Clear Storms Atlanta With New Retail Store In Buckhead

Clear, the new wireless broadband internet service provider has set up shop in Buckhead. Opening in Selig Enterprises shopping center at the corner of Piedmont and Peachtree in the heart of Buckhead, they are growing fast, maybe a little too fast. Taking the space Orvis vacated when they moved to their new store down the road, the new store was putting signage up when we dropped by earlier this week. Just last month Repeat Atlanta spoke with Scott Selig and he seemed not to have anyone lined up for the space,surprsingly, days later a building permit was up and this week the store will open. Perhaps its a short term lease, though the extensive remodel of the space make that unlikely. Clear also opened in Novare's Viewpoint project in Midtown in August.

With extensive multi-media advertising throughout Atlanta, from radio to TV to MARTA, Clear is on a mammoth of marketing blitz. Clear, a Registered Traveler Program by the same name failed to secure financing this year and ceased operations as of June 22nd. Clear is owned by Sprint Nextel Clear Sprint/Nextel, 51% stake with Ex-Clearwire shareholders owning 27% and a consortium of Comcast, Time Warner, Intel, Google and Bright House investing $3.2 billion to own the balance. Repeat Atlanta!

The WINNERS of the Celebrity Jewelry Designer Mark Edge Jewelry GIVEAWAY are...

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Celebrity Jewelry Designer Mark Edge Jewelry GIVEAWAY! Our three grand prize winners are:

Katie Putnam!

Derek Anthony Brown!
Gabrielle Mercadante!

But there's more... Repeat Atlanta is also awarding a pair of AMC Theatres -- GuestFirst passes, to FIVE additional Repeat Atlanta Facebook fans! Each pass (of the pair) admits one to any show at any location, any time or date:

Brooke Cynthia Novak!

Jonathan Brimer!

Keelee Butler!

Sarah Lester Williams!
Markol Allen!

As always, thanks for reading. Look for future contests and breaking news only on Repeat Atlanta!

Never Go Thirsty Again With Coca-Cola's Freestyle Fountain

Yesterday, Repeat Atlanta was invited to be formally introduced to the new Coca-Cola Freestyle. As we mentioned in April, Coke’s new “Freestyle” fountain dispenser was in a few test markets and now is in beta testing here in Atlanta and California. Using highly concentrated ingredients within cartridges rather than the normal “Bag-In-Box” syrups, the revolutionary unit is able to offer guests over 100 varieties of Coke beverages. Many of the beverage options had not previously been available in the U.S. such as the full line of Fanta beverages as well as expanded low calorie offerings.

Using technology originally meant for medical purposes, Dean Kamen, the man behind the Segway, and his employees at DEKA spent four years with engineers from Coke working on this new unit. With 27 patents on the technology and several others pending, rest assured this is an experience unlike any other. Locally Coke has teamed with select Firehouse Subs, Willy’s Mexicana Grill, Wendy’s, Popeyes, Subway and Burger King locations for beta testing of the new units.

AMC Theatres Parkway Pointe on Cobb Parkway received the greatest number of machines, five, and is the only movie theatre in the world participating in the tests. The novelty of the unit has not only attracted Georgia Tech engineering students to their local Firehouse Subs on 10th Street, but every day consumers as well. Seeing pictures and reading articles about this machine have some trekking miles to test it for themselves, a welcome sign to restaurant operators. Some test locations have reported double digit increases in beverage sales. For now, the Freestyle units are only in select QSR locations but based on promising early results, expect to see more units across Atlanta and other cities by the second quarter of next year. Repeat Atlanta!

Bill Hallman Studio In Buckhead Opening This Week

Bill Hallman Studio, the new concept store from Bill Hallman will open this Thursday, October 1st in part of the old Blue Genes at the Shops Around Lenox. Having taken the space to the far left, Hallman's first order of business was removing the marble / metallic staircase and repainting the walls. Repeat Atlanta stopped by this weekend and caught the whole family getting in on the process with Hallman's wife and daughter helping in the store set-up. A hybrid retail store and design studio, the new store will carry Hallman's new line as well as other chic apparel for men and women. Hallman is said to be planning an ever popular and cost effective pop-up shop in Lenox Square for this holiday season and will add the long rumored Westside boutique early next year. Unknown is what exactly either will be like but the Westside boutique is most likely to be located in the recently renovated White Provisions. Repeat Atlanta!

