Twisted Taco back-filling former Garrison's Broiler & Tap

Twisted Taco recently signed a lease to back-fill the former Garrison's Broiler & Tap on the southwest corner of Medlock Bridge Road & State Bridge Road in Johns Creek.

Rick Seaman and Gavin Abadi, owners of the Twisted Taco at Roswell and Wieuca in Buckhead, are driving the Southwest further north.  From the Buffalo Bill to The Wild Alaskan to The Tombstone Chicken, their "twisted creations" have roped-in a loyal band of customers across the City.  Each location features a full bar, live music, flat-screen TVs, and unique southwestern decor featuring antler chandeliers and rustic artwork.  Metrotainment founder, Jeff Landau, closed the Garrison's a while back to focus his efforts on his Hudson Grill concept.  Other restaurants in the shopping center include Tilted Kilt, Kampai, Starbucks, Romeo's NY Pizza, Coldstone Creamery, Quizno's, and Uptown Loft.  

The Johns Creek Twisted Taco will be 8,012 square feet and is expected to open in Winter 2011.  This will be Twisted Taco's 6th location in Atlanta with the Smyrna location opening last week.  Ryan Backus of First Allied represented the Landlord in the Johns Creek transaction.

Information gathered from:  http://twistedtaco.com/

Ocean Prime to take over former Sambuca in Buckhead!

Ocean Prime recently signed a lease to take over the former Sambuca Jazz Cafe building at 3102 Piedmont Road in Buckhead.  

Founded in Columbus, Ohio by entrepreneur Cameron Mitchell, Ocean Prime was created to pair an upscale steakhouse with a fresh and modern seafood restaurant.  Using only the highest-quality meats and fish, Ocean Prime will offer such menu items as the Ginger Salmon, Filet Mignon and their famous Chilean Sea Bass in Truffled Champagne.  The chefs have selected award-winning wines to compliment each entree - for those late nighters, the bar chefs will be serving their signature hand-crafted cocktails and mixed drinks.   

This will be Mitchell's 9th Ocean Prime location with existing restaurants being in Detroit, Columbus, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Dallas, Denver, and Phoenix. The Buckhead location will be 8,773 square feet and is expected to open in Summer 2011.  Amy Fingerhut with CB Richard Ellis represented the Landlord in the transaction, Harold Shumacher with The Shumacher Group represented Ocean Prime. 

Information gathered from:  www.ocean-prime.com

Marlow's Tavern joining Merchant's Walk in East Cobb!

Marlow’s Tavern will soon be joining Chipotle and Pinkberry at Merchant's Walk shopping center at Johnson Ferry Road and Highway 120 in East Cobb.

Founded by Sterling Hospitality (John C. Metz Jr., Tom DiGiorgio, Richard E. Rivera, and Hank Clark), Marlow's strives to create American-tavern fare served in a warm neighborhood, yet contemporary feel.  The open kitchen allows patrons to observe the chefs while they prepare Marlow's signature dishes such as their grilled Atlantic Salmon, the Black and Blue Burger, the grilled "Center-Cut" filet, and their "Infamous" Fish Tacos.  The interior focuses on modern comfort utilizing a black and white motif, Chicago style brick walls, large cozy booths, and flat-screen plasma TVs.  In addition to the 6 existing Marlow's around Atlanta, Sterling Hospitality is also the parent company of Aqua Blue in Roswell and Bistro 191 in Downtown Atlanta.

The Merchant's Walk Marlow's will consist of a patio and pass-thru bar overlooking the Georgia Theatre and is expected to open in mid-December.  Tiffany Cox with Edens & Avant represented the Landlord, Marc Weinberg with The Shopping Center Group represented Marlow's Tavern.

Information gathered from:  www.marlowstavern.com

Ribs Etc. in North Buckhead to become Mirko Pasta

Chef Mirko Di Giacomantonio, founder of FIGO Pasta, will soon be converting the Ribs Etc. building on Roswell Road into Mirko Pasta.

Di Giacomantonio opened his first Mirko Pasta three years ago in Watkinsville and now has seven locations throughout Georgia.  Mirko creates authentic, made-from-scratch Italian cuisine prepared by ‘culinary missionaries’ in a friendly, casual cafe atmosphere.  The menu incorporates seasonal vegetables and fruits, and changes up some of the sauces to offer their customers some lighter choices in the spring and summer, and heartier choices during the cooler months.  From the bread to the sauces, their food is made from scratch daily, using only the freshest and most authentic ingredients available.  Desserts are also offered along with a selection of coffee, beer and a wide range of wines from around the world. 

Mirko and his partner, Archie Crenshaw, are aspiring to open an additional 100 restaurants over the next seven years in the Southeast as they begin franchising the choose-your-own pasta and sauce concept.  The North Buckhead Mirko Pasta will be located at 4233 Roswell Road, adjacent to Chastain Square shopping center.  

Information gathered from:  http://www.mirkopasta.com/

Ghengis Grill coming to Buckhead!

Ghengis Grill will soon be taking over the former Blockbuster endcap on the corner of Peachtree Street & Colonial Homes Drive in South Buckhead.

Founded in 1998 out of Dallas, this 51-unit chain is actively expanding throughout the South and Midwest and was ranked #2 in Fast Casual Magazine's Top 100 Movers & Shakers. Known for their "interactive style of exhibition cooking," customers select an array of meats, oils, vegetables, and sauces and then hand them over to a "Grill Master" who transforms the ingredients into a meal.  Ghengis strives to create a lively and family-friendly atmosphere where the dishes are prepared over open flames to provide an entertainment element to dining.  The food bar features an array of over 80 ingredients...the drink bar features unique specialty cocktails perfect for any occasion.

The first Ghengis Grill in Georgia recently opened adjacent to the Mall of Georgia in the former Ray's Pizza...the Buckhead location will be 3,595 square feet and is expected to open in 2011.  Coro Realty Advisors represented the Landlord in the transaction.

Information gathered from:  http://www.genghisgrill.com/

Egg Harbor Cafe joins Mellow Mushroom in Duluth

Known for its country-style décor and signature breakfast creations, Egg Harbor Café will soon open its 17th location in the former Weezy's Jazz Café building at 6000 Medlock Bridge Pkwy in Duluth.

First hatched in 1985 in Illinois, Egg Harbor specializes in gourmet breakfast and lunch dishes in a warm, charming, country setting.  Owners John Wright and Mike & Aimee Farrell have adopted the mission of "The Foodservice Triangle" where they strive to balance the elements of food, service, and atmosphere to provide the best dining experience possible. Their menu is an extensive selection of breakfast and lunch creations such as egg and skillet platters, omelettes, waffles, pancakes and french toast, soups, burgers, sandwiches, salads, and a slew of country sides.  

The Duluth location will be 5,142 square feet and is expected to open on December 1st.  William Gervin and Brad Shoemaker represented the Landlord in the transaction.

Information gathered from: http://www.eggharborcafe.com/

The Cotton Club now open in Athens!

The Cotton Club recently opened in the former Broad Street Bar & Grill on the corner of Broad Street & N Jackson Street in Downtown Athens.

Created by Russ Graham and Tom Powers, two restaurant entrepreneurs from Memphis, The Cotton Club is a casual BBQ concept offering such menu items as jumbo barbecue sandwiches, barbecue nachos, baby back ribs, and barbecue chicken.  Graham said they have created "Athens-style barbecue" by combining the sauces and styles from many different regions into one location.  Vinegar-based....tomato based...even sweet-flavored barbecue sauce has already made the establishment a big hit for the nation's #1 party school.

Located next to La Dolce Vita, The Cotton Club will offer a full bar and outside eating area fronting Broad Street.  Graham and Powers also own and operate Flight Restaurant and Wine Bar in Memphis.

Information gathered from:  www.onlineathens.com and http://kevinsbbqjoints.com

Firkin Pub taking over Smokey Bones in Dunwoody

After just a year at Lindbergh City Center, Firkin Pub is spreading their wings to the Perimeter Mall trade area by taking over the former Smokey Bones building on Ashford Dunwoody Road. 

