Aja Brings An Innovative Approach To Former Emeril's

Atlanta based Here To Serve Restaurants plans to open their new restaurant "aja" next month. The concept behind this new restaurant is Asian Fusion, a first for H2S. Taking the space that formerly housed the notorious Emeril's Atlanta, aja brings a new concept to a great space. With acclaimed restaurateur Tom Catherall and his team of visionary chefs at the helm, aja is sure to be another Here To Serve success! Look for a "soft" opening Novemebr 7th, and Grand Opening November 8th.

**Though it was initially reported that former Top Chef contestant Dale Talde would be running the kitchen, recent reports indicate he opted to stay put up north. (No word on whether the departure of Richard Blais, {a friend of Talde's} from Here To Serve's "home" played a part in his decision to turn down the aja gig) Repeat Atlanta!

Orvis Reels In A New Location In Buckhead

Orvis, the established retailer of outdoor goods will be relocating to a new Buckhead location in the coming days. Having been in the Container Store anchored center at the corner of Peachtree and Piedmont roads for years, their new location will be just north a block or so. The new store where signage is going up today will be aty the far end of the new shopping center that sits on the land formerly home to Joe Muggs. Aside from Mattress Firm on the far right, Orvis will be the only other retailer to open thus far. Repeat Atlanta!

Tin Drum Asia Cafe Opening Another Location... In Atlantic Station???

Though I'm a fan of Tin Drum Asia Cafe and like them far more than Mama Fu's, I think they are crazy to go into Atlantic Station. They just opened on Broad Street downtown near GSU this past summer and their original location is on 5th Street near Tech, why open in the tragedy that is Atlantic Station? Emory perhaps, even Buckhead, but Atlantic Station, bad move. After all, Mama Fu's was originally planned for Atlantic Station but bailed on the project before it could even open! Repeat Atlanta!

New Yorker Lands At Mezzo To Launch His Pizzeria

Jeff Varasano, author of the online gourmet pizza manifesto that has attracted international attention, has chosen Atlanta to open his first restaurant this December. Located in Tivoli Properties "Mezzo" housing development, the new pizzeria will face almost immediate nearby pizza competition with the opening of Pizza Fusion a couple blocks away. Varasano’s Pizzeria will seat 125 and offer al fresco dining. Menu items will include favorites like the Margherita as well as many of Varasano’s own creations. Originally from the Bronx, Varsano has spent years perfecting his own version of his favorite New York pie and after international trips and many experimental variations of bread, ingredients and temperature; he has created his perfect pie. Repeat Atlanta!

Y-3 Closing Buckhead Boutique

Since its opening in 2005 the Y-3 boutique has struggled to gain a sizable following in Atlanta. The first Y-3 boutique in the U.S. when it opened, it was popular with a cult following and many Asian travlers with prior knowledge of the line. Opened by relatives of Adi Dassler, the founder of Adidas, the Bente family had the passion to create a unique shopping experience but under corporate control since 2007, the store has been ignored and the sales have lagged. Having been turned into an outlet of sorts in recent months, a store once popular with the likes of Usher and Akon has been stocked with mostly past season merchandise. After the opening of stores in Miami and New York and the recent announcment of an official outlet store to be located in Orlando, it was only a matter of time. With an 8 year lease signed, Adidas corporate has chosen to close the store rather than attempt to salvage it. Closing sales are now in progress, with the store set to close for good in late October. Repeat Atlanta!

Buckhead Boutique Blue Genes Goes Green?

If you've been by Blue Genes in Buckhead lately, you've probably noticed that their "outlet" store located in what was formerly their kids store is clear and empty. What you may not know is that the space will become "Green Genes", no, not literally green jeans, but a sort of jean recycle operation. Similar to that of The Buffalo Exchange, Plato's Closet or Rag-O-Rama, Green Genes will buy your "gently used" denim for $10 (cash) or give you credit of $30 (credit) to use in store. The new concept should fare well in these harsh economic times, cause everyone can't drop a paycheck on a pair of jeans! Now you can get the designer vintage feel, at the a fraction of the price. The store opens Friday October 3rd, with its Grand Opening Saturday the 4th . Repeat Atlanta!

Does Nike Need Two Stores In Buckhead ?

With the near opening of Nike's new concept store, will Niketown at Phipps continue its operations? When the Nike store at Lenox was women's only, it was one thing, but now with the opening of what seems to be a scaled down more up to date version, it seems plausible that the Phipps location would close if the Lenox concept is a success. Having been in Phipps for what seems like a lifetime, rent has got to be an issue having a space of that size. While the clientele differs dramatically from Lenox to Phipps, to reach what amounts to a larger more diverse customer base in a newer, "cooler" store, it seems the obvious choice to close the Phipps location. Repeat Atlanta!