Wednesday, July 27, 2016

A Large redevelopment Planned for North Druid Hills Road.

From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/07/developer-hoping-for-grand-slam-in.html#more
 Atlanta-based Oak Hall Companies, a developer of commercial, medical and residential properties, is proposing

This is not the first time the 11.5 acre parcel has been targeted for redevelopment.

As recently as 2014, John Weiland Homes planned to redevelop 59-70 townhomes on the property, but eventually abandoned its plans. Ashton Woods, another residential developer, sought to build 43 townhouses and 104 condo units in 2004, but also abandoned their plans. In both cases, the developers were put off by the cost of removing 12,000 cubic yards of dirt and slag, and then putting it all back (minus the slag).  The slag, or "stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting or refining of ore" was dumped there by the E.V. Camp Steel Works, a steel foundry that operated close to the nearby railroad tracks until the 1950s.
a large redevelopment on North Druid Hills Road.  The company wants to build 78 townhomes in place of the Grand Slam Golf & Baseball (aka Hidden Valley Driving Range) facility at 3352 North Druid Hills Road. The development would be called "Provence Park."  To begin this process, OHC is requesting that DeKalb county rezone the parcel from C-2 & M (Industrial) to RSM (Small Lot Residential).

Monday, July 25, 2016

Bike/Ped crossng at E. Trinity Pl. Restored

From thedecaturminute.com
Good News

Bike/ped access across E. Trinity Place has been restored!

As of today (7.21.16), bike/ped travelers from S. Candler Street (northbound) and the PATH trail (eastbound) can now safely cross E. Trinity Place. Likewise, bike/ped travelers coming from Barry Street-N. Candler Street – E. Howard Ave. can now safely cross E. Trinity near the Magnolia tree at E. Howard and E. Trinity Place.

Changes Will Continue

As many of you know, major storm drainage work is currently taking place on E. Trinity.  As the project continues, the location of the bike/ped crossing on E. Trinity WILL shift.  Changes will also come about due to the upcoming Candler Street Railroad Crossing Overhaul. Ultimately, the E. Trinity Place crossing will be in a different location.  (Some may notice that the current location of the sidewalk ramp is close to a fire hydrant; this is temporary). For the same reasons, as the school year begins on August 1st, plans are underway to re-rout students away from this area.

Info

For more information, please contact the Design, Environment & Construction Division at 678.553.6570 or visit the City’s new website Decatur Makeover 

Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Decatur Boogaloos Moving Sale

 From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/07/bits-bites_31.html#more
The original Boogaloos boutique on West Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur is currently having a "Store Moving Blow-Out Sale."   The store, which opened in Decatur in 2001, subsequently expanded to TOWN Brookhaven (2009) and Ponce City Market (2016).   A store employee  confirmed that the Decatur store will not be reopening in Decatur and is instead "moving to Ponce City Market."

Monday, July 18, 2016

City of Decatur a finalist in the Play Everywhere Challenge

Wouldn’t it be great to have one of these in Decatur?

From: https://beactivedecatur.com/ 
 Wouldn’t it be great to have one of these in Decatur?

The City of Decatur was selected as a finalist in the Play Everywhere Challenge, a $1 million national competition that will award outside-the-box ideas to make play easy, available, and fun for kids and families in cities across the U.S. The Challenge is hosted by KaBOOM!, a national non-profit dedicated to bringing balanced and active play into the daily lives of all children, particularly those growing up in poverty in America.

The City of Decatur created an innovative plan for a Pedal to School Bike Bus and a renewal of the bus stop on Trinity Place into a play space. The project was selected as a finalist out of a pool of more than 1,000 applications nationwide. Winners will be announced in early fall, 2016.

The Challenge, developed in collaboration with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Target, Playworld, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the National Endowment for the Arts, attracted an outpouring of creative ideas to spark kids’ imaginations and get their bodies moving. Decatur’s idea came from a passion for getting kids more involved in Safe Routes to School.