Reuben's Licensed To Feed A Community Near You?

Reuben's Deli on Broad Street in downtown Atlanta is said to be in negotiations to license the concept for up to six additional locations in Georgia. Open for ten years on Broad Street near Georgia State University, owner Claudio F. has succeeded where others have failed and for good reason. Having experience in both the sales and service industries, Claudio has turned Reubun's into a favorite not only for the food but for the atmosphere. Serving top shelf meats from the likes of Boar's Head and in a setting reminiscent of New York, you might drop eight bucks, but you'll wait in line to do so. Areas under consideration for expansion are said to include Athens, Decatur, Dunwoody, The Emory area, East Cobb and Midtown. Hopefully your hood will be lucky enough to land one! Repeat Atlanta!

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion Says Aloha In Buckhead, Closes

Roy's Hawaiian Fusion, an upscale offering from Tampa Bay-based OSI has closed its lone Atlanta area location in Buckhead. Founded by Hawaii's first James Beard winner Roy Yamaguchi in 1988, the restaurant started in Hawaii and then expanded to the lower 48 when it was purchased by OSI years later. Located at the corner of Lenox and Piedmont roads in the lobby level of the Marsh building, the restaurant opened in April, 2001 and closed this past weekend. The parent company has been seeking a buyer for the 30 something unit chain since last year but has apparently not yet found a buyer. OSI also owns established chains including Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and smaller chains Bonefish Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. It recently sold its 38-unit Cheeseburger in Paradise chain. The Sembler Company's Perimeter Place project in Dunwoody is home to the most OSI concepts with an Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and the recently sold Cheeseburger in Paradise represented. Having been to the center multiple times, we're not sure Fleming's will make it much longer, as it, like Roy's, is in a higher price bracket and targets a smaller, wealthier demographic. Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You's Wildfire and Orlando-based Darden's Season's 52 seem to be the two exceptions, both continuing to do well at lunch and be fairly busy at dinner as well. (For the record, our favorite is Season's 52 on Peachtree Road in Buckhead) While it's doubtful anyone will be quick to snap up the former Roy's, there's no doubt in our mind this won't be the last of chain closures in Atlanta, and quite possibly one of many in the coming months... Repeat Atlanta!

Lenox Square Grill, BOCADO, Bistro Niko, Shula's 347, Pure Taqueria & 57th Fighter Group (((Updated)))

After months of delays, articles and advertisements, some of the most talked about restaurants in Atlanta are finally opening. Maybe they'll flop, maybe they'll become a new favorite, but one thing is for sure -- Bistro Niko is and will be known as Bistro Niko!

Lenox Square Grill in the former The Clubhouse at Lenox Square mall is set to open October 15th.

BOCADO in West Midtown is scheduled to open October 2nd according to owner Brian Lewis.

Bistro Niko, Buckhead Life's new French style eatery in the Sovereign in Buckhead is scheduled to open the third week in November

Shula's 347 in the soon to open Marriott Buckhead Hotel and Conference Center is scheduled to finally open November 15

Pure Taqueria in Inman Park is opening the third week of October

57th Fighter Group Restaurant is set to reopen during the first week in October

Stay tuned to Repeat Atlanta! for more openings and closings as sadly they seem to come hand in hand as of late. Also, which concept above are you most excited is finally nearing its opening? Add a comment below cause we wanna know!

Sebastian's Closet [Out of Business] Closing Its Doors

This just in to Repeat Atlanta! A confidential insider has informed us that Sebastian's Closet in Buckhead will close its doors for good in the coming weeks. Located on Peachtree Road in the heart of Buckhead, Sebastian's Closet is based out of Dallas, Texas and opened the Buckhead store in July, 1991. The store completed an extensive renovation and relaunched the concept just under two years ago but has seemingly failed to attract the customers necessary to stay in business. Appealing to the affluent male consumer, Sebastian's was once quite popular but had fizzled in recent years. Ken Barber, former million dollar salesman at Sak's Fifth Avenue, was brought in to breath new life into the store after its relaunch but left shortly after to launch his own store. Ken Barber Clothing in West Midtown, carries men's suits, denim and knitwear, as well as cufflinks and ties. Ken Barber Clothing, fellow West Midtown boutique Sid Mashburn, and Miller Brothers Ltd. in Buckhead have probably taken at least some business from Sebastian's and each offer a shopping environment more in tune with today's male shopper. A Google search will show there is still a Sebastian's Closet in Dallas, Texas and another in Tacoma, Washington that is apparently a woman's consignment store now. Another day, another closure in Atlanta retail.

