[BREAKING NEWS] Cowtippers to Close January 28

Popular Midtown eatery Cowtippers Steaks & Spirits will close at the end of business on Sunday, January 28.  The restaurant, located on Piedmont Avenue near its intersection with Monroe Drive, has been in business since 1993.  Cowtippers, like a number of other in-town eateries, is owned by Metrotainment Cafes.  While a representative for the restaurant confirmed the closure, they did not shed any light on the reasoning or timing of it.  

The space that Cowtippers has occupied for nearly 25 years was home to an outpost of the Old Hickory House previously. Fulton county property records indicate that through an LLC, Jeff Landau, founder and CEO of Metrotainment Cafes, currently owns the restaurant's property.  The building, which is roughly 4,800 square feet, dates back to 1940 and sits on about a third of an acre, according to Fulton county records.  The records indicate that "TEN TWENTY THREE JUNIPER ST ASSOC LLC," headquartered at 1119 Logan Circle, where Metrotainment Cafes is headquartered as well, paid $1.2 million for the property in 2002.   

Local sources indicate that the property was sold for the construction of a high-rise apartment building.  While this has not been verified, it would not be shocking considering the multi-family construction boom across key intown markets.  That said, the Cowtippers property reportedly lies within the Atlanta BeltLine planning area, and any planned redevelopment must therefore be presented to the BeltLine Design Review Committee.   It's unlikely a sale would have closed on the restaurant site if the proper approvals for a redevelopment had not been received.  As of today, no public  submission for redevelopment has been made for the site.  The Committee will meet for the first time in 2018 on January 17, with submissions due by January 10.

As ToNeTo was first to report in 2015, longstanding Italian restaurant Alfredo's was forced to close in early 2016 after its lease was not renewed.  Westplan Investors purchased the Alfredo's property and others near it for the construction of Accent Morningisde, a 239 unit low-rise apartment complex currently under construction. 

The property adjacent to Cowtippers, home to Smith's Olde Bar, among other businesses, was purchased by Selig Enterprises in late 2015 for about $3 million.  ToNeTo Atlanta was first to report on the availability of the property when at the time, Smith's future was in doubt, and there was talk of apartments coming.  Thus far, little has changed at the property and Selig is reportedly taking a "wait and see approach" to the property and possible redevelopment.   

Redevelopment is not only affecting in-town restaurants.  As ToNeTo Atlanta reported last week, Greenwood's and Swallow at the Hollow in Roswell both closed at the end of the year.  The restaurants, which opened in 1986 and 1999 respectively, were reportedly sold for a planned redevelopment. 

Cowtippers, like its sibling concepts Joe's on Juniper and Einstein's, also on Juniper Street, are especially popular with Midtown's gay population and many patrons were saddened and caught off guard by news of the upcoming closure.  Metrotainment's other concepts include Guaco Joe's in Vinings, Sugar Shack and FC United in Brookhaven, Metrotaiment Bakery Epic Events Catering and seven Hudson Grille locations across metro Atlanta.  An eighth location, planned for Toco Hills, that ToNeTo Atlanta first reported on last January, is still to open, but was reportedly put on the back burner following the relocation of the Hudson Grille in Alpharetta last year.  

Are you surprised by the planned closure of Cowtippers?  Have you, too, heard that apartments will replace it?  What is your favorite old-school Atlanta area restaurant?

Please share your thoughts below.  

Update: Tori Allen of Tori Allen Public Relations provided ToNeTo Atlanta the following statement regarding the planning closure of Cowtippers.  

“Metrotainment Cafes can confirm that Cowtippers will unfortunately be closing at the end of this month. The restaurant has been a part of our restaurant group for a very long time, and we’re proud of the more than 20 years we have been in business, but with the changing climate of the city, we are going to close the restaurant and turn our attention to our other successful concepts including Hudson Grille, Einstein’s, Joe’s on Juniper, Hudson FC and Guaco Joe’s,” said Metrotainment Cafes CEO Jeff Landau. “Metrotainment Cafes still owns the property and we are weighing several options including selling the restaurant and property. In the interim, we will use the space for private events handled by our catering company, Epic Events. We are thankful for the many years of patronage from Atlanta and looking forward to continued success with our other concepts as we continue to grow in this city.” 