Founded in 1987, Stanley Adelson and Ian Fisher have now grown the concept to 30 Firkin pubs in Canada and 15 locations in the US.  Their motto:  "Good Food...Good Pints...Good Firkin Fun!"  Branding themselves as a neighborhood pub, each Firkin offers a wide selection of Domestic & Imported bottled beer, drought beer, wines, and cocktails.  With traditional English favourites such as Fish'n'Chips, Cottage Pie & Bangers, and Beans & Mash, Firkin is bringing a taste of England to the burbs of Atlanta. If you're wanting to stay on the west side of The Pond, Firkin also serves burgers, salads, sandwiches, and daily specials incorporating regional flair in each dish.

The Dunwoody Firkin will be 7,217 square feet and is expected to open in the Fall.  Matt Hagan with Regency Centers represented the Landlord on the transaction.


Information gathered from: www.firkinpubsusa.com

Rio Nuevo opening on North Point Parkway

Rio Nuevo is currently in the process of building-out the former Famous Dave's BBQ building across from North Point Mall in Alpharetta.

There has been a tremendous amount of activity along this corridor recently with SteinMart, Buy Buy Baby, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Panera Bread all having a new location on North Point Pkwy.  In the past year, AT&T re-developed the 7,075 SF Smokey Bones building, Woody's Bar-B-Q converted the 4,022 SF Pizza Hut building, and Total Wine leased the 20,356 SF CompUSA building.  In this economy, expendable income is extremely attractive to concepts looking to grow...as is the idea of "safety in numbers".  With Household Incomes over $100,000 in a 3-mile radius and solid national anchors such as Target, Toys R Us, and Dick's Sporting Goods being here, it's no surprise that Rio Nuevo chose this site as their 1st location in Georgia.

Rio Nuevo will be 6,201 square feet, have a covered patio fronting North Point Parkway, and be the one and only full-service Mexican Cantina in the trade area.  They are hoping to be open in the Fall.

Restaurants Continuing to land on Windward Parkway

After years of vacancy and concepts wondering what will come of the once-dense Windward Parkway, leasing activity has greatly picked up the past 6-8 months. 

Panera Bread opened last year in Retail Atlanta's new outparcel building in front of Home Depot and is already doing tremendous business.  Seeing a need for a hang-out/meeting venue along this corridor, they offer wi-fi and have become a regular gathering place for surrounding businesses and entrepreneurs.  Adjacent to this building, Which Wich and Yogli Mogli are in the process of building out the former W.G. Grinders and Ben & Jerry's spaces at Centre Stage at Windward.  Qdoba added their 4th location in Atlanta a few months back by taking over the endcap opposite from Einstein Bros Bagels at Plaza at Windward.  Additionally, Krystal is in the process of building out an endcap at Windward Square with their new concept called "Krystal Too".  

There are rumors that Ghengis Grill is landing on Windward Parkway in the near future...along with a few other new concepts to Atlanta.  With business generators continuing to seed this area such as SuperTarget, Kohl's, and ALDI, keep an eye out for more restaurants opening their doors in the coming months...

Tilted Kilt landing in Dunwoody

Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery will soon be taking over the former Max & Erma's building on the corner of Abernathy Road and Mt. Vernon Highway in Dunwoody.

The original Tilted Kilt opened in 2003 inside the Rio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.  Known as a Scottish version of Hooters, Tilted Kilt offers pub-fare food with such items as the Dublin Burger, Tilted Wings, The Scottish Cheese Steak Sandwich, and Flannary's TK Steak.  For those late-nighters, there is a full bar and a wide variety of original cocktails.  The staff's uniform:  knee high socks, (short) plaid kilts, matching plaid halter tops, and white camp-shirts tied to show off the midriff.  

Located in the Perimeter Pointe shopping center at 1155 Mt Vernon Highway, the Dunwoody Tilted Kilt will be 6,800 square feet and include a covered outdoor patio. Other tenants in the center include Regal Cinemas, LA Fitness, Michael’s, Babies R Us, Stein Mart, Home Goods, The Sports Authority, Office Depot, Chick Fil-A, Atlanta Bread Company, Starbucks, Happy Summo, and the soon-to-open Galla’s Pizza.


