Many of Atlanta's latest restaurant openings are choosing to lean toward a fast-casual, counter-service format instead of the full-service style of dining out. February saw the opening of multiple out-of-town bagel shops, new locations of two Asian bakery chains, and cafes set up to be community-driven third spaces.
In total, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution noted 16 restaurants that opened in the metro area during the month of February, while at least seven closed, including two movie theaters that also provided full dining service. Some chain restaurants moved in, but others moved out, as Bahama Breeze declared bankruptcy and a Texas-based taco shop shuttered.
Notable openings included PopUp Bagels, which debuted its first Georgia location on the Eastside Beltline on February 6, and Spread Bagelry, a Philadelphia-based wood-fired bagel chain that opened in Buckhead on February 28. Paris Baguette opened its eighth Georgia location in Vinings, while White Windmill, a Korean bakery chain, held its grand opening in Midtown. Sugar Loaf transitioned from a pop-up to a brick-and-mortar bakery and cafe in Grant Park.
Community-focused cafes were also a theme: Schāf Shop, an LGBTQ-friendly coffee and skate shop, opened in Midtown, and The Library Bar — a tea and wine cafe inspired by European literary salons — opened inside a bookshop at Trilith in Fayetteville. Other notable arrivals included F1 Arcade at the Interlock in west Midtown, Füm (a seasonal Italian concept) at Star Metals, and Muchacho's second Atlanta location in west Midtown.
On the closings side, Bahama Breeze declared bankruptcy with its Duluth location shutting permanently. Torchy's Tacos closed its west Midtown location, Press Waffle Co. closed in East Cobb, Suite Food Lounge announced a closure after 12-plus years downtown, and both CMX Cinebistro and IPIC Theaters ceased full-dining movie theater operations in the metro area.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution