999 Peachtree To Become Yet Another Eatery, No Apple

Despite rumors that Apple would take the space, midtown's former The Grape at 999 Peachtree is becoming yet another sit down establishment. Empire State So is on schedule to open by spring 2010 and is expected to be another eatery jumping on the ever popular farm-to-table-style cuisine. Chef and owner Hugh Acheson may find Atlanta a little more fickle and competitive than Athens where he runs the successful Five & Ten and The National.Athens, with the University of Georgia and its thousands of students, and few quality sit down restaurants, provides a unique environment in which his other two concepts have thrived. Midtown Atlanta, more specifically the location he has selected for his new concept, may prove challenging. With limited parking and a lot of nearby competition, we wish him the best of luck given the state of the economy. You can rest assured there won't be a Repeat Atlanta Cafe anytime soon. Repeat Atlanta!

At Long Last, Brick Store Pub Grant Park Opening

Brick Store Pub, currently with one location in downtown Decatur, is soon opening its long awaited second location in Grant Park. The Pub will occupy an older building at the corner of Ormewood and Confederate Avenue in what is becoming a hot spot for cool eateries. Opened since 1997 in Decatur, the Pub has become not only a neighborhood favorite but a place for out-of-towners craving a variety of hard to find draught and bottled beer. Owners Dave Blanchard, Mike Gallagher and Tom Moore opened sister establishment Leon's Full Service this past February at which point the new Brick Store location was put on hold. Leon's is now up and running, and the group moved forward with its plans for the Grant Park site. Having recently applied for their liquor license, it's only a matter of time before Grant Park residents their very own Brick Store Pub. Repeat Atlanta!

Bureau on Edgewood Closed, Now Cenote and or 327?

The Bureau which closed weeks ago and was to become a new eatery, has instead sat idle. While its website now claims its name to be simply "327", its address on Edgewood Avenue, a sign on the building reads "Cenote Coming Soon." Cenote is also visible on what seems to be permanent signage, a neon sign. No word from anyone on what exactly is happening with this space but clearly it be a while before anything opens. With two floors with which to work, the Bureau utilized much of the top floor for artwork and the bottom for a bar and restaurant. Repeat Atlanta!

Larry's Giant Subs FIFO At Sembler's Prado

Sembler's Prado redevelopment seems to be the final resting place for a new sub concept. Larry's Giant Sub's, which opened months ahead of many of the other eateries at the Prado redevelopment, has closed for a "remodel," but sources say the place was cleared out and they don't see any evidence of a remodel. The restaurant's phone number has been disconnected though has not been removed from the corporate website. Larry's Giant Subs, based in Jacksonville, Florida, has two other Georigia locations: one in Fayetteville and another in Roswell. Nearby eateries, EVOS and Fuego Mundo seem to be doing just fine. Fuego Mundo, a new local Latin American concept, opened its first eatery at the Prado and has plans for a few more already. EVOS, a Florida based concept, chose the Prado for its first location in Atlanta. With another outlet already planned for Novare's Viewpoint development in midtown, the eatery serves "healthy fast food" like air fries and baked burgers. Repeat Atlanta!

Bill Hallman Banking on Buckhead in Former Blue Genes

Bill Hallman, long rumored to be opening a location in Buckhead will be doing just that in the coming weeks. Occupying what had been one of the most well known Buckhead boutiques, Bill Hallman will open his shop in part of the old Blue Genes in the Shops Around Lenox. The space that once housed the kids store and later the outlet, and eventually "Green Genes" is the space Hallman will be opening in. With little cosmetically being done to the space, the one notable change will be the closure of the space to the other store fronts and the removal of the marble staircase. Blue Genes, which had been burglarized more times than they'd like repeated was seemingly unable to recover from their most recent theft earlier this year. While messages were posted both on the store front as well as their website claiming they would reopen in early July, that has yet to occur and seems less likely given Hallman's opening. The one possibility being that that the Blue Genes sisters would reopen in an even smaller space than they most recently occupied. Bill Hallman and Blue Genes next door might be a good fit. The girls could stick to clothing and accessories for women, and Bill Hallman, do what he does best, make men look their best. For now, all we know is Bill Hallman Buckhead is scheduled to open with the next 30 days and that Bill is once again designing his own line that will be sold in both his boutiques and his online store. Repeat Atlanta!

