerings are a little more traditional and conservative. They tend to mostly have things that appeal more to people in their late 30's/early 40's and up, with a very small selection for younger-looking styles (in the men's dept. at least). I personally only really shop for shoes at Nordstrom and then buy clothes around the corner at Bloomingdale's.<br /><br />It's for these reasons that I think it would be a huge loss if Bloomingdale's at Perimeter closes. They just need to step up their game and give people a reason to go there.Treshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14349221214089476575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-81209129661720054252011-02-05T01:18:02.926-05:002011-02-05T01:18:02.926-05:00No, actually, I don't work in Retail. I guess...No, actually, I don't work in Retail. I guess I call things as I see them. <br /><br />What I have noticed, though is that the Belk at Phipps seems to be doing better than people thought it would. They have good collection of upscale brands like Lacoste, Tommy Bahama, and 7 For All Mankind to keep the Phipps clientele happy, so they're doing something right. TBH, I've never noticed much of a difference in that particular Belk from when it was a Parisian. <br /><br />In all honestly, I'm hoping that the Perimeter Bloomingdale's can get it's act together and not eventually close. <br /><br />Perimeter's already got Dillard's and Macy's to take care of the clientele that a Belk would serve, so to bring one there would be kind of redundant. I just suggested it so as to find a use for the empty space. <br /><br />On the other hand, while Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom are both upscale stores, I feel that they serve two different purposes. Bloomingdale's tends to cater to a younger, more urban and fashion forward clientele. It's what it's famous for. Nordstrom's offerings are a little more traditional and conservative. They tend to mostly have things that appeal more to people in their late 30's/early 40's and up, with a very small selection for younger-looking styles (in the men's dept. at least). I personally only really shop for shoes at Nordstrom and then buy clothes around the corner at Bloomingdale's.<br /><br />It's for these reasons that I think it would be a huge loss if Bloomingdale's at Perimeter closes. They just need to step up their game and give people a reason to go there.Treshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14349221214089476575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-70694793907772066412011-02-04T21:22:36.989-05:002011-02-04T21:22:36.989-05:00I drove by Saskatoon the last two nights and I can...I drove by Saskatoon the last two nights and I can also say all of the lights were off and no one was home. <br /><br />I think this one is gone for sure.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-4379119576854799162011-02-03T23:40:22.584-05:002011-02-03T23:40:22.584-05:00@Anon,
Yes, many occasions I will say great thing...@Anon,<br /><br />Yes, many occasions I will say great things about restaurants. Of late Farmburger, Grindhouse, Al's Cafe Agora and Varasano's come to mind as locally owned and operated small businesses I'm a fan of and have made readers aware. I don't get a kick out out of putting people on the DeathWatch and a aware how tough it is out there. I point out instances I see as foolish or ill-advised.Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-3225529062234998612011-02-03T23:38:01.216-05:002011-02-03T23:38:01.216-05:00@Tres,
Great idea! I think that might actually wo...@Tres,<br /><br />Great idea! I think that might actually work. Doubt it will happen, but very interesting possibility. Do you work in retail?Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-17591500076509855462011-02-03T22:02:20.511-05:002011-02-03T22:02:20.511-05:00Do you ever say anything nice about a restaurant? ...Do you ever say anything nice about a restaurant? are you just looking for businesses to fail? why dont you try & be a small business owner in this economy see if you can do any better!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-9574403459385672002011-02-03T15:27:30.529-05:002011-02-03T15:27:30.529-05:00I actually have a good idea in case the Bloomingda...I actually have a good idea in case the Bloomingdale's closes at Perimeter: I think Belk could move it's flagship there from Phipps. When you really think of it, Belk's store at Phipps is flagship only in the brands that particular store offers, but not so much in selection. Granted that it is their largest and best store in Atlanta, it isn't really full-line, as it lacks a Home section and even the Men's Department doesn't have Big and Tall, which seemingly every other Belk has. The Bloomingdale's at Perimeter has much more square footage (234,000) than Belk's store at Phipps (170,000). A move to Perimeter would allow Belk to have a location as nice and well-stocked as their main Flagship at SouthPark in Charlotte.<br /><br />So, now, you're probably thinking what's going to happen to Belk at Phipps? Well, this would be an EXCELLENT spot for Von Maur to come in. I think VM would be a better fit at Phipps than Belk, even though that store does a good bit of business. VM would bring Phipps' anchors back to it's upscale roots.Treshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14349221214089476575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-15662565378021704922011-02-02T21:07:54.136-05:002011-02-02T21:07:54.136-05:00@Lee
You are right! I got confused with all tho...@Lee <br /><br />You are right! I got confused with all those proposed malls / lifestyle centers. Heard anything bout Prospect Park lately or is it dead?<br /><br />Thanks for the comments and reading the blog!Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-72437517897289173812011-02-02T21:06:13.580-05:002011-02-02T21:06:13.580-05:00@thejohnp,
Yes, the Restoration Hardware closed a...@thejohnp,<br /><br />Yes, the Restoration Hardware closed at Lenox and their current only location in Dunwoody. Please see the following for additional details on both what's taking its place and what their plans are. <br /><br />http://www.tonetoatl.com/2010/11/home-titans-crate-barrel-and.html<br /><br />Thanks for reading!Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-16592606343540931192011-02-02T20:52:54.791-05:002011-02-02T20:52:54.791-05:00I was not talking about Prospect Park. That was th...I was not talking about Prospect Park. That was the mixed-use project at Old Milton, aka the Alpharetta mud pit. The proposed mall at McFarland was to be built by Taubman, to rival Phipps Plaza. I have not heard anything on this in a few years.Lee at rootsinalpharetta.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05446362253485207191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-13169181542099597342011-02-02T19:25:21.757-05:002011-02-02T19:25:21.757-05:00Just so you know, I got a postcard in the mail tod...Just so you know, I got a postcard in the mail today letting me know Restoration Hardware closed in Lenox. No surprise considering how tucked away it was in that mall. Good luck to Simon for trying to fill that space again.thejohnphttp://twitter.com/thejohnpnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-10018651325579008582011-02-02T16:56:14.689-05:002011-02-02T16:56:14.689-05:00Yup, Avenue Forsyth stole the AMC away from Prospe...Yup, Avenue Forsyth stole the AMC away from Prospect. The Whole Foods superstore has remained the older Harry's in Roswell even though they completed a foundation at Prospect that is still just a foundation. <br /><br />Avenue Forsyth opened with a Circuit City which of course promptly closed. They have struggled to fill up their vacancies although the center is popular with Exit 12 and north residents.Jonathannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-56302762645961832352011-02-02T14:44:26.281-05:002011-02-02T14:44:26.281-05:00@Jonathan,
Thanks for the clarification. I kinda...@Jonathan,<br /><br />Thanks for the clarification. I kinda recall there being multiple projects. I guess the only one that came to fruition is the Avenue South Forsyth?<br /><br />I've been to Tampa International and Mall at Millenia, sure would be nice to have a mall / lifestyle center of their caliber in the metro area. Hope something good happens up there...Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-29432520603838033922011-02-02T14:42:18.158-05:002011-02-02T14:42:18.158-05:00@Anon
My "DeathWatch" portion has prove...@Anon <br />My "DeathWatch" portion has proven to be one of the most successful portions of this site. It's done quarterly (some have suggested it be done monthly) I understand what you are saying about it being overly negative but that is not my intention. The purpose is to point out where I see issues in hopes that they will be corrected. I don't want anyone to lose their life savings opening and then closing a business. With any luck, some read my posts and are therefore better informed about where / when to open and may think see their would be space in a different light once reading this. In the end I want people to succeed. While Valentino and Versace were new additions to the DW and may somehow hang on though they are not (and have not) made plan. Barney's I can all but guarantee you will be gone by the end of the year but probably sooner. Bottega will do well in this market, its far more popular amongst a wider range than Versace or Valentino are now. <br /><br />As for YEAH! Burger, It's not that I just hate on them for the sake of hating on them. I think its overpriced and underwhelming for what you get. The space is not, the food is just average. I'm not gluten intolerant so I'm not stuck going there and have found other burgers such as Farm Burger to be far superior in among other things, taste. <br /><br />Der Biergarten... "OK even Charlotte, North Carolina has a German restaurant and it does well." Your point being what exactly? Charlotte is not Atlanta. While there have been comparisons made between Lenox and SouthPark, they are very different. Might I remind you that Dean & Deluca looked at opening in Buckhead and bailed and instead opened in Charlotte. The difference between a German restaurant and like any of the others you mentioned is simple, far fewer people like / seek out German cuisine. It has a small niche and that is what will lead to its demise. There are not enough consumers that like it and would be willing to go to LMD to eat there. Der Biergarten is gimmicky and was put together in record time, and it shows. LMD is not a destination and no one, and I mean NO ONE goes there that is not already downtown for the Aquarium, a game or a function at the GWCC. You may get a GSU student or two every now and then but its not within a comfortable walking distance for the majority of students living on campus or with a free lunch break.Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-56316757518032995392011-02-02T11:05:02.171-05:002011-02-02T11:05:02.171-05:00Hi Eli,
In addition to Prospect Park (which is c...Hi Eli, <br /><br />In addition to Prospect Park (which is completely dead at this point), the Taubman Company (developers of Mall at Millenia in Orlando and International Plaza in Tampa) had plans for a regional mall on Exit 12 - McFarland Parkway. <br /><br />The permits had been issued and the county and given the green light on the development. However, it is dead at this point.Jonathannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-37907210696281197512011-02-02T10:44:32.590-05:002011-02-02T10:44:32.590-05:00@Lee at rootsinalpharetta.com,