“The Pedal to School Bike Bus is currently being used in Holland and is a great way for children to travel to school while getting exercise along the way. Riding a bike brings joy and good health, and the bike bus is particularly whimsical,” said Danielle Suchdev, member of the Pedestrian Advisory Committee.  “The bus will enable 11 children to bike themselves to school, departing from the Decatur Housing Authority.

“We were astonished at the number and quality of the applications we received,” said James Siegal, CEO of KaBOOM!. “To us, it shows a huge, untapped potential to reimagine cities with kids in mind, and boost their opportunity to get the play they need to thrive. And when kids thrive, cities thrive.”

Kids need play to grow up healthy, resilient and ready for life. Research shows play is vital to healthy brain development and is pivotal to how kids learn problem-solving, conflict resolution and creativity–in other words, the skills they need to succeed as adults. Yet today, too many kids, especially those growing up in poverty, are missing out on play because of families’ time pressures, the lure of screens, and a lack of safe places to go. Meanwhile, evidence shows missing out on the chance to play puts kids at risk for challenges ranging from obesity to anxiety to trouble adjusting in school.

“We’re thrilled at the possibility that Decatur’s kids could win this fantastic new opportunity to learn and develop from play,” said Cheryl Burnette of Decatur Active Living. “If we’re selected as a winner, we hope it will be just the beginning of a larger effort to make play a way of life for kids and families in our community and to have a way for more children to experience biking to school.”

Winners for the competition will be selected in fall 2016. To learn more about Decatur’s ideas for making play happen everywhere in the city,  contact Cheryl Burnette. To learn more about the Play Everywhere Challenge, including a gallery of ideas for what Play Everywhere could look like across the U.S. please visit http://kaboom.org/playeverywhere

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Tiny House Festival July 30-31

From thedecaturminute.com

An exciting new festival is coming to Decatur! Could you live in 500 square feet or less? For tiny house enthusiasts, the answer is a not-so-small, “YES!” If you’re intrigued by the concept of tiny houses and small space living and want to learn more, join Tiny House Atlanta for the first-ever Decatur Tiny House Festival, Saturday July 30 and 31 in downtown Decatur. Approximately10 tiny houses will be available to tour, and experts on topics such as sustainability, minimalism, urban planning, zoning, and downsizing will be on hand to answer your questions.




Here are just a few of the fun and informative activities planned over the course of this 2-day event:

    Tiny houses will be on-site and open for tours.
    Vendors will be on hand explaining and promoting sustainable practices in the tiny house movement.
    Speaker Symposium will offer opportunities to learn from experts in different areas of the industry.



Tickets can be purchased here. A limited number of tickets will be available each day.



A portion of the event proceeds will go to the Decatur Housing Initiatives Corporation –a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity overseen by the Decatur Housing Authority to enable the development of affordable housing, provide supportive services for low income families and children, and enhance opportunities for greater diversity in Decatur.

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Some of Old Courthouse Lawn to be Refurbished

From: thedecaturminute.com
Some of Old Courthouse  Lawn to be Refurbished

Construction to refurbish the two lawn areas to the east of the Community Bandstand in downtown Decatur will begin Wednesday, July 13, 2016. The amount of pedestrian foot traffic across the lawn compacts the roots of the grass and keeps it from growing.

The City of Decatur has hired Plants, a local company, to install a new pervious system that allows the grass to grow through it while at the same time reducing the stress on the roots.

The construction area will be fenced off during the two week installation project and the two grassed areas will be fenced through the end of August to allow the new sod to get established. The project also includes additional landscaping designed to encourage pedestrians to stick to the sidewalks and use the lawn for passive recreation rather than using it as a shortcut.

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

AMC Season 3 of Halt and Catch Fire will debut Aug. 23

From: http://www.upi.com
NEW YORK, July 4 (UPI) -- AMC says Season 3 of Halt and Catch Fire will debut Aug. 23 with back-to-back episodes.