Information gathered from:  www.tiltedkilt.com

Deadwood Saloon taking over Twisted Taco in Midtown

Sarju Patel, owner of the famous "Churchill’s British Pub" in Buckhead, will soon be opening Deadwood Saloon in the former Twisted Taco space in Midtown.  

Open for almost 10 years, Twisted Taco is wanting to concentrate more on their franchise expansion in the outlying areas of Atlanta.  With little-to-none saloon/western-type bars in Midtown, Patel saw this as a great opportunity to create a niche in the trade area.  Deadwood Saloon will offer American fare and bar food including such fire-grilled dishes as saloon burgers, grilled chicken, and their original homemade chips. Open for lunch, dinner, and late-night, the saloon will be a 180 from Churchill's in Buckhead, but is still striving to create a laid-back atmosphere "servin' all your favorite libations".

Deadwood Saloon is expected to open this month and will be located at 66 12th Street.

Information gathered from: www.deadwoodatlanta.com

Goin' Coastal Seafood coming to VA Highland

Goin' Coastal Seafood will soon be opening in the former FIGO space at the corner of Virginia Avenue and N Highland Avenue. 

After their success in Downtown Canton, Chef Zach Kell will soon be transforming the fast-casual Italian nook to a "sustainable seafood joint" featuring unique dishes such as Sullivan's Island Shrimp, Coastal Linguine, Coca Cola & Hoisin Marinated Flat Iron, and Lobster and Peekytoe Crab Cakes.  In additional to their great assortment of appetizers, Goin' Coastal also will serve soups, salads, coastal platters, and several southern sides such as Jalapeno Corn Bread Pudding and Creamy Cheesy Grits.  Open for lunch and dinner, this should be a great addition to the one-off restaurants and taverns in the Virginia Highland market.

Goin' Coastal Seafood will be located at 1021 Virginia Avenue and plans to be open by the Fall.

Information gathered from:  www.goincoastalseafood.com

Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub coming to Brookhaven

Executive Chef Joey Riley will soon be leaving the Buckhead Diner to open his own concept on Dresden Drive in Brookhaven called "Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub". 

With the re-vitalization of the surrounding neighborhoods and retail, many one-off restaurants such as Haven, Verde Taqueria, and Valenza have now made this corridor of Dresden Drive their home for several years.  Riley will be featuring seasonal dishes on the menu and plans on working with local farmers to bring as many fresh, organic items as possible.  Striving to create an atmosphere with great food in a neighborhood environment, Kaleidoscope defines themselves as "a place we can all call home at an affordable price and still be a chef driven concept."

Kaleidoscope will be located at 1410 Dresden Drive on an endcap space at Village Place Brookhaven.  Other concepts in the development include: Verde Taqueria, J. Christopher's, 10 Ten, Allure, The Mercantile, Davonshire, Natural Body Spa & Shop, Pro Cleaners, Library Coffee Company, and the soon-to-open Yoforia.  Kaleidoscope is expected to open in October.


Information gathered from:  http://kaleidoscopebistro.com/ 

Grind House Killer Burgers comes to Morningside!

After just a year of successful burgers and milkshakes on Edgewood Avenue, Grind House Killer Burgers will soon have a 2nd location in the Morningside area at 1842 Piedmont Avenue. 

Surrounded by numerous one-off neighbors such as Franco's, Fat Matts Rib Shack, and Taco Cabana, Grind House will be located in the former Atlanta Autoclean Hand Wash building on the corner of Piedmont Avenue and Wimbledon Road.  Short and sweet is the recipe for Grind House's success - their menu consists of turkey, beef, and veggie burgers accompanied by a handful of southern sides such as Vidalia Onion Rings and Grindhouse Cole Slaw.  Their hand-spun milkshakes have made a name for themselves...and are the perfect treat if you're walking around the Sweet Auburn Curb Market.

Being the only burger concept along this corridor of Piedmont Avenue, Grind House is hoping to make a big splash in the Morningside area. The 2nd location will be approximately 2,300 SF and plans to open early Fall.

Information gathered from: www.grindhouseburgers.com

Restaurant Industry Outlook Continuing to Improve!