Juicy Green Virginia Highlands Location Discovered

Juicy Green will go head to head with Yoforia when it opens its new Highlands location this fall. Despite earlier information from a Juicy Green rep, the new location will be on N. Highland rather than Virginia. Located less than a mile down, on the same side of the road, Juicy Green's new Highlands location at 1046 N. Highland Ave. is across from Moe's & Joe's and down from Chico's. Its space most recently housed Eco Bella Organic Lifestyle Boutique, but had been vacant for a while. Its steetside location, within walking distance of many intown residents is perfect for exposure though we're a little concerned with opening a new yogurt shop in the fall, when most eateries of its type experience the most difficulty in attracting customers. Repeat Atlanta!

Zaya Mediterranean Rolls Into Former Depot at Emory

Inman Park eatery Zaya Mediterranean has opened its second location, this one on Emory University's campus. A joint partnership with Sodexo, Emory's food service provider, and Tarek Tay's, Zaya Mediterranean, the new eatery just opened and has been packed even before classes start! Taking the space of what had most recently been "The Depot", Zaya is a welcome addition to the food offerings at Emory. With the Mediterranean Grill at North Decatur and Clairmont Roads, Zaya has a clear advantage over its nearest competition as is surrounded by frat houses and dorms. Don't be surprised if Zaya pops up at other local college campuses in the near future. Repeat Atlanta!

Nectar Hopes For Sweet Success in New Location

Scheduled to open this coming Monday the 31st, occupying a space that had most recently been a Smoothie King, the owners of Nectar (food of the gods) found it far better for their needs in their new Decatur space than their original Oakhurst location. Their first eatery in Oakhurst on East Lake Drive was previously a police station prior to the Nectar transformation . Serving raw juices, smoothies, paninis and gourmet ice cream, Nectar is sure to be a hit amongst its new neighbors. With Emory now in session, students will now have a healthy alternative for fast food dining. A fan of Acai for years, we here at Repeat Atlanta can't wait to try varieites they have available. It's no coincidence that Nectar is next door to Bjohanic, as its owned by Bjohanic's owners' son and his wife. Repeat Atlanta!

Slice Cafe, Diced and Done With in Alpharetta

Slice Cafe, open since last Spring has closed in Alpharetta. Located at 52 Main Street, the eatery was well received by critics upon opening but was never able to carve out a niche amongst other more moderately priced options in the area. The eatery's executive chef, Charles Dalbec was formerly of the ill-fated Emeril's Buckhead eatery. The restaurant's website and phone number are both disconnected so we were unable to garner any additional info. Also, its unlikely anything will be eager to move in but who knows, maybe we've turned a corner! Repeat Atlanta!

You Gotta Eat! Checkers Coming To Broad Street

Earlier this week we announced that Thai Gourmet would be reopening as a Juicy Green yogurt eatery. Now, Checkers is opening too, right across the street. Taking a space that had most recently been KFC, Checkers is opening on Broad Street in downtown Atlanta. Based in Tampa Bay, Florida, Checker's Drive-In Restaurants will enter Broad Street amidst stiff competition from Taco Bell to its left and McDonald's not far to its right. Additionally, "Wonderful World," from Tin Drum Asia Cafe, offers affordable hamburgers a few doors down. Rumor has it that Chick-Fil-A has its sights set on a location in the area also. Though no opening date has been announced for Checkers, we expect for them to open by mid September. Repeat Atlanta!

Not So Good Fortune... Chopstix Buckhead Is 86'd!

So, I spent some time in China last year and savored some fine fare during my visit.  From Cantonese, to Pekingese, to Szechuan – the cuisine is as varied as the lovely people.