Starring Mackenzie Davis, Kerry Bishe, Scoot McNairy, Lee Pace, Toby Huss, Annabeth Gish and Manish Dayal, the show "captures the rise of the PC era in the 1980s, focused on four main characters attempting to innovate against the changing backdrop of technology," a synopsis said.
Advertisement

"Following last season's critical reception, we believe that Season 3 is poised to take our show to the next level. While a strong, evolving technology narrative will continue to drive these next 10 episodes, the real story remains the emotional and psychological journeys of Joe, Cameron, Gordon, Donna, and Bosworth," showrunners and executive producers Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers said in a joint statement.

"If Season 1 was a tale of the corporate boardroom and Season 2 chronicled a start-up, Season 3 is about the perils of a promising young company striving to join the ranks of the winners whose names still define the competitive landscape of Silicon Valley. Whereas Mutiny was once a rag-tag group of young coders full of limitless potential, the company now finds itself squarely in its adolescence, striving for corporate adulthood in a strange land where its future is far from guaranteed."

Saturday, July 2, 2016

Eye on Decatur - The Comet Pub & Lanes (Opening Soon)

The Comet Pub & Lanes at Suburban Plaza in Decatur  to Open Early July ( Opening Soon )

Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Kevin Gillespie’s Terminus City project will sell barbecue plates July 4

From: http://clatl.com
This Fourth of July, chef
Kevin Gillespie’s Terminus City project will sell barbecue plates to benefit the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Communion, the beer garden at Gillespie’s Revival in Decatur, the Terminus City crew will dish out chopped whole hog barbecue sandwiches, Brunswick stew, potato salad, coleslaw, and fried pie. The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program helps post-9/11 veterans “heal the invisible wounds of war and ease their reintegration into everyday life.”

Monday, June 27, 2016

Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass Festival Aug. 13

https://www.freshtix.com/events/decatur-bbq-blues--bluegrass-festival-
From: http://www.decaturbbqfestival.com/

Cold Beer, Tasty BBQ, and Great Tunes!

Tickets on Sale Now! Click here


The 16th annual
Decatur BBQ Blues & Bluegrass festival is set for Saturday, August 13th 2016. Once again we will bring the sights, sounds, and smells of classic southern BBQ from metro Atlanta staples along with 7+ hours of original live blues and bluegrass music from aspiring and accomplished local/regional/and national acts to Decatur, Georgia in the heart of Oakhurst. This is a family friendly event that is fun for all ages.

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Pied Piper Parade July 4th

 From thedecaturminute.com

The Fourth of July will be here before you know it. This year, gather the family and come out to Decatur’s 2016 Independence Day celebration. XFINITY is proud to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s event.


 
The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with the
Pied Piper Parade in downtown Decatur. Grab the family and watch the parade wind by, or decorate a bike, stroller, wagon, or scooter and join the fun yourself.
At 7 p.m., the Callanwolde Concert Band will perform at the Community Bandstand. Come enjoy the music and participate in family-friendly activities with XFINITY.
Once darkness falls, it’s time of the main event: the fireworks show! Ooh and aah at the spectacular fireworks launched from the top of the DeKalb County parking garage. It’s free fun for the whole family. We can’t wait to see you there!

Monday, June 20, 2016

Red Robin, A Gourmet Burger Joint Coming to Mall of Georgia in August

 From : http://www.accessatlanta.com

A new restaurant is coming to the Mall of Georgia — and the (tentative) opening date will be here before you know it.


Red Robin, a gourmet burger joint that has more than 500 locations nationwide, has been under construction in the mall's former Ruby Tuesday location for several months. On Monday, a Red Robin spokeswoman revealed a more specific timeframe for its opening.

"We anticipate construction on the location to be completed by late August," she said in an email. The restaurant would open shortly thereafter, she added.

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Bird's eye view of Old Decatur Court House circa 1917

 This is a repost: So Worldsmith Books is no longer there.Best Time and Jeni's ice cream shop is in that spot.
In this photo (circa 1917) shows the Decatur Court House after it was remodeled in 1917 after the fire of 1916. Left and right wings were added on each side. also notice that the Confederate monument was moved at some point in time, now it is about half way up the walkway. see arrows on photo.
Look at how clean the grounds looked then. Now it looks so crowded.
the bandstand should have been built over to the left where it is now(in the grass area), it would make a better flow for the area.I would love to see west court square opened back up to connect to sycamore.