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Following UGA's Loss, Dantanna's Closes in Sandy Springs

Dantanna's has closed its Sandy Springs location after just less than four years in business.  The restaurant, located in a 5,900 square foot out-parcel of Abernathy Square shopping center at the corner of Abernathy & Roswell Roads in Sandy Springs, closed after UGA's devastating loss yesterday, Monday, January 8.  The restaurant opened in April 2014, replacing what had for many years been an Applebee's restaurant before it closed in late 2013.  

Dantanna's is the second location in just the past ten days to close in Abernathy Square, following the closure of Mexican eatery CT Cocina & Taqueria last week.  CT opened in late 2016 in the 2,500 square foot space previously home to a failed Dickey's Barbecue Pit franchise.  

Dantanna's never seemed to resonate with the local community, largely comprised of young and affluent families.  The restaurant originally opened as Dantanna's Tavern before undergoing a significant renovation and re-branding effort in late 2016, and becoming more like its Buckhead and downtown outposts and shortening its name to simply Dantanna's. 

The original Dantanna's in Buckhead at The Shops Around Lenox remains open, as does its second location at CNN Center in downtown Atlanta.  The Buckhead and Downtown outposts, like the Sandy Springs location, replaced formerly popular restaurants.  The Buckhead outpost opened in place of Bennigan's in 2003, while the downtown location opened in place of Jocks & Jills in 2009.  

Are you surprised by the recent closures of both CT Cocina & Taqueria and Dantanna's?  What would you like to see open in place of either restaurant?  Do you think metro Atlanta simply has too many restaurants?

Please share your thoughts below. 

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[EXCLUSIVE] Insomnia Cookies' Munchies Relief Comes to 2nd Atlanta Location

Insomnia Cookies is adding a second metro Atlanta location.  On the heels of their entry into the Atlanta market in January 2016, Insomnia plans to open their next location on Cleburne Terrace, just off Ponce de Leon Avenue near The Majestic Diner and the Plaza Theatre.  

The Cleburne Terrace store will open in the approximately 600 square foot space previously home to Preservation Reef, an aquarium store.  

With dual headquarters in New York and Philadelphia, Insomnia Cookies was started in 2003 by Seth Berkowitz, a student at the University of Pennsylvania.  Today, there are over 120 locations, many near college campuses, but others, like the Cleburne store, are in densely populated urban areas.  

As the name suggests, Insomnia is intended to be the answer to your late night munchies as they deliver until 3AM at most locations, including all three of their existing Georgia shops.   

The first Georgia location of Insomnia Cookies opened in Athens near the University of Georgia in 2013.  The existing Midtown Atlanta location at University House on Spring Street near Georgia Tech opened in 2016, and was followed by a third location in Statesboro near Georgia Southern University last January.  

Tiff's Treats, another business specializing in cookie delivery, will open another Atlanta location later this spring in Buckhead. The new location, opening in the street level retail of the new Hanover Buckhead Village luxury apartment highrise next to the Buckhead Theatre, is the sixth in metro Atlanta for the Austin, Texas-based company. Tiff's entered the Atlanta market in 2016 with a location in Alpharetta and followed that with locations in Midtown, Sandy Springs, Cumberland and Decatur.   

The Cleburne Terrace Insomia Cookies should open later this spring/summer.  

Are you excited for the opening of a second Insomnia Cookies in metro Atlanta?  Where is your favorite place for cookies in Atlanta?  If choosing between chains Insomnia, Tiff's Treats, Great American Cookie Co. or Mrs. Fields, which is your favorite?  Where should Insomnia open next?

Please share your thoughts below.  

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[CLOSURE ALERT] Impossible Burger Not Enough to Keep The Counter Viable

The Counter Custom Burgers in Roswell is closing after business tonight.  The 2,800 square foot restaurant, located on Mansell Road near its intersection with Alpharetta Highway, opened in 2008 in a former SouthTrust Bank branch.    

The Counter was one of only three restaurants in metro Atlanta to carry the "Impossible Burger" from Impossible Foods.  The Impossible Burger is a meat alternative burger made from wheat, coconut oil, potatoes and heme. Other Atlanta restaurants that carry the Impossible Burger are Grindhouse Killer Burgers (Decatur, Piedmont Heights, Hartsfield-Jackson and Athens) and ARGOSY in East Atlanta Village.  

While offering the Impossible Burger, which debuted this past fall, was one way to differentiate The Counter from other quick serve burger restaurants, it seems that it was not enough to keep the business going.  

