Mama's Estranged Daddy In Deep Trouble

Mama Fu's founder Martin Sprock and current Raving Brands president Daryl Dollinger are facing a lawsuit brought against them by Twenty-nine franchisee-plaintiffs. Among other claims, the group alleges there was an overall misrepresentation and distortion of materials and statistics related to customer counts and profitability of Mamu Fu's restaurants. Other accusations allege kickback schemes, poor marketing and an insufficient franchise support system. The trial is set to begin February 17, 2009 and will be tough for both sides. Personally, I believe every word of the nine count accusation. Though I was never an actual employee of any Raving Brands franchise, I was familiar with much that went on via friends at their corporate office in Buckhead. I was put to work by executives, at that time I was labeled a "raving fan of Raving Brands", promised things that were not delivered, told things that were not true, and witnessed things that were flat out wrong. Friends of mine have gotten food poisoning from what had been their flagship restaurant in Buckhead on Peachtree Rd. and have since made a pact not to return. The management team needs a wake up call and hopefully this trial will be the the ice water in the face to wake them from their fantasy. Repeat Atlanta!

Click here for more info on the lawsuit.

Bloomies Tweaks Its Hours As Retail Suffers

Bloomingdale's at Lenox Square and undoubtedly at Perimeter Mall as well have reduced certain operating hours. Monday through Wednesday they will close an hour earlier at 8PM rather than 9. Sundays the store will close at operate from noon till 6, rather than 7. These changes take effect this Sunday and are probably the first of many as other retailers will most likely trim hours to cut costs. This reduction of operating hours comes days after a number of key managers were let go in addition to a number of relatively new sales associates. Many managerial positions were eliminated at the store level as well as regional postions. Repeat Atlanta!

Panchero's Mexican Grill Making Play For Atlanta

Panchero's Mexican Grill, though around since 1992 is only now entering the Atlanta market. With approximately 55 units around the country, the chain is relatively small in comparison to rivals such as Denver based Chipotle Mexican Grill (over 500 units), Atlanta based Moe's Southwest Grill (over 400 units) and Thousand Oaks, California based Baja Fresh (over 300 units). Panchero's features a similar menu to the aforementioned competition but differentiates itself by "pressing" tortillas in front of the customer, made to order. They will open at 400 W. Peachtree between the new W Hotel and the Twelve Hotel. No sign states an opening, from what can be seen from the outside, I'd expect for them to be open within 30 days.

***According to a rep from Panchero's HQ, the opening was to be the February 10th but has since been delayed to the 17th.
Repeat Atlanta!

BLT Opens At W Downtown!

BLT Steak from chef Laurent Tourondel ("BLT" being Bistro Laurent Tourondel) opened this week at the new W Downtown Hotel and Residences. After being announced, then delayed, the restaurant finally opened to a warm welcome. A visit during the peak of the lunch hour saw much of the restaurant filled and many smiling faces. The resaurant serves breakfast lunch and dinner and features a surprisingly large breakfast. Repeat Atlanta!

FLIP,Not A Flop, Additional Locations Planned

FLIP Burger Boutique, which opened last month in west midtown on Howell Mill Road seems to be doing well, or so it would seem after the announcement of additional locations in the coming months. Richard Blais, whose Trail-Blais consulting business assisted in the FLIP concept announced earlier today that there will be additional locations in east Atlanta, Washington D.C. and another as yet undetermined location. He has ample opportunity to scope out potential cities as hes often traveling doing demos and appearances. Repeat Atlanta!

"W-tante" Event At W Buckhead Truly Wonderful Way To Spend A Weeknight!

Noble Investment Group officially opened their second Atlanta area W Hotel Thursday night with an event dubbed the "W-Tante". Invite only guests included local and national celebrities alike including jeweler Mark Edge and Tom Sullivan of Atlanta & Company. Former Braves pitcher John Rocker was seen in attendance (though not on the guest list) was ejected from the event after verbally assaulting local radio personality Steak Shapiro while in Whiskey Blue. Rande Gerber of the Gerber Group was spotted in his uber chic club posing for a few pictures and fielding questions on his ever expanding portfolio. Sophia Bush of the CW's "One Tree Hill" was also spotted enjoying the party. Former NBA star Kevin Willis and former Atlanta Mayor, Sam Massell, as well as actress Michelle Trachtenberg, could also be seen perusing the crowd. Though the property is small, it is rather chic, as would be expected from design guru, Thom Filicia, who was also in attendance. The hotel went through a major renovation with the addition of both the Market restaurant and Whiskey Blue club. Both spots are reasonably nice but seemed to become crowded somewhat quickly. The hotel overall is small in size; a true "boutique" feel. Though R.A. was able to view rooms at the W Midtown opening event last year, rooms seemed not available for viewing at this property. The size of the rooms, however, must match the rest of the property, especially considering the current W Hotel Buckhead was originally a Days Inn. All in all, the W Buckhead is a charming hotel and a welcome addition to the Buckhead community.

Repeat Atlanta!

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