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Decatur Beach Party this Friday June 17

From: http://thedecaturminute.com/
It’s back and better than ever! Celebrate summer at the downtown Decatur Beach Party, this Friday, June 17, 2016 from 5 to 11 p.m.

No beach? No problem! Decatur makes its own with 60 tons of sand – transforming Ponce de Leon Avenue into Sandcastle Central. Add a kid’s boardwalk, live music and dancing on the plaza, a food court with funnel cakes and fruity drinks, and voilà — you’re in a beach town, Decatur-style, without the sunburn and hours of driving.
Tune into fantastic live jams – Tray Dahl & The Jugtime Ragband open for evening’s headliner, Electric Avenue. A DJ closes out the evening with a dance party.

Buy tickets at Freshtix.com.
Tickets are $12 in advance at and local Decatur retail shops or $15 at the gate.
Children ages 4-12 years old are $7 in advance, and $10 at the gate.
Free entry for children under 3. All children’s activities are included in the admission price.
more

Monday, June 13, 2016

Walton Goggins and Danny McBride star in HBO'S Vice Principals July 17


-- From: http://screencrush.com/hbo-vice-principals-new-trailer/
 Sure, HBO may have had a few eyes on an anticipated Sunday premiere, but we all know Danny McBride and Walton Goggins are the real draw.
See for yourself, as HBO’s Vice Principals gets an impressively profane new trailer ahead of its July premiere.
Premiering July 17 after the second season premiere of HBO’s Ballers, McBride’s Vice Principals follows a high school and the people who “almost” run it, with McBride starring as Neal Gamby, the divorced vice principal in charge of discipline at the school. Goggins, meanwhile will play Lee Russell, vice principal of curriculum at Lincoln High, as both enter an epic power struggle vying for the top spot: to be school principal.
 Boardwalk Empire and True Detective alum Shea Whigham will take the supporting role of Ray Liptrapp, the new husband of Gamby’s ex-wife Gale (Busy Philipps).
Vice Principals will also feature McBride executive producing alongside Jody Hill, co-creator David Gordon Green and Stephanie Laing, all Eastbound & Down alum.
 You can watch the first trailer above, and stay tuned for the July 17 premiere. Read More: HBO 'Vice Principals' Goes to Petty War in New Trailer | http://screencrush.com/hbo-vice-principals-new-trailer/?trackback=tsmclip

Saturday, June 11, 2016

New Way to Access the Beltline’s Eastside Trail Coming Soon

From: http://atlanta.curbed.com/2016/6/10/11904872/new-way-access-the-beltline-s-eastside-trail
photo credit:  Atlanta Beltline Inc.
It’s been a big week for the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail. First came legitimate visual proof that construction on the trail's extension has finally begun, and now comes news of a new (and needed) Beltline access point at a popular crossroads.

This development should be sweet news for anyone who’s trudged up the rocky, often muddy hill where the Eastside Trail crosses Ralph McGill Boulevard, at the junction of Poncey-Highland and Old Fourth Ward.

As Beltline officials explain on their website this week ...
You will soon have one more way to access the Eastside Trail! Visitors to the Atlanta Beltline have been using the hill at Ralph McGill Boulevard as an unofficial access point since before the trail even opened. Perennial Properties, the owners of the Telephone Factory Lofts, are installing a public access trail from the road below. The access point will give users an easy way to get to the Eastside Trail from Ralph McGill.
Construction on the access point will begin the week of June 20 and will take 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, the public will NOT be able to use the area as an access point to the Eastside Trail.
more

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Kroger's to donate 40 pallets of assorted apparel to Decatur's Goodwill of North Georgia

From: http://www.mdjonline.com
Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which has several stores in Cobb County, announced that it will donate 40 pallets of assorted apparel, shoes, accessories and more to Goodwill of North Georgia in honor of the organization’s 90th birthday celebration.