When brothers Don and Scott Harris opened the Roswell franchise, they had plans to open at least nine other restaurants in Atlanta and subsequently in Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg, Florida. Despite owning six Panera Bread restaurants and seven Wendy's franchises, their planned expansion of The Counter concept never materialized.   

Culver City, California-based The Counter was started in 2003 and began franchising in 2005.  As of 2008, The Counter had sold development rights for over 125 restaurants.  Long-range projections as of 2008 called for as many as 400 to 600 U.S. locations.  According to The Counter website, the chain operates 30 locations domestically, 21 of which are in its home state.  There are about nine other locations internationally in such as places as Ireland, Japan, Scotland, Ghana, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.  A tenth location is planned for Madrid, Spain later this year. 

Early last year, The Counter closed two locations in south Florida, one at The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens, the other in Aventura Mall near Miami.  Both locations were less than three years old.  

Are you surprised that The Counter is closing?  Have you tried the Impossible Burger?  What would you like to see open in place of The Counter?

Please share your thoughts below 

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[CLOSURE ALERT] Burger King Relinquishes Its Throne in The Shops of Dunwoody

The freestanding Burger King at 5468 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody Village has closed.  The restaurant, located in an outparcel of The Shops of Dunwoody shopping center, closed Friday afternoon after over 30 years in business.  

A sign posted to the restaurant's door Friday directed would be patrons to the nearby Burger King at 4537 Chamblee Dunwoody Road, across from Georgetown shopping center.  The shuttered Dunwoody Village restaurant is just over two miles from the Georgetown location.  Both restaurants, along with many other around metro Atlanta, are owned by Atlanta based GPS Hospitality.  GPS is a major franchisee of both the Burger King and Popeyes brands around Atlanta and around the country.  

Duluth based BRAND Real Estate Services, which already owns The Shops of Dunwoody, reportedly recently purchased the property from GPS and is currently marketing it for lease.  According to DeKalb county property records, the approximately 2,700 square foot Burger King was built in 1984.  Strangely though, the BRAND lease flyer indicates the property sits on just under nine tenths of an acre while DeKalb county records indicates it sits on just under a half acre.  The sales flyer, which does not indicates lease terms, may be seen here.  

Local Dunwoody resident and ToNeTo Atlanta reader Terry Nall was kind enough to provide us photos of the restaurant.  Nall lamented that "the bigger loss might be to the various Dunwoody schools and club fundraisers. This has been a regular location for car washes." 

Nall also shared the images on his Facebook page where one resident sarcastically joked that they were "crossing fingers for a bank!!!" while another more seriously suggested that the nearby Dunkin' Donuts relocate to the Burger King site to alleviate traffic at its current location.  

Dunkin' is no stranger to conversions, especially other fast food restaurants, having previously converted a former Burger King on Piedmont Avenue, as well as a former KFC on Howell Mill Road, among others, to Dunkin' Donuts.

The Shops of Dunwoody has been active in signing new restaurants in recent months.  Last May, a new location of Vintage Pizzeria opened in the center, while this coming March, a new barbecue eatery and brewery is expected to open.  Allen Porter plans to open PorterQ in the approximately 2,900 square foot former d'Vine Wine Bar & Shop space.  As ToNeTo Atlanta reported previously, Porter is also opening Porter Pizza & Brewery at 285 and Powers Ferry, in the former Bruegger's Bagels space.   

In less exciting news, SunTrust will soon open their relocated branch in another outparcel of Shops of Dunwoody on the site of the former Old Hickory House barbecue restaurant. 

What would you like to see open in place of Burger King?  Are you surprised that Burger King closed?  Are you looking forward to PorterQ?  

Please share your thoughts below    

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[CLOSURE ALERT] One Rooster Closes As The Year of The Rooster Nears Its End

One Rooster Mongolian Grill, the "create your own" stir fry eatery on the Westside, has closed.  The restaurant, which opened this past February, was meant to be the next evolution of the restaurant that had occupied its space previously, The Original Chow Baby.  

One Rooster confirmed the closure in a message posted to their official Facebook page earlier this afternoon.  

"Thanks for creating a stir with us 

We are sad to inform you that One Rooster is officially closed. Our sincere appreciation to everyone who supported us."  

Mike Blum, founder of The Original Chow Baby, was a minority partner and consultant for One Rooster.  According to Blum, One Rooster was majority owned by venture capitalists.  

A spokesperson for Blum tells ToNeTo Atlanta that "despite excellent online reviews, there was just not enough foot traffic or diners coming through the doors to keep the restaurant open." 