Back in the States, this grasshopper craved some of the same experiences … the strong lauded Chopstix nearly topped the list. With it’s Hong Kong roots, this establishment has garnered a formidable presence in Buckhead.  Having a staff as polished and efficient as any I’ve seen, I fear the flavors of the cuisine have been slightly lost in translation.  From a hot & sour soup that was entirely overpowered by black pepper, to a calamari appetizer drowning in its “sweet & syrupy” sauce – for a moment I lost confidence in my self-proclaimed discriminating palate, but I cannot deny the reception from my taste-buddies.  In this case, I understand the necessity of an efficient staff, as a full water glass is required to endure the tragically over salted Szechuan chicken.  Even the spicy pork fried rice spoke desert-dryness and lacked any semblance of spiciness… the water was good though.  So for now, regrettably, I must say – 86 on the ‘Stix.

Rick does play favorites! Click here for the most recent pick, Hal's! 

57th Fighter Keeps On Fightin, Reopening Soon

57th Fighter Group Restaurant, closed since late 2006, is due to reopen in late September, followed by its grand reopening in early October. The menu has been tweaked a little and is said to be "American Eclectic" with steak, seafood, pasta along with some other usual suspects. Chef Sam Adams will be in charge of the kitchen with Tricia Clancy being brought back in from the restaurants earlier incarnation as General Manager. The decor is very much the same as it was, WWII inspired with improvements made to the facilities and to the kitchen. The parking lot was also resealed and the land surrounding the eatery landscaped for the first time in a while. Always a fan of their outdoor patio, allowing a rare dining experience as planes and helicopters land feet away, we can't wait to try it out. If you would like additional info, they already have a Facebook fan page set up with details and pictures. While you're at it, become a fan of Repeat Atlanta! With seating said to be about 150-175, this would make a great neighborhood gathering spot as Chamblee hasn't had anything like this eatery since, well since 2006! Repeat Atlanta!

Façonnable Opens At Lenox With Some Familiar Faces

Façonnable finally opens at Lenox. As we first reported last June , Façonnable has now opened its first store in Atlanta, at Lenox Square in Buckhead. Occupying a portion of the former Polo Ralph Lauren space in the main corridor of level one, almost half the staff came from the recently shuttered Mark Shale across the hall. Previously an exclusive house brand of Nordstrom in the U.S. and later purchased by Nordstrom in 2000, the brand was sold in 2007 to M1 Group, a Lebanese private equity group. The new plan for the brand is to open boutiques in select locales from coast to coast. Repeat Atlanta!

A Hole In One More Space At Lenox As Bobby Jones Closes

Bobby Jones, one of the original retailers within the "Luxury Wing" at Lenox Square closed this past weekend. Following the closures of locations in Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Hawaii, and a relocation of their in-store shop in Hickey Freeman's 5th Avenue store, the only remaining stand alone location is in Naples, Florida. Parent company Hartmarx filed bankruptcy this past January and was subsequently purchased by Emerisque/SKNL North America in late June. While a number of outlet stores remain open, its appears the brands new owners are trying to minimize the number of full line retail locations. As the space at Lenox is quite small, hopefully it wont be vacant too long. Maybe Judith Leiber wants to come back? Repeat Atlanta!

Waffle House Smothering and Covering Downtown Colleges

Following the opening of a Waffle House at Underground Atlanta early last year, not far from Georgia State University, another location is opening not far away at the soon to open Parker H. Petit Science Center at Piedmont Ave and Decatur St. A 10-story science and research facility, the building is due for completion next spring. Waffle House has plans to follow that timeline with hopes of opening their eatery in late spring. Waffle House seems intent on feeding grits and waffles to as many Georgia State students as possible, but they're not stopping there. Waffle House will also open at Technology Square, not far from Georgia Tech. Located at 5th and Spring, the Waffle House will open in the former American Apparel space, next to Tin Drum Asia Cafe. With hopes to open by late this year, or early next year, Georgia Tech students are already getting excited after word of its opening started to circulate this week as classes started. Repeat Atlanta!