Kroger will present the donation at the Goodwill headquarters, at 2201 Lawrenceville Highway in Decatur, on Thurdsay at 10 a.m.
“Kroger is proud to partner with Goodwill of North Georgia through this donation,” said Glynn Jenkins, public relations director for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “We’re excited to celebrate 90 years of an exceptional organization that works hard to provide Georgia’s families with the tools they need to support themselves and their families.”

“Donations are critical to our success at Goodwill. We are honored to be the recipient of such a generous gift, and we commend Kroger for supporting our efforts to connect North Georgians to jobs,” said Elaine Armstrong, vice president of marketing for Goodwill. “These items will not only help fill the shelves of Goodwill stores across the region, but they will become the catalyst for helping thousands of job seekers find work.”
Founded in Atlanta in 1925 by a group of local citizens, Goodwill provides job training and employment services to people who are struggling to find work, want to change careers or start their own business. The organization sells donated clothing, books, furniture and household goods in stores across North Georgia, with the proceeds funding their mission of putting people to work.

For more information, visit www.kroger.com.

Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Decatur Beach Party June 17

From: http://decaturdba.com/img_slide/decatur-beach-party-4/
decatur-bch-prty-banner3

Decatur Beach Party

Kid’s boardwalk games, live music and dancing on the plaza, food court with funnel cakes and fruity drinks, — it’s a beach town, Decatur-style.

Wednesday, June 1, 2016

4 Rivers Smokehouse Coming to Marietta Street

4 Rivers to Make Atlanta Debut on Marietta Street
From: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/06/4-rivers-to-make-atlanta-debut-on.html#more
Barbecue chain plans Georgia debut

Chef John Rivers of Winter Park, Florida-based 4R Restaurant Group has signed his first lease in Atlanta. 


The first 4 Rivers Smokehouse in Atlanta will be on Marietta Street next to Thumbs Up Diner in the old fire station No. 16.  The fire station opened in early 1915 and was there until 1963 when it relocated to its current 1048 Joseph E. Boone Boulevard location.  

According to the 4Rivers website, the restaurant will be the chain's 14th location and is expected to open mid next year.    The two story building is about 4,100 square feet and will be renovated to suit the needs of the restaurant.  Due to it being an historic structure, there are limitations to the modifications that can be made. A rendering of the restaurant does indicate that a second story patio will be added to the front of the building, with a street level patio below it.    
photo from: http://www.todaysorlando.com/restaurant/4-rivers-smokehouse-winter-garden

Monday, May 30, 2016

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Three Taverns 3-Day Sessions for Decatur's Art Festival

Get ready, Decatur! Just in time for 3 days of festival madness comes our limited release 3Day IPA. Brewed specially for and available at the Decatur Arts Festival as well as other local Decatur pubs and restaurants the week leading up to the festival, this 4.6% session IPA is massively dry hopped with Amarillo and Mosaic for an explosive tropical bouquet. Beginning with the intense aroma and flavors of mango, pineapple and grapefruit with dank, piney undertones, this beer has a smooth and extremely quaffable finish.

Don't miss this limited release beer brewed exclusively for the 3 days of festival celebration. See you in Decatur Memorial Day weekend, May 27-29th! Cheers!
Info from: http://www.threetavernsbrewery.com

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Comedy on Draught May 25 at Decatur's Three Taverns

Comedy on Draught is back next Wednesday. Doors open at 7:30pm, show starts at 8pm. Just $15 for comedy, tour & tastings.
for more info https://www.facebook.com/cornbabycomedy/

Three Taverns Brewery
121 New Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-600-3355

Monday, May 23, 2016

Bike Valet - Ride your bike to the Festival !