Yes, I try and cov...@Lee at rootsinalpharetta.com,<br /><br />Yes, I try and cover the "metro Atlanta" area and Alpharetta is included in this. <br /><br />As far as Van Maur goes, it would be nice if they opened as North Point Mall has had its fair share of setbacks I just question its viability. There was talk of Adrenalina opening in the same wing and that never materialized. ( http://www.tonetoatl.com/2009/05/adrenalina-runs-out-of-energy-at-north_3097.html )<br /><br />Other than American Girl and H&M, the mall is kinda behind the times and could a boost of some kind. I realize they have empty space but hopefully GGP doesn't try and fill that with a Costco ala Cumberland Mall. <br /><br />I think the project you are referencing on McFarland was "Prospect Park." At one point I heard smaller Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale's, Tiffany & Co. and others had "interest" but nothing of late. Whole Foods and AMC Theaters were both confirmed so I'm told but I think its stalled. Unlike Ben Carter at SOB, its not in the heart of Buckhead and developer Stan Thomas has been apparently unable to secure new funds or find someone to take it over. I followed it for a while, would be interested if there were any updates...Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-51973087212126294052011-02-02T10:33:27.021-05:002011-02-02T10:33:27.021-05:00@thejohnp,
With regards to Scoutmob, I think it s...@thejohnp,<br /><br />With regards to Scoutmob, I think it serves a purpose but I do worry about those people that simply go to the restaurant for the deal each day and never really go back once they get their discount. Its a nice rush of traffic for the business in question but I think the jury is still out on whether it will have a longterm positive impact for the businesses. <br /><br />Cliff Bostock did an interesting piece on Scoutmob for Creative Loafing... http://clatl.com/omnivore/archives/2010/12/29/scoutmob-does-it-work-for-restaurants . The post got some great feedback you may find of interest.<br /><br />As for Antico, I agree, some how, some way he has made that a must do kinda place. People are ready and willing to go to the Home Park neighborhood in which the restaurant is located even with the crime that goes on. He does a great job and people see that. The fact that he has pseudo security / parking assistance can't hurt.Atlantan99https://www.blogger.com/profile/06115362060612910966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-52889960415469850712011-02-01T21:16:37.182-05:002011-02-01T21:16:37.182-05:00Your "Death Watch" really ruins this blo...Your "Death Watch" really ruins this blog. It's overly negative and full of rumors and your BS opinions. Valentino and Versace and Barney's closing at Phipps? You really think Simon is going to let that happen? And if things were so shi**y why would Bottega Venetta bother opening at Phipps this summer? <br /><br />Yeah! Burger isn't going anywhere. Both locations are always crowded and the have an awesome turkey burger. <br /><br />And Der Biergarten... OK even Charlotte, North Carolina has a German restaurant and it does well. How can Atlanta NOT have one? What is the difference between a German restaurant and a Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Indian, Chinese, etc. restaurant? Are they all "gimmicky" because they focus on one ethnic cuisine? What is wrong with the location? Why are people in Atlanta so damn weird?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-24581936433496755862011-02-01T21:05:24.726-05:002011-02-01T21:05:24.726-05:00Good to see you venturing OTP into my neck of the ...Good to see you venturing OTP into my neck of the woods. I've thought about making such a list out my way, but I didn't want to invite karma to visit me. I'll leave the deathwatch lists to the professionals!<br /><br />I agree with your take on Von Maur. Belk dropped a bunch of money building out on this end of North Point Mall. They didn't last long. In the meantime, mall management has turned this end into the children's area, with soft play areas and choo choo trains. Not exactly the portion of the mall for a high-end retailer.<br /><br />Years ago there was talk of building a high-end mall (a la Phipps Plaza) at McFarland (exit 12) and GA-400. This would be a great fit for Von Maur... if they ever build it.Lee at rootsinalpharetta.comhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05446362253485207191noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-85306103853926831562011-02-01T21:03:48.339-05:002011-02-01T21:03:48.339-05:00And this is what I was talking about on Sunday nig...And this is what I was talking about on Sunday night, you post this information, and readers like Image Results are using this as a review and deciding which places to eat at. I realize that you are interested in commercial real estate and the whole process around it and, in fact, that you are not a restaurant critic. But as you have a popular outlet for your oppinion, which obviously people listen to, I just think it would be better if you atleast tried a restaurant and included some blurb about the actual restaurant before adding them to your Death Watch.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-579719431387122896.post-3403165741533679322011-02-01T20:50:18.401-05:002011-02-01T20:50:18.401-05:00What about Perla TaqueriaWhat about Perla TaqueriaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com