For the first time in 22 months, restaurant operators reported net positive same-store sales.  Restaurant operators also reported a net increase in customer traffic in March, the first positive reading in 31 months. Hudson Riehle, Sr. VP of Research for the National Restaurant Association, stated that “restaurant operators reported net gains in both same-store sales and customer traffic in March, the first time in 31 months that both indicators stood in positive territory.”

The Current Situation Index, which measures current trends in four industry indicators (same-store sales, traffic, labor and capital expenditures), stood at 99.0 in March – up a solid 2.4 percent from February’s level of 96.7. The Expectations Index, which measures restaurant operators’ six-month outlook for four industry indicators (same-store sales, employees, capital expenditures and business conditions), stood at 101.9 in March – up 0.5 percent from February and its strongest level in nearly three years. In addition, the Expectations Index stood above the 100 level for the third consecutive month, which signifies expansion in the forward-looking indicators

Restaurant operators are growing more optimistic about their sales prospects in the months ahead. Fifty percent of restaurant operators expect to have higher sales in six months (compared with the same period in the previous year), up from 44 percent who reported similarly last month and the strongest level in 33 months. 

Information gathered from: www.restaurantnewsresource.com

Farm Burger opens in Downtown Decatur

Farm Burger recently opened in the former Voila space across from Taqueria del Sol in Downtown Decatur.  

Positioned in an endcap adjacent to Watershed (famous restaurant founded by Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls) Farm Burger is the newest build-your-own gourmet burger concept...with a sustainable twist.  Their burgers are made from 100% grassfed beef that is dry-aged for two weeks and ground daily. Their cows are raised on the sweet grasses of the southeast, and never fed antibiotics, hormones, or grain. Their menu is seasonal and sourced from local farms. Also serving salads, sides, wine, and beer, Farm Burger is striving to create a "marriage of ethical food and farming" while offering America's favorite sandwich.

Farm Burger is located at 410 W. Ponce de Leon Avenue in Downtown Decatur.

Information gathered from:  http://www.farmburger.net/

Bamboo China Bistro landing in East Cobb

Bamboo China Bistro will soon be opening across from the Avenue East Cobb in Columbia Properties' LA Fitness-anchored shopping center, Merchants Exchange.

Open for lunch and dinner, menu items will include traditional Chinese and Thai dishes such as Kung Pao, Masaman Curry, Mo Shu, Lo Mein, and Pad Thai. To appeal to those watching their lbs, they also offer a healthy vegetarian lunch and dinner platters, tofu, and a wide variety of vegetables. With over 44,000 vehicles per day driving by the center along Roswell Road (Hwy 120), Bamboo China Bistro is hoping to capitalize on the high-income neighborhoods and surrounding schools in the immediate area.

Bamboo China Bistro will be located at 4400 Roswell Road, Marietta GA, 30062.


Information gathered from: http://bamboochinabistro.com/

Baroni Italian taking over Wolfgang Puck Express in Buckhead

Costanzo Astarita and Mario Maccarrone, owners of Baraonda and Publik, will soon be taking over the former Wolfgang Puck Express space in Buckhead with their newest concept - Baroni Italian.

After their success with Baroanda, Costanzo and Mario are planning a similar formula for Baroni - a casual, yet sophisticated atmosphere with reasonably priced dishes. The menu is still in the process of being finalized, but will primarliy consist of pasta, pizza, and paninis. Located on the endcap into the main entrance into Brookwood Place shopping center, the restaurant will be 4,006 SF with a 447 SF patio overlooking Peachtree Street.

Baroni is set to open in the coming weeks and will be located at 1745 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30309

Information gathered from: www.baraondaatlanta.com

Wet Willie's lands in Lindbergh

Wet Willie's is now packing them in at 2450 Piedmont Road, adjacent to the Lindbergh MARTA station.

Started in 1988, Wet Willie's is an innovative concept offering bar-type munchies and a daiquiri spinner-bar that would be comparable to an adult version of a Slushy machine. Their dining menu includes everything from chicken wings, angus burgers, quesadillas, sandwiches, nachos, soups, and salads. However, their specialty....exotic drinks and an extensive line of unique frozen daiquiris. From a "Monkey Shine" to a "Shock Treatment" to a "Monster Melon" Willie's will satisfy any happy-hour craving you may have. If that doesn't do the trick, they also offer wine by the glass, domestic and imported beer, liquor drinks, and jell-o shooters. With 12 flat screen TVs, 4 mega-projectors, and artsy and energetic murals, the atmosphere of Wet Willie's adds even more life to this growing trade area.