The spokesperson goes on to say "When Mike Blum opened The Real Chow Baby in 2005, there were limited options for fast casual dining options on Howell Mill Road/Marietta Street/Northside Drive.  Today, there are so many options and much more competition, especially at lunch, for these diners."  

Blum, along with Chef Guy Wong, continue to be partners in upscale Vietnamese eatery Le Fat, located on Marietta Street, not far from One Rooster.  The duo are also partners in Ton Ton, a ramen bar in Ponce City Market. 

Sources say there are no current plans for the vacant One Rooster space, but given that it was so recently remodeled and is located near so much new and upcoming development, it's sure to attract heavy interest.  

Are you surprised that One Rooster closed after such a short time in business?  What is your favorite casual Westside restaurant?  What would you like to see open in place of One Rooster?

Please share your thoughts below.  

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[CLOSURE ALERT] McCormick & Schmick's Sleeps With the Fishes in Dunwoody

McCormick & Schmick's has closed its location in Dunwoody near Perimeter Mall.  The restaurant, which closed quietly and without advance notice on Monday, had been open since mid-2000.  The chain's downtown location at CNN Center, which opened in late 2002, remains opens.  

McCormick & Schmick's closure in Dunwoody follows the closure of neighboring restaurant Brio Tuscan Grille this past September.  Brio itself had replaced Il Fornaio, an Italian restaurant and original tenant in the project.  P.F. Chang's is now the last remaining restaurant in the three restaurant development.  

Self-made billionaire Tilman Fertitta, through his company Landry's, Inc., owns McCormick & Schmick's as well as over three dozen other restaurants, hotels and casinos around the country.  In Atlanta, Landry's other concepts include the remaining McCormick's downtown, Morton's The Steakhouse, also downtown, The Oceanaire Seafood Room in Midtown and  Joe's Crab Shack in Kennesaw, Morrow and Savannah.

Fertitta purchased the Morton's chain in December 2011 after which he closed the Buckhead outpost near Lenox Square in early February 2012.  The space was vacant for over five years before being leased to Sage Woodfire Tavern last year.  After months of renovation, the restaurant is expected to open by mid-February.  

Landry's operations outside of Georgia include Rainforest Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and Golden Nugget Hotels & Casinos, among other hospitality businesses.  In addition to Fertitta's hospitality businesses, he is also the star of the CNBC reality show Billion Dollar Buyer and last fall purchased the Houston Rockets NBA team for $2.2 billion.  

Are you surprised that McCormick & Schmick's closed its Dunwoody location?  What would you like to see open in place of McCormick & Schmick's (or Brio) in Dunwoody?  Where is your favorite place for seafood in metro Atlanta?

Please share your thoughts below.  

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[EXCLUSIVE] MOD Pizza Moving Into Chamblee, Tokyo Belly Not Happening

MOD Pizza, an industry leader in the "create your own pizza" segment, has signed its fifth Atlanta area lease.  MOD Pizza will open in Chamblee at the Whole Foods Market anchored Peachtree Station, at the corner of Johnson Ferry Road and Peachtree Boulevard. The pizza joint will occupy an approximately 2,000 square foot endcap space near Club Pilates.  

Typical MOD interior 

The space was originally leased to Tokyo Belly, a new Japanese eatery from the owners of The One Sushi+in Brookhaven, Katana in Buckhead and Monkey 68 in Roswell, but the Asian eatery reportedly pulled out due to what they saw as too much competition from Whole Foods and its in-store Izakaya from Genji.   

Last summer, ToNeTo Atlanta reported that YEAH! Burger had also pulled out of the project and was promptly replaced with First Watch.    The breakfast-centric eatery is expected to open in the coming weeks.  

MOD, which stands for "made on demand," was founded in Seattle in 2008, and today includes about 200 locations across 20 states and a few in the United Kingdom.   This past January, MOD Pizza announced that it had signed its ninth franchisee: Southern Pie, LLC.   The franchise group, led by Robbie Hill and his daughter Kimberly Hill Hayden, are developing MOD stores in Georgia and Alabama.  Established entrepreneurs, the Hills currently operate a number of Bojangles’ franchises in the southeast.   

Southern Pie's first MOD opened this past June at Kennesaw Marketplace in Kennesaw and was soon followed by additional locations at Decatur Crossing near Decatur and and Dawsonville Marketplace in Dawsonville.  A fourth location is expected to open January 15 at The Plaza at City Springs on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs.   

MOD and Pasadena, California-based Blaze are the two largest players in the "create your own" quick-serve pizza industry, each with about 200 locations.  

Unlike MOD, Blaze has thus far focused on intown locations.  Blaze has opened two locations, one at the corner of North Decatur and Clairmont Roads near Emory University, and another just off Cobb Parkway in Akers Mill Square near Cumberland Mall.  A third Blaze is expected to open later this year in the new Kroger-anchored Fuqua Development project at 17th Street and Northside Drive near Atlantic Station.  

Are you excited for the opening of MOD Pizza in Chamblee? What is your favorite quick serve pizza eatery?  Where else would you like to see MOD Pizza open?  

Please share your thoughts below  

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[CLOSURE ALERT] DaVinci's Pizza Dunzo in Decatur

Pizza eatery DaVinci's has closed its location in Decatur.  The restaurant, located in the CVS Pharmacy anchored Commerce Square shopping center at the corner of Commerce Drive and West Ponce de Leon Avenue, opened in early 2015.  Food delivery site GrubHub indicates that the restaurant closed last week, something that the Midtown DaVinci's indicates is accurate.  

The restaurant posted to their Decatur location's Facebook page on Monday afternoon saying: 

"Thank you to everyone who was a patron at our Decatur location. For our delicious, quality pizza, sandwiches, and more please visit our other locations in Midtown, Smyrna and Kennesaw!"

DaVinci's Decatur opened in place of a former Mellow Mushroom franchise which was reportedly forced to close because of the franchisee's unwillingness to complete expensive corporate-directed renovations.  A new Mellow Mushroom under different ownership opened at 340 West Ponce de Leon Avenue in late 2016.   

DaVinci's continues to operate three other Atlanta area locations in Midtown on West Peachtree, Smyrna on Spring Road and in Kennesaw on Wade Green Road. 

There are reportedly no immediate plans to reopen DaVinci's elsewhere in Decatur anytime soon. 

Do you think Mellow Mushroom's return to Decatur negatively impacted business at DaVinci's Decatur?  What would you like to see open in place of DaVinci's Decatur?  What is your favorite casual restaurant in Decatur?

Please share your thoughts below

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Chicken Salad Chick Restaurants to Hatch By Spring in Vinings, Cumming and Evans

A local development group is opening three new locations of Chicken Salad Chick in Georgia.  The restaurants are planned for Evans (near Augusta), Vinings and Cumming and are all expected to open by April.  The three new openings will bring the number of Chicken Salad Chick locations in Georgia to over 20.      

Chicken Salad Chick on Roswell Road near Chastain Park 

ToNeTo Atlanta first got wind of the planned Vinings location this past August but when we inquired about it, we were told that "While Vinings is definitely on our radar, we have no confirmed plans to share at this time."  Clearly, the lease was finalized and we can officially report that the Vinings location of Chicken Salad Chick will be located in The Station at Vinings, on Paces Ferry Road, close to Vinings Jubilee. Chicken Salad Chick will open in a 3,350 square foot space adjacent to Meehan's. 

In Evans, where Chicken Salad Chick plans to open Tuesday, January 23, the restaurant will be located at 4429 Washington Road on the site of the former Evans Diner.  The Evans location will, unlike most Chicken Salad Chick locations, feature a drive-thru.  The Warner Robins location of Chicken Salad Chick is the only other location in Georgia to feature a drive-thru and is one of few in the chain to do so.  

The Cumming location of Chicken Salad Chick will be located on Peachtree Parkway at Collection at Forsyth Cumming.

Origin Development Group, an Atlanta-based restaurant development fund founded by Darren DeVore and Lauren Fernandez, operates seven other Chicken Salad Chick restaurants in Georgia. Origin's first intown location opened this past July on Roswell Road in Buckhead, joining the group's other restaurants in Peachtree City, Athens, Alpharetta, Roswell, Kennesaw and Augusta.

Are you excited for the opening of additional Chicken Salad Chick locations?  Are you amazed that a chain serving a menu of basically only chicken salad can be so successful?  Where would you like to see the next Chicken Salad Chick open?

Please share your thoughts below.  

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[CLOSURE ALERT] Union Hill Kitchen Shutters in Chamblee

Union Hill Kitchen has closed.  The restaurant, opened by Executive Chef Alexis Hernandez in late 2013, closed as of December 22 according to a notice on the restaurant's website.  The restaurant's facebook page, last updated December 14, makes no mention of the closure.