You can ride your bike to the Decatur Arts Festival and park it in the bike valet area at N. McDonough at the square and it's FREE . A valet attendant will remain on duty to monitor bikes.
The bike valet service is sponsored by Bicycle South and the city of Decatur. The Decatur Arts Festival is working with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition to provide the service.
Photo credit and info from decaturartsalliance.org

Decatur Arts Festival This weekend

Visit http://decaturartsfestival.com/

Thursday, May 19, 2016

GRINDHOUSE KILLER BURGERS NOW OPEN

See menu at: http://atlanta.eater.com/2016/5/23/11744224/grindhouse-killer-burgers-decatur-hours-menu

Decatur has added e-cigarettes to the city’s smoking ban

From: http://www.walb.com/story/31998183/decatur-adds-e-cigarettes-to-citys-smoking-ban

ATLANTA (CBS46) - To see video click link above


Decatur has added e-cigarettes to the city’s smoking ban  that many residents didn't even know was already in place.


The city of Decatur approved a ban on the use of e-cigarettes on Monday in public places like parks. Tuesday, CBS46 went to Decatur Square where many people unaware of the city’s smoking rules though signs were clearly posted.

Shelia Jackson, a smoker, stated she was unaware of Decatur’s clean air ordinance that bans use of cigarettes and now e-cigarettes.

“I was just saying a few minutes ago I need to quit smoking,” Jackson told CBS46 as she put out her cigarette.

Decatur City Commissioners unanimously agreed on the update and clarified areas within 20 feet of the entrance to any building, operable windows, or air intake vents must be smoke free.

Bradley Robinson said he was also unaware he was breaking the rules while smoking near the doorway of a business.

“I know somebody who got a ticket, it was like a $75 ticket… To me I think it’s outside… if your outside I don’t see no harm in it,” Robinson contended.

Under the updated ordinance, smoking is banned in any public park, playground, greenspace, plaza or outdoor recreation area maintained and operated by the city.

“I think it is a step forward, I think it’s great,” stated Cynthia Bates. Bates explained breathing in smoke is the last thing she wants to do while out on her afternoon walk.

Robinson argues e-cigarettes shouldn’t be including in the ban arguing the vapor produces it not harmful.

“That ain’t even real smoke so for me I just feel like that’s another way to keep somebody from doing something,” said Robinson.

CBS46 spoke with managers of three different shops in downtown Decatur that sell both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. No one wanted to comment on camera about the city’s decision but one store owner told CBS 46 that he supports the ban. He thinks too many people smoke in busy public areas.

Copyright 2016 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved.

photo credit:  https://images.search.yahoo.com

Monday, May 16, 2016

Woodlands Garden's M.A.Y. Fair Sat., May 21 11-3pm

M.A.Y. Fair will take place on Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will include an artists’ market with over 20 booths, where youth (grades 2-12), will create and sell their own artwork and crafts. The art booths will be set up on the Garden’s lawn.

In addition to the artists’ market, there will be musical performances by the youth to show off their skills with the guitar, ukulele, voice, piano, and cello. These musical performances will be held in the Pavilion and outdoor performance stage in the Children’s Natural Play Area.
“We are very excited for the first M.A.Y. Fair on May 21, a day of musical performances and an artists’ market set in the natural backdrop of Woodlands Garden,” says Kate Baltzell, Executive Director. “This event is an opportunity to showcase the creative talent of the community and engage the next generation in appreciating all that our greenspace has to offer. Great volunteers, supportive sponsors, and bright artists will ensure this event is fun for all ages.”
A special thanks to the sponsors of M.A.Y. Fair for their support: Rock with Bock, Emory Alliance Credit Union, 2 Crafty Chicks, Kaleidoscope Studio, Color Wheel, and Revisioned Furniture Company.
This event is free to the public and will take place rain or shine.
For more information, contact Baltzell at (404) 373-2222 or visit www.woodlandsgarden.org.


Woodlands Garden's M.A.Y. Fair Sat., May 21 11-3pm



2016 Decatur Lantern Parade Video


Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Decatur's Grind House Killer Burgers just Days away from Grand Opening

 From: https://www.facebook.com
Local artist Caveal just finished adding his hand-painted personal touch to the new Decatur store. We're days away from our grand opening!

Eye on Decatur

Decatur GA. E. Howard Ave.