This will be Wet Willie's 10th location in the Southeast - existing locations include: Savannah, Charleston, Miami Beach, Hollywood FL, West Palm Beach, Tampa, Columbia, Louisville, and Memphis. Soon to come will be locations in Charlotte, Myrtle Beach, and Fayetteville NC. Jack Arnold with Carter represented the Landlord in the transaction at Lindbergh.

Information gathered from: www.wetwillies.com

Brooklyn Joe's coming to Canton!

Brooklyn Joe's recently inked a deal to lease the opposite endcap from Cheeseburger Bobby's at Canton Marketplace at I-575 and Highway 20.

Brian Miller, founder and creator of Alessio's Restaurant and Pizzeria, opened the first Brooklyn Joe's restaurant at Deerfield Place shopping center in Alpharetta. With over 20 years of restaurant experience, Brian focuses on quality ingredients, exceptional service, value, and a fun family atmosphere. Brooklyn Joe's has a full Lunch and Dinner menu consisting of Appetizers, Salads, Wings, Oven Baked Pasta, Daily Specials, Pizza, Deli Sandwiches, Paninis, Desserts, Beer & Wine, and Soft Drinks.

Brooklyn Joe's will be leasing a 2,478 square foot space in the outparcel building between Chick Fil-A and McDonald's. Amy Goldsmith with Sembler represented the Landlord in the transaction, Jimmy Davis with Colliers International represented Brooklyn Joe's.

Information gathered from: http://www.brooklynjoespizza.com/

EVOS Opening at Roswell Market Place!

EVOS will soon be opening in the former Rugs International space at Roswell Market Place, located at Highway 9 & Mansell Road in Roswell.

Founded in 1994, Tampa, FL-based EVOS sets themselves apart from other fast-casual concepts by offering a healthy alternative. The concept’s name originated from the word "evolve"... and EVOS is successfully doing this in Atlanta by offering great-tasting food with reduced calories and no trans fats or processed food. Their unique menu consists of burgers made with hormone-free beef, air-baked fries (Airfries™), sandwiches & wraps, salads, organic milkshakes, and a variety of healthy options for kids. For you ketchup lovers out there (like me), EVOS has created "Ketchup Karma" - a line of specialty-flavored ketchups that include Original Americana, Garlic Gravity, Mesquite Magic and Cayenne Firewalker.

Located opposite from Chipotle and Starbucks, this will be EVOS 3rd location in the Atlanta MSA. Melody Holley with Colliers International represented the Landlord in the transaction, Jimmy Davis with Colliers International represented EVOS.

Information gathered from: http://www.evos.com/

Tin Lizzy's Coming to Midtown!

Tin Lizzy's will soon be opening in the former Fuego Spanish Grill, located at 1136 Crescent Avenue in Midtown.

First planting their roots on the corner of Roswell Road and Piedmont Road in Buckhead, Tin Lizzy's is known for its laid-back and rustic atmosphere, unique patio seating, and singer/songwriter entertainment. Simple and priced right, their menu consists of variety of tacos, quesadillas and nachos, boneless chicken strips, dips, fresh salads, and homemade desserts. Combine the full bar with the inviting surroundings, and you have the perfect home for happy hours and networking events.

This space will be 3,000+/- square feet and should see tremendous lunch business with the surrounding office components along Peachtree Street. Tin Lizzy's is hoping to open the Midtown location before the Spring...just in time for Margarita season!

Information gathered from: www.tinlizzyscantina.com

One Cafe Blanc Opening in Foreclosed Renaissance Walk

One Cafe Blanc will be opening soon at Renaissance Walk on the corner of Piedmont Avenue and Auburn Avenue.

Serving everything from custom-made salads and burgers to freshly prepared meals to-go (such as Whole Foods and Alons), One Cafe Blanc is striving to offer not only fullfilling meals, but a healthy solution to those customers on-the-go. There will be a coffee and pastry element to the concept, similar to Starbucks, in the hopes of capturing some of the walking traffic from the GA State students. Additionally, they will offer a variety of vegetarian selections as well as special foods for customers on low sugar and low salt diets.