Things Getting Sweet Downtown as Thai Gourmet Morphs Into Juicy Green

Due to what's being called a "personal emergency" by its owner, Thai Gourmet eatery on Broad Street downtown closed earlier this month. On Broad St., an area trafficked by Georgia State students most often, its possible they simply wanted to try a fresh concept. In its place the owner is opening a Juicy Green concept. Juicy Green, similar to the likes of Yogurberry, Yoforia and Pinkberry, and is locally owned with plans for expansion. Their first location in Norcross is their only location open currently as they closed their additional location in Alpharetta months ago. New plans call for the opening of the Broad Street location by late September or early October and an additional location in Virgina Highlands on Virginia Ave. in the coming months. Moving into the Highlands is a clear attempt to take on rival Yoforia in their home territory. For the record, our favorite remains Taro from Yogurberry in Buckhead. Repeat Atlanta!

KitchenAid Culinary Store Gets Cooking In Buckhead

Insperience Studio, open since 2003 in Buckhead has closed to the public and will shift its focus to their retail sales. Located next to Marshall's in Coro's shopping center at the corner of Piedmont and Peachtree, the store had given consumers a chance to try out and learn about Whirlpool's portfolio of brands and appliances prior to purchasing. Though the studio will remain in the rear of the building, KitchenAid Culinary Store will be the entities new name and will show in new signage soon. The official transition will take place in early October. This will be the second store in the U.S., another similar is located downtown Greenville, in Ohio. Repeat Atlanta!

El Toro Taking Closed Redfish A Creole Bistro Space On Memorial Drive

The recently shuttered Redfish A Creole Bistro is being taking over by Mexican concept, El Toro. After opening in 2006, Redfish was named best new restaurant and best Cajun-Creole cuisine that same year by Creative Loafing. Gregg Herndon, formerly of Tiburon Grille and Taste of New Orleans opened the eatery on Memorial Drive between Cabbagetown and Grant Park and it had done well early on but seems to be the most recent victim of the recession. El Toro, a local Mexican chain with locations in Chamblee, Atlanta and Sandy Springs will open in the space in the coming months. Repeat Atlanta!

Krust When You Thought Atlanta Had Enough Pizzeria's -- Krust Pizza Cafe Opening Soon!

Maybe there is something in the air, maybe its the recession, or maybe, just maybe, its gonna be a really good pie.  Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure, another pizzeria is opening in metro Atlanta. Krust Pizza Cafe is preparing to open at 2030 Bolton Road, just inside 285 south of Smyrna. According to the eatery, they are on track for an  August 23rd opening, but with no website up and little else known about the concept or its owners, time will tell whether this pie can take a slice of the local pizza market. Repeat Atlanta!

Bakeshop Strikes Gold With Prime Location In Midtown

The former Gold Star Cafe & Bakery in midtown is getting a new bakery concept. Located at 903 Peachtree in the same shopping center that includes Noodle and Little Azio, the bakery is said to be called Bakeshop and is being designed by local firm ai3. Repeat Atlanta sources indicate minimal changes are being made to the existing hardware within the eatery, just an updated, new look and feel. Being developed and run by local owners, not franchisees of a large chain, Repeat Atlanta hopes this new concept is a success, as the midtown neighborhood could sure use it! Repeat Atlanta!

Progress Heating Up As Shula's 347 Grill Takes Shape In Buckhead

After months of delays, Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel & Conference Center is finally taking shape, as is its on-site eatery Shula's 347 Grill. The first eatery for famed football coach Don Shula in the Peach State, Shula's 347 Grill is one of the more casual eateries of his four concepts. Originally scheduled to open earlier this Spring, the hotel as well as the restaurant have been plagued by construction delays. Recently work has picked up, with a large new portion currently being erected on Lenox road. While ads in Where Magazine previously announced the Spring '09 opening, the most recent issue proclaims the opening as Fall '09. Having never been to any of his concepts, we will hold judgement till opening, but in Buckhead, Shula's had better bring their "A game" if they are to succeed. Repeat Atlanta!

