Guests No Longer Thankful As T.G.I. Friday's Closes In Buckhead

Following the recent closures of ESPN Zone, Wolfgang Puck Express, Roy's Hawaiian and the Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton, T.G.I. Friday's on Peachtree has closed too. Located just north of Piedmont Hospital on Peachtree Road, their Buckhead location was one of only a few locations left locally when they ceased operations as of 9/28. At the same time, the Marietta location on Powers Ferry closed as well. With the closure years ago of the location at Friday's Plaza off Peachtree Industrial Blvd near Tilly Mill, the remaining locations are scattered around town in suburbs like Kennesaw, Duluth and Morrow. Friday's was a landmark of sorts, and while it may not have been the best food, it was good for giving directions on Peachtree: "Have you passed Fridays?" "What side of the road was it on?" Guess it still works in that function minus the signage. Certainly isn't as significant a loss as the Ritz Carlton Dining Room but nonetheless another closure in Buckhead, and most likely not the last. Repeat Atlanta!

Atlantans Not So Crazy For El Pollo Loco, Fiesta Brands Faces Forclosure!

El Pollo Loco corporate has taken over operations of its restaurants in Atlanta as of last Thursday. Fiesta Brands, its franchisee for the Atlanta market apparently was facing foreclosure and corporate assumed control of the stores rather than shuttering them all. Closing five of nine, the most successful stores, including locations on Cobb Parkway and Buford Highway were saved, for now. In late 2007 Fiesta Brands signed a franchise agreement that gave them the rights to open 50 units within the 53-county demographic area over six years, but clearly that will no longer happen.

Repeat Atlanta had the pleasure of speaking with Fiesta Brands COO, Joe Uhl last year at the Buford Highway location and he expressed then that the brand was experiencing an identity crisis of sorts. The units in Atlanta were state of the art, all built from the ground up with the food was served to your table, the line between fast food and quick serve restaurant seemed blurred. Not knowing how best to market the line may have lead to their downfall. Perhaps Atlantans were not quite ready to think "Outside The Bell?" With Willy's Mexicana Grill at a slightly higher price-point and Taco Bell lower, it seems El Pollo Loco just wasn’t able to carve out a big enough niche to make a go of it.

The build-outs and equipment of the Atlanta locations were quite expensive as well, with some nearing $2 million. This past June, locations in Cumming, Hiram and were rebranded "The Crazy Chicken" (El Pollo Loco) but it seems even that could not save them as just a few months later they were the first to be shuttered. 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!