Chef Alexis Hernandez, photo courtesy Union Hill Kitchen 

The notice from the website reads: 

"Union Hill Kitchen will close our doors permanently on Friday December 22, 2017.   It has been a fantastic 5 years serving all of our guests.  Thank you for the  years of business, support and many many cherished friendships."

Union Hill Kitchen was located at 5336 Peachtree Road, at its intersection with Pierce Drive.  In the years since Union Hill Kitchen opened, Southbound, also on Peachtree Road, opened during spring 2014, while Hopstix on Pierce Drive and Bluetop on Peachtree Road both opened last year.  

Hopstix has become quite popular since its early 2017 debut with BlueTop also attracting families since its summer 2017 debut.  Both additions no doubt ate into the business of Union Hill.  

Futher away, the Parkview on Peachtree project, which will welcome Bad Daddy's Burger Bar next week and Poke Bar and others later in the year, along with the plethora of options at Peachtree Station, are providing Chamblee and the surrounding area with plenty of new eateries.  

There is no word yet on what, if anything, is lined up to replace Union Hill.  

Are you surprised that Union Hill Kitchen closed?  What type of restaurant would you like to see open next in Chamblee?  What is your favorite Chamblee area restaurant?

Please share your thoughts below 

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Bits & Bites

A franchised location of McDonald's closed on South Main Street in Alpharetta December 31.  The restaurant, which has already been stripped of basically all McDonald's signage, was a dated McDonald's and had not received much "love" in the way of renovations or updates.  Signage at the restaurant Tuesday directed would-be patrons to other McDonald's on Crabapple, Windward Parkway and North Point Parkway.  There are reportedly no current plans for the property.   

Lion Tamer Bread, which opened in Emory Walk near the corner of North Decatur and Clairmont in early 2015, will reportedly close by the end of next month.  Owner Brian Dulisse opened the small batch bread shop with limited hours and its hours of operation have been even more limited as of late.  According to the Lion Tamer website, the bakery is currently open only on Saturdays.     

ToNeTo Atlanta was first to report that smoothie and juice joint dtox planned to open a new location in Virginia Highland.  According to signage on the juice joint's upcoming location, the new shop is to open next Thursday, January 11.  The new location, the concept's third overall, is opening at the corner of Virginia Avenue and North Highland Avenue in Virginia Highland.  Dtox will open in the former Judith Bright space [they previously expanded and relocated to a space nearby], between Taco Cowboy and Callie's Hot Little Biscuit.  Dtox currently operates locations in Buckhead Court in Buckhead and at Westside Provisions District on the Westside.  

Ten Thousand Villages will be closing its Atlanta store within the next 90 days.  The store, which featured assorted artisanal products made by those in "villages" around the world, had been in Atlanta since 1993.  The group's Atlanta shop is located on St. Charles Avenue near North Highland Avenue and according to a Facebook announcement, will begin liquidation sales today, Wednesday January 3.      

"It is with great difficulty that we announce the closing of Ten Thousand Villages Atlanta after 24 wonderful years. Business conditions for our locally-funded brick and mortar shop have changed dramatically since we opened in 1993, and after careful consideration of the past several years, the consistent challenges in our location, increasing competition from online shopping, and the changing retail climate, we have concluded it is time for us to cease operations.  As a non-profit organization, our goal has always been to support artisans in developing countries around the world and educate our community about how purchasing fair trade products allows these artisans to rise out of poverty and provide for their families. Since 1993 we have made over $3,000,000 in purchases from our artisan groups allowing many individuals and families to lead a better life. We have educated our community about the importance of helping others through the purchase of ethically produced goods and we have contributed to other non-profits and charitable organizations so they can continue their good works. We feel incredibly proud of what we have accomplished in two decades, and equally proud of the customers who have been so faithful to support that work through shopping in our store."

  

Virginia Highland Thai restaurant Harry & Sons will reportedly close in February for an extensive interior renovation.  The fact that word of the planned renovation got out in advance of the expected closure leads ToNeTo Atlanta to hope that the closure is just that: temporary.  

Women's boutique Luna, which in the fall of 2015 relocated from Buckhead Court to the Shops Around Lenox, is on the move again.  The shop will reopen imminently in a temporary space at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta before relocating permanently to Andrews Square on East Andrews Drive. 

Growing Mediterranean fast casual eatery Pita Mediterranean Street Food  will  celebrate the opening of its newest location next Friday, January 12 at The Avenue West Cobb.  Pita, which has eleven locations open, including restaurants in Smyrna and Kennesaw, also has another in the works at Marietta Square Market on North Marietta Parkway.  Pita's menu includes assorted gyros, shawarma and falafel dishes, among other specialties. 

  

A new location of  optical franchise My Eyelab is coming soon to Brookhaven.  The Palm Springs, Florida-based franchise is opening soon at the corner of Briarwood Road and Buford Highway, across from Northeast Plaza.  The new business opens in place of the short-lived  "Express Food & Pharmacy."  There are currently three other Georgia locations of the franchise in Augusta, Savannah and Morrow, but local franchisees Mehboob Panjwani and Shiraz Attawala signed an 18 unit development agreement  for metro Atlanta this past summer.   

New Buford Highway restaurant Crayhouse has delayed their "soft opening" that was originally scheduled for today, January 3.  The seafood restaurant, which is opening in the 4,500 square foot former home of The Bayou Boil in Northwoods Plaza shopping center in Doraville, announced the delay via their Facebook page Tuesday night.  

"Dear friends, family and valued customers, 

Firstly, I would like to inform everyone that our soft opening will be delayed until further notice. As a business owner, I'd failed to understand the step by step that Dekalb County requires new business owner to obtain before actually opening a business. Secondly, the reason that lead to the big mistake that we make is the misunderstanding between myself as a new business owner, our representative and Doraville City staff. Thirdly, I would like to ask for your forgiving and don't give up on us as we try to proceed everything as soon as possible! Lastly, I would like to thank everyone that love us and please wait for us while we perfected our system and we will keep everyone updated!!! THANK YOU!!!"

Charleys Philly Steaks is opening a new location in the food court of Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody.  The restaurant, which opens in place of the former Fusion of India eatery, is the Columbus, Ohio-based franchise's fifth in metro Atlanta joining locations in Mall of Georgia, Town Center at Cobb, North Point Mall and Lenox Square.  

Decaturish reports that Decatur Bikes announced via email Tuesday that they will be closing after ten years in business. The shop, located at 248 West Ponce de Leon Avenue in downtown Decatur,  blamed "the current retail environment" for their decision to close.  All in-stock accessories are now 30% off, and bikes are at being offered at "must go" prices.  

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Greenwood’s on Green Street and Swallow at the Hollow Shutter in Roswell

The AJC reports that longtime Roswell restaurants Greenwood’s on Green Street and Swallow at the Hollow both closed December 31.  The closures, which were not announced and are not mentioned on the restaurant's Facebook page, were confirmed via a recorded phone message at both restaurants.  

“We have permanently closed our doors for business,” the message said. “We appreciate your business over the years and thank you very much if you were a patron of the restaurant.”  

Bill Greenwood opened Greenwood’s at 1087 Green St. in 1986, followed by barbecue eatery Swallow at the Hollow at 1072 Green St. in 1999.  Special event facility The Yellow House, which featured food from both Greenwood's and Swallow at the Hollow and was located at 1088 Green Street, also closed.  

It's unclear what is being done to accommodate existing bookings at The Yellow House such as weddings, bar mitzvahs, etc.  Julie White Stephens, owner of Roswell's Kimball Hall, another event venue, has expressed the desire to help any brides who had their rehearsal dinner booked at The Yellow House.  

Farm-to-table eatery Greenwood’s was known for its fried chicken and other traditional Southern fare, while Swallow at the Hollow’s menu featured Hickory-smoked barbecue options including baby back ribs, pork, beef and smoked sausage, chicken and turkey.  

Are you surprised by the sudden closure of Greenwood's, Swallow at The Hollow and The Yellow House?  What would you like to see open in place of these three businesses?  Do you think the recent development spurt in historic Roswell is taking away its "small town charm?"  

Please share your thoughts below 

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2018 to Bring More Changes to North DeKalb Mall

Wendy's restaurant in the food court at North DeKalb Mall closed for the last time Saturday night, December 30.  The 1,142 square foot restaurant, the last big name chain left in the food court, had been a mall fixture for over 25 years.  The closure follows the closure of the Wendy's in the food court of nearby Northlake Mall a number of years ago.  

North DeKalb Mall's food court is, for lack of a better word, sad, with few options aside from American Deli. 