Timeout! Click here to follow the story from the first Quarter. 

The Writing is on the Stucco -- Hal's On Old Ivy an Obvious Pick!

So, I’ve said it before (in numerous other formats) and I’ll gladly re-affirm that my all-time “Pick” (and not-so-best kept secret) for steaks is Hal’s On Old Ivy.

Another recent visit still inspires fresh muscles with double orders of bread- without which an irresistible broth rests in a bowl looking up and laughing in mockery for not “soaking” as a true philistine should.  With a crab cocktail that pits brother against brother; you know you’ve found the Promised Land when you can cut your medium-rare filet with the edge of your spoon.

Of course intimate seating is nice but can indeed be a down side in this space-challenged charmer.  Alas the ghosts of Old Ivy offer reprieve in the sacred knowledge that our world expands not just in mind, body and soul, but most importantly; a second floor addition complete with French quarter balcony!  Yes, it’s true; Hal’s long-awaited expansion is slated for completion in mid October.

Epitomizing the right formula for a truly successful restaurant, there’s no hiding the secret anymore, Hal…the jig is up!!

New Inman Park Grocery Store Going After Savvy Consumers

Inman Park is getting their first grocery store and it's not a chain! It's called Savi Urban Market, and it's taking up a new building on Elizabeth street- right behind the popular Fritti and Sotto Sotto eateries. The new building itself is across the street from a store called "At The Collective" (which neighbors may recall was the old Inman Perk). Details of this new concept are slowly becoming available but the fact that it's a local market and not another chain store sounds good enough already. Savi Urban Market hopes to create a neighborhood, more compact version of a Whole Foods, with elements of The Fresh Market as well. Select produce, beer / wine and a deli counter are all planned. With an opening set for mid-late September, they will open right as Emory has resumed classes. Repeat Atlanta!

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Save 80% Off w/every $25 Gift Certificate order! Use code PORTION. Pay $2 thru 8/13/09 at Restaurant.com

Caribou Coffee at Piedmont and Monroe Closed

Thanks to a Repeat Atlanta reader, we have been made aware that Caribou Coffee at the corner of Piedmont Road and Monroe Drive has closed. While we would love to have super human powers and be everywhere at once, we can't and thank our loyal readers who keep us up on developments from time to time.  From the picture shown you can see all signage is already down. With Smoothie King now in the space that formerly housed Atlanta's hometown Aurora Coffee, what if anything in the near future will become of this now vacant Caribou? Any leads, ideas, thoughts? Drop us a line in the comment section and let us know. Repeat Atlanta!

57th Fighter Group Restaurant Resurrected?

57th Fighter Group Restaurant, nestled behind thick trees and shrubs on Clairmont Road, closed over a year ago with little mention of it anywhere. Located next to Peachtree-DeKalb airport, the space seemed ideal for a unique dining experience, as the eatery's outdoor patio allowed diners to view takeoff and landing closer than any restaurant we're aware of. Once said to have been considered by Metrotainment for a new concept, there is now a sign at the restaurant's Clairmont Road entrance proclaiming "57th Restaurant Coming Soon". Another chance, a new life, new owner, new menu, little is known at this point but rest assured we'll have details long before takeoff. Repeat Atlanta!

Amusing New Restaurant Opening In Former Allegro Eatery

The former Allegro restaurant on Dutch Valley Road will have a new eatery in the coming months. "Amuse", a concept developed by Andy Alibakhsh of midtown's Apres Diem in partnership with business partner Arnaud Michel of Buckhead's Anis Café & Bistro is said to feature breakfast, lunch and dinner in a casual café setting. After previously announcing that Alinakhsh would be taking the space over in May, it seems Michel may have come on board later in the game. Though the menu is not finalized, expect for it to have a French theme. Look for an opening in mid-late September. Repeat Atlanta!