Growth Concepts Already Growing With Purchase of Canyons Burger Company

Open a mere 18 months, Canyons Burger Company has been purchased by Orange County, California-based Growth Concepts. The acquisition is the first for the new company led by David Kim, CEO of Baja Fresh and La Salsa, along with a group of investors. The new company is said to be an “incubator” of sorts, working to grow concepts today to be significant players in their respective markets in the future. Founders Nick Binnings and Sonny Crumpton met while both were executives as Atlanta-based Raving Brands, opening their first Canyons in January of 2008 in Woodstock. A second location at Cherokee in Brookhaven was added a few months later. The inside of the eatery clearly resembles that of a Moe’s Southwest Grill but rather than Mexican cuisine, features 100% fresh Angus beef. Started just as the burger craze was taking off, it’s likely this could prove to be a wise investment for Growth Concepts with a third Atlanta area Canyons apparently in the works. With many consumers curbing their mid to fine dining budget, fast casual eateries such as Canyons and Baja Fresh have seen less of an effect as they offer a more cost-conscious menu. With but two Atlanta area Fatburger locations in Buckhead and Marietta and no In-N-Out locations, Canyons should be able to grow locally and expand with the funding and expertise Growth Concepts will provide. Repeat Atlanta!

Burrito Wars Heat Up As Baja Fresh Re-enters Atlanta Market

As Repeat Atlanta reported last December, Baja Fresh is re-entering the Atlanta market with new locations starting with one in downtown Atlanta later this year. Baja Fresh and sister chain La Salsa will go head to head with a number or local and regional fresh-Mex chains such as Frontera, Willy's Mexicana Grill, Chipote among others. RA caught up with Chief Development Officer James Walker at the opening of Varasano's Pizzeria in May and he said both brands will open a number of locations in Georgia. Walker went on to say that they have been able to very selective in site selection, a result of the poor real estate market. Correctly choosing prime locations both in Atlanta and OTP should serve the chain well as it expands with a new leadership team. The first announced location will be opening in a former Starbucks not far from the GWCC and is scheduled to open December 1st. The Starbucks space it is taking has been vacant since the Starbucks closed over six months ago, a casualty of the over 600 store closures that were announced last July and wrapped up earlier this year. Located at 250 Centennial Park Ave. West, the eatery is adjacent to the Embassy Suites and the Hilton Garden in and across from the Georgia Aquarium. Even with Moe's in CNN Center and Iowa City, Iowa-based Panchero's Mexican Grill not far away at 400 West Peachtree near the W Downtown, we feel this new Baja Fresh will perform well. Repeat Atlanta!

Celebrity Jewelry Designer Mark Edge Jewelry GIVEAWAY!

Repeat Atlanta is teaming up with Celebrity Jewelry Designer Mark Edge to give THREE Repeat Atlanta Facebook Fans a Mark Edge Original of their choosing valued at up to $100! It's so easy to win. Simply become a fan of Repeat Atlanta on Facebook before September 29th and you're entered to win. Already a fan? Great, you're entered to win! For official rules as well as the terms and conditions, visit our contest terms and conditions page.

Click here to become a fan of Repeat Atlanta and enter the giveaway!

View the complete Mark Edge Collection!

The Dining Room at Ritz-Carlton Buckhead Closing, What's Next?