Pure Barre 1st Year Aniv. Celebration Saturday May 14

 From: thedecaturminute.com
Pure Barre community class on the Square, 10-11 a.m.
Block party following the class until 12 p.m. Enjoy retail discounts, refreshments and giveaways.
Register for the community class at Purebarre.com/GA-Decatur

Friday, May 6, 2016

Eye on Decatur near city limits

     Dekalb Ave.

Learn more about HGTV's Fixer Upper's Chip and Joanna Gaines

From http://www.popsugar.com/home/Facts-About-Fixer-Upper-Chip-Joanna-Gaines-37457565#photo-37457565
It's only been about a year since Fixer Upper debuted on HGTV, but viewers across the country have already fallen hard for husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines. He's a real estate and construction pro who knows how to turn an affordable but "blah" house into a sparkling gem, and she's a designer with an eye for shabby chic flea-market finds. Together, they own and operate Magnolia Homes — and raise four kids. We took a break from watching Chip and Joanna help families purchase and renovate their dream homes on the small screen to talk to the couple in real life. What we learned made us love them even more. Read on for 16 adorable facts about the Gaineses.  To  Learn even more about Chip and Joanna here: Photo credit: www.hgtv.com

Video Friday - The Band Perry - Gentle On My Mind


I love this song so much.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

Eye on Grind House Killer Burgers. Look for May Opening

Decatur's new Grind House Killer Burgers. To Open in May (2 to 3 weeks)


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Monday, May 2, 2016

Rize a New Pizza Concept Could be coming to 675 North Highland

 Rize a New Pizza Concept Could be coming to 675 North Highland
from: http://www.tonetoatl.com/2016/04/new-pizza-shop-hoping-to-rize-soon-in.html#more

 New pizza concept in the oven in Atlanta.


A new "artisan" pizza restaurant is scouting Atlanta for its first locations.  Rize Artisan Pizza + Salads, an Atlanta-based restaurant without any physical location, has plans for at least two restaurants in metro Atlanta in the coming months.

While another site inaccurately reported that Rize was opening a physical restaurant at 1510 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard, that address will instead serve as the company's "Restaurant Support Center." 

Interestingly, in the past few weeks, that other site has corrected their careless error, and more recently Rize seems to have suspended or deleted their facebook page from which the other site obtained their information.  Rize does still have active Twitter and Instagram pages, but each has been quiet for months. 

According to its website, "Rize was born from a passion for pizza, hospitality and great food prepared the right way."

"As hospitality experts with relentless spirit and a true love for our craft, we created this unique concept that will disrupt the fast casual dining world."

From what I've heard from a number of industry sources, Rize is aiming to be a family friendly, high quality, full service, economically priced, pizza restaurant.  Plans reportedly call for the restaurant to offer assorted salads and gelato in addition to the many pizza options.  Rize has no intention of being a "me-too" player in the quick serve pizza space, currently led by Blaze Pizza, Pieology and others like Atlanta's Uncle Maddio's Pizza. 

While the plans for Rize sound good, the menu and plan sound eerily similar to another would-be pizza chain, Treza. Longtime ToNeTo readers will recall the struggles of Treza, which had hoped to become a growth concept in the upscale-casual pizza space.  Opening in 2011 at TOWN Brookhaven, Treza offered gourmet pizza, gelato and assorted salads and tried to be very similar to what Rize is apparently trying to be. While Treza offered counter service rather than table service, the similarities in their growth ambitions and menu are uncanny.  After closing briefly in 2012 to attempt a   rebranding, Treza closed permanently in early 2014. 

John D.  Smith lists himself as Founder & CEO Rize Holdings, LLC ("A private equity backed holding company formed to acquire, develop and operate branded restaurant concepts with the potential to scale to a national footprint) on his LinkedIn page.  The Rize website lists Smith as Founder CEO of Rize Artisan Pizza.  While I found Smith challenging to deal with in my one conversation with him, I'm left to assume that Rize Holdings is the holding company in which Rize Artisan Pizza is being held, and with luck, grown. 
read more http://www.tonetoatl.com