Other prior restaurant closures in the mall have included Buffalo's Cafe, Applebee's, Subway and Chick-fil-A.   

As we reported earlier this month, a new freestanding Chick-fil-A is expected to open at the end of January on Scott Boulevard.  This new Chick-fil-A will reportedly be in addition to the Drive-Thru only (DTO) location on North Druid Hills Road in front of North DeKalb Mall.  

The next closest Wendy's to North DeKalb Mall is on Scott Boulevard, about two miles away.

In addition to the Wendy's closure, retailer Bath & Body Works is also leaving the mall.  The store is currently in the midst of a regularly scheduled "semi-annual sale" with savings of up to 75% off.  The store, which did receive the chain's updated design scheme a few years ago, is slated to close Saturday January 20.  A store associate indicated that there are no special liquidation sales planned for the 2,377 square foot store ahead of its closure.  Following the closure of the North DeKalb Mall Bath & Body Works, the next closest location will be in Northlake Mall, about four miles away.        

As ToNeTo Atlanta has previously reported, North DeKalb Mall has lost an ever increasing number of chain retailers in the past few years.  

Macy's closed in January 2016, while ROSS Dress For Less and Rack Room Shoes both closed in July 2016.  This past Spring, Play It Again Sports relocated from North DeKalb Mall to North Decatur Plaza at North Decatur and Clairmont Roads.      

Although there has been no movement on site to substantiate our report, sources say that a Costco Wholesale is still in the works for the mall.  The store, which would replace the shuttered Macy's store, is reportedly on track to open no later than March 2020.  The addition of Costco would breathe new life into the mall, and will likely be added as part of a "de-malling" of the mall.  "De-malling" essentially means that the mall would be converted from a largely enclosed mall to a largely open air lifestyle center-like development.  

Burlington Coat Factory, Marshalls and AMC Classic North DeKalb 16 are the center's primary draws and are all believed to be included in whatever redevelopment owner Sterling Organization has planned.  

They say it has to get worse before it gets better, right?

Are you pleased with the changes at North DeKalb Mall?  When was the last time you made a purchase in North DeKalb Mall?  Do you think Costco will open before March 2020, after or not at all?

Please share your thoughts below.  

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The Bell Tolls For Tin Drum as NaanStop Plans Debut at Atlantic Station

Tin Drum Asian Kitchen will close its location at Atlantic Station Sunday night, December 31.  The Atlanta-based chain opened in the roughly 2,000 square foot space in late 2008, replacing what had originally been an Au Bon Pain cafe bakery.  Sources say that the Tin Drum's owners and Atlantic Station management came to the mutual decision to close the restaurant.  

Following the closure, the Asian chain will operate nine locations in Georgia with a tenth coming soon to The Plaza at City Springs in Sandy Springs early next year.  

In place of Tin Drum, Atlantic Station has secured a lease with local upstart NaanStop.  The quick serve Indian eatery transitioned from successful Los Angeles food truck to brick and mortar restaurant when they opened on Broad Street in downtown Atlanta in 2012.  In late 2014, owners and brothers Neal & Samir Idnani branched out to Buckhead with a second outpost on Piedmont Road across from Atlanta Tech Village.  

NaanStop, which is considered by some to be the Chipotle Mexican Grill of Indian food,  features meal options such as the Naanwich and assorted rice bowls, samosa and salads as well as Mango Lassi, a mango and yogurt smoothie with a hint of cardamom and cinnamon.  

Sources say that NaanStop at Atlantic Station is expected to open in "Spring 2018" following limited renovations to the second generation restaurant space.  A spokesperson for Atlantic Station indicated that the lease with NaanStop was a direct result of securing leases with more "ethnic" restaurants, something office workers and visitors have reportedly requested.  

Tin Drum is the second restaurant in the past seven days to close at Atlantic Station, following the Christmas closure of Rosa Mexicano.  Sources say that while the Rosa Mexicano closure was sudden, Atlantic Station has already received "strong interest" from restaurant operators looking to open in the vacant restaurant space. 

As ToNeTo Atlanta has previously reported, Gyu-Kaku a Japanese barbecue, is also expected to open later this spring in a large portion of the former Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro, also at Atlantic Station.  

Are you excited for the addition of NaanStop to Atlantic Station?  Do you think NaanStop is a good replacement for Tin Drum?  Where would you like to see NaanStop open next?

Please share your thoughts below.  

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