With hotels fighting for every guest and every dollar possible it's sad to see such an established operator fall victim to the ever worsening economy. Open for 25+ years, The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead will serve its last meal Wednesday October 1st. Having launched the careers of numerous chefs, the Dining Room was in an exclusive crowd of restaurants ranked highly not only by Zagat and Mobil but also by local AJC dinning critic, Meridith Ford Goldman. Repeat Atlanta favorite Gary Mennie as well as Shaun Doty, Guenter Seeger and Joel Antunes all gained notoriety at the dining room before moving on to other eateries or starting their own. Taurus, Shaun's, Seeger's and Joel were all opened after the aforementioned chefs left The Dining Room. With the announcement last week that the Dining Room’s current chef, two-time James Beard nominee Arnaud Berthelier, would be leaving the restaurant October 1st, some Ritz-Carlton insiders wondered if that was it for the restaurant as well, and sadly, their hunch was correct. Repeat Atlanta has learned from insiders within the Ritz-Carlton Buckhead that there has been talk in recent years of turning the Dining Room into additional meeting space, though if history teaches us anything (David Marvin was quoted as saying that Maxim Prime was closing to make way for additional meeting space but it became Concentrics' 30 Tables and 11 Stories) that may just be the story for now. It's safe to say that no replacement will ever be as beloved as and as popular as the Dining Room has been over the years. With RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) down in Atlanta and across the country and few diners choosing such high end eateries as The Dining Room, what do you think the Ritz should do. Another more casual restaurant? Additional meeting space as planned, or possibly Atlanta's millionth CVS or Walgreen's? Leave us a comment and tell us what you think should replace The Dining Room. Repeat Atlanta!

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Also, don't forget to vote for the best pizza pie in Atlanta! The pizza wars are on and Repeat Atlanta wants to know where you stand in this sloppy cheese and sauce toss!

Wolfgang Puck Making a Quick Getaway, More To Follow?

Wolfgang Puck Express which opened at Selig Enterprises' Brookwood Place in August 2003 will be closing its doors as of this Saturday September 12. After delays in opening as a result of its location next to Spa Sydell, it finally opened to much fanfare with Wolfgang Puck himself in the restaurant for the the grand opening. That same month, Emeril Lagasse opened Emeril's Atlanta in One Alliance Center in the heart of Buckhead but was panned by critics and local media and closed last April. Sorry to say it but Celebrity chefs have not and will continue to have limited success in our fair city. BLT Steak by Laurent Tourondel at the W Downtown is a prime example of the new crop of celebrity chef's foray into the Atlanta market with marginal results. Having dined their, we can say with the utmost of certainty, its not nearly the "it" spot that its sibling restaurants in NYC are and not nearly as popular or as talked about. Tom Colicchio's Craft restaurant and Spice Market and Market by chef Jean-George Vongerichten are novelty additions to an already crowed restaurant landscape. We here are Repeat Atlanta are far more fond of local establishments than chain and celebrity endorsed and or operations establishments that have flooded the city in recent years. On a positive note, local restaurateurs Nan and Charlie Niyomkul of Nan Thai Fine Dining and Tamarind Seed are progressing on their new eatery "Vertigo" in the old Taurus space next door to Wolfgang Puck Express. Said to feature traditional Thai barbecue, the restaurant is said to be on schedule to open in late November. Repeat Atlanta!

Grindhouse Aims To Kill It Downtown

Opening next week, Grindhouse Killer Burgers is the latest in what seems to be a growing trend of boutique burger joints. Owner Alex Brounstein has taken over the old Red's Tasty Express in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market at 209 Edgewood Ave. Located in downtown Atlanta, not far from Georgia State University, the eatery's location is between three student dorms that together house nearly 3,000 students! Though the area in which it is located may not be thought of as the safest by some, it's the revitalization and redevelopment of real estate downtown that will make the progress necessary for downtown to thrive in ways it has not recently. With a menu unlike our local Flip, it more closely resembles Flip burger that is located inside Bloomingsdale's New York flagship. With options of single or double patties of fresh ground beef, fresh turkey or veggie along with a plethora of topping selections for under $10 bucks, its sounds like a winning menu. If you don't feel comfortable with building your own burger, pre "styled" burgers are also available. Our favorite from the menu is, "The Hypocrite" a veggie burger with Grindhouse chili, thick cut bacon and Pepper Jack cheese. Though we hope to drop by prior to opening and check out the space, Grindhouse already has both a Facebook and Twitter account for those that would kill to be the first to know! Repeat Atlanta!

Click here for free fries courtesy of Grindhouse!

White House Restaurant, Tried and True -- Rick's Pick!

Breakfast - the oft forgotten stepchild of Americaʼs meal trifecta. I rarely indulge, but I do love a classic American breakfast. I love it all; the eggs, bacon, pancakes, syrup, sausage, etc, so itʼs comforting to know that the tried and true White House Restaurant on Peachtree Road has always got you covered. Upon entering this Greek owned, family run neighborhood joint, one always observes the friendliest of staffs, with a cordial greeting - even from the rear of the room. This open kitchen churns out breakfast a bounty. I cannot think of a single item on the “all day breakfast” menu that does not bear mention. Hence, I sing their praises to all who will listen. From the leanest bacon Iʼve eaten anywhere (except Lou Mitchellʼs in Chicago), to the fluffiest omelets made to order, to the heaping hashbrowns, and the ever golden flapjacks. All orders are lovingly presented with charming poise by any one of their diverse, United Nations “envoys”. Of course, you pay at the register, where the Chiclets are another favorite. And by-the-by, the Jimmy Carter booth is always reserved for me - so donʼt get any ideas.

Read about Rick's not so favorite Buckhead eatery, Chopstix!

Surprise Surprise, Eros Erased, Now IXTLAN

Just in case you were one of the few who experienced good service and enjoyed the food and atmosphere, we here at Repeat Atlanta are truly sorry, as Eros Tapas Bar has closed. Open a little less than a year, a search on Google for "Eros Atlanta" would result in you finding escort services rather than the eatery. Having been in a couple times, we were never impressed and actually witnessed a man receiving fellatio from a woman in the men's restroom (holding ones bladder became an easier feat thereafter). What was originally Trust Company Bank and later Bob Amick's Piebar, the space just doesn't seem to have the parking or capacity to be what its recent owners need it to be to stay in business. IXTLAN Ultra Lounge, with new owners, management and a new menu, will have their work cut out for them. Our first recommendation, hire a new webmaster, and an editor. The following appears to be their mission statement of sorts:

"IXTLAN A Place of Dreams and Relaxation, Once you step out and cross the bridge “We are now Building a Relationship”, Come in an enjoy the food and the outside patio under a calming and you are about to have a memoir that you'll smile about the next day. The atmosphere is breathtaking, relaxing, and put you in a different type of vibe, the music offers something for everyone, and the decor of the Restaurant/Lounge won't let you forget you are in a Place of Dreams."

Judging from IXTLAN's website, we don't see this concept lasting much longer than its predecessor. Repeat Atlanta!

Z pizza Midtown Missing The Mark on the ABC's of Restaurants, Closes

Z Pizza in Midtown has closed. No one knew it was open, and only now will many find out of its closure. After opening about year ago around the corner from F2O on the 7th Street side of Spire Midtown, the eatery closed a few weeks ago. With what seemed like nonexistent marketing outside of the immediate area, few non midtown dwellers and even some that live nearby knew about the darn place! Owned and operated by Shaw Restaurant Group, there is little to be found on their website regarding plans for the space or public reasons behind the closure. Founded in Laguna Beach, California back in 1986, they now franchise nationwide with two remaining Georgia stores in Alpharetta and Duluth. Sadly, a similar restaurant, Pizza Fusion may suffer the same fate in SoBu near Varasano's Pizza. Back in Midtown,Firehouse Subs, just a few doors down has been struggling as well. With the success of the original Atlanta area Firehouse Subs on 10th Street near the Tech campus, the same owner opened the Spire location not long after hoping to recreate the phenomenal success of the Tech location. Realizing now, after opening, that though they may be close, they are very different clienteles, the Spire location may soon close as well. Interestingly enough, EVOS, a Tampa based "healthy fast food" eatery is preparing to open its second Atlanta area location across the street at Novare's Viewpoint property. Repeat Atlanta!

CVS Plops Down Another ITP Location, Ponce de Leon

Just when you thought Midtown couldn't get any better, it has! Adjacent to Sembler's Midtown Place shopping center on Ponce de Leon Ave, construction has begun on a brand new CVS Pharmacy! As intown residents, Repeat Atlanta could not have been more pleased by this new infill, NOT! Maybe its just us, but it seems like everywhere you turn these days there is either a Walgreens or a CVS. In Buckhead, there are now two of each within two miles of one another. With a Rite Aid up Ponce, Walgreens at North Ave and another CVS on N. Highland, not to mention the two Publix and one Kroger pharmacy, how many pharmacies does that area really need? While yes, the area that the new CVS is located on was vacant and an eyesore, we think something better could have been done, but that's just us. Repeat Atlanta!