Although Renaissance Walk is currently in foreclosure with only a few condos occupied, One Café Blanc feels confident they will succeed due to the college student traffic from Georgia State University and the 3 dormitories within walking distance.

Information gathered from: www.whatnowatlanta.com

Piola Peach to open next to RA Sushi

Piola Peach is scheduled to open this month at 1080 Peachtree Street, next to RA Sushi at 1010 Midtown.

Founded in 1986 in the heart of Treviso, Piola is an International concept that strives to offer the genuine Italian tradition of simple and delicious food combined with exceptional service and ambiance. Their menu is basic and healthy - they offer authentic Italian pies (made with thin crust) and a unique creation of pasta dishes. Piola also plans on opening its doors to culture, hosting film premieres, book and magazine events, art exhibitions and many other social and artistic activities.

Piola currently has 4 locations in Florida, 1 location in Washington DC, and plans to open soon in Houston (Piola Energy), Raleigh (Strong Piola), and Chapel Hill (Piola Heaven). For more information on this unique concept, please visit their website at http://www.piola.it/.

Information gathered from: www.piola.it

Pie 950 Pizza Tavern opens at Plaza Midtown

With the success of Prickly Pear Taqueria, Angelo and Nicole Laios (former owners of Mambo Italiano) have rolled out "Pie 950 Pizza Tavern" to take over the remaining portion of the Amore space at Plaza Midtown.

Located on the corner of W Peachtree Street and 8th Street, the restaurant consists of a 140-seat bi-level dining area featuring a mezzanine balcony accessed by an ornate cast-iron staircase.

Angelo is trying to create the environment of an European Pizzeria - there will be six 50" flat-screen TVs devoted solely to international soccer matches. The menu consists of wood-fire baked pizza, antipastis, calzones, subs, paninis, gelato, and gourmet salads. The full bar serves gourmet milkshakes, a wide array of wines, cheap draft beers ($2 PBR, $4 Peroni & Abita Jockamo IPA), and 20+ craft bottles like Terrapin Sun Ray Wheat and Moretti La Rossa.

Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern coming to Piedmont & Monroe Drive

Brothers Gilbert and Sean Yeremyan of Gilbert's Café & Bar in Midtown will soon open Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern on the corner of Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive.

Located in the former Caribou Coffee building, Hobnob will have 76 seats - a 20-seat bar, 28 seats in the dining room, and 28 seats on 2 outside seating areas. Restaurants Consulting Group designed the space, which was originally built as a gas station. The design emphasizes airy open dining, featuring a glass garage door connecting the dining room to the patio.

Chef Brett Ring, formerly the sous chef at STATS, will be the executive chef, crafting a menu focused on quality comfort food, including sandwiches, pizzas, salads and entrées. Hobnob will offer an extensive selection of beers, including high gravity and craft beers, as well as wine and a full bar. There will be house-infused vodkas, pitchers of margaritas, 6-8 beers on tap, and 50 varieties of bottled beer.

Hobnob will serve lunch, dinner, late night dining and weekend brunch. Complementary valet parking will be available on Monroe Drive. For more information, visit http://www.hobnobatlanta.com.

Information gathered from: Liz Lapidus PR

Five Guys coming to Dunwoody

Five Guys will soon be taking over the former Caribou Coffee space at Perimeter Place Shopping Center in Dunwoody.

Comprised of SuperTarget, Loehmann's, Ross, Office Max, Drexel Heritage, and many other well-known retailers, Sembler has successful transformed the former BellSouth and Equity Office Property Trust buildings into 452,000 SF power center. Other restaurant concepts in the development include Taco Mac, Carrabba's, Outback Steakhouse, Cheeseburger in Paradise, Mimi's Cafe, Fleming's, Applebee's, Chipotle, Robek's, Shane's Rib Shack, Doc Green's, Tin Drum, Panera Bread, and Cold Stone Creamery.

Lily Heimburger with Sembler represented the Landlord in the transaction - this will be 2,500 SF location for Five Guys.