City shutters Rare Soul Tapas and arrests owner

City of Atlanta closes restaurant for operating without liquor license

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Rare Soul Tapas has been shut down by the city of Atlanta but plans to reopen July 4 as a new “nightlife concept.”

The restaurant at 554 Piedmont Avenue was forced to close mid March after Lorenzo Wyche, owner of Rare, was cited for selling liquor without a license, according to Kevin Jones, acting deputy director for the Fulton County Department of Health Services.

“The food service establishment named Rare Soul Tapas closed on today due to failure to have a food establishment permit,” Jones said in an email.

Wyche was arrested on April 28 and released on April 30 after posting a $2,500 bond, according to his Fulton County inmate report.

He was charged for “selling/dealing alcholic,” according to the report.

What Now Atlanta called the restaurant Friday and received a voice recording confirming the restaurant has closed.

“…Beginning May 1, the restaurant will be closed indefinitely for business,” the voice recording said. “We appreciate your support over the last five years and are in the process of reopening July 4 under a new nightlife concept.”

This isn’t the first time Rare closed. The restaurant caught fire more than two years ago and reopened in January 2011.

Wyche was not immediately available for comment.

Rare Soul Tapas
554 Piedmont Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30308

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

74 Responses

  1. HUH? – “the process of reopening July 4”? LEGALLY? Is that possible?
    What right minded city official would approve a license for this guy now?

  2. wow…the flying biscuit in candler park has been selling alcohol without a permit for a while!

  3. It’s true….
    I was working at social house cleaning the dry storage last thursday and received the phone call from my manager at rare that we had a problem.. I was thinking a leak, cooler issue or a server couldn’t come to work. so he tells me that the license hasn’t been renewed and there were some real official looking people at the restaurant..

    So I immediately drive down there in my brown shorts and blue t-shirt to find out whats going on.. and it all went down.. “mr. wyche this” and “mr. wyche that” long story short the license wasn’t renewed and my mouth fell wide open. The last thing i wanted to do was put my employees and business in that type of predicament.

    I think everyone who owns a business, has a job or has invested in anything over the last 3 years can tell you how the economy has affected them.. my business is no different.. I had to lay off most of my help this last year including my assistant who would be on top of making sure i had all the details in order.

    I am not making any excuses for my mistake. I have too much respect for this city and this country that has allowed me to take care of myself and my family and do what i love. I really appreciate all the phone calls for support that i have received and will let you know i do need everyones support right now. Its a challenging time for my business. But I will continue to work 18 hours a day to help atlanta become one of the greatest communities in the world. And i travel all over the world and we are poised to become that.. but we desperately need our citizens to support small businesses and communicate with us and tell us how we can do better to serve you. So that we can continually invest back in this community. I live in the city. I spend my money in the city. And I love this city.

    you can go fast alone or go further with others
    -african proverb

    -Lorenzo Wyche
    [email protected]

  4. A quick read of the many BAD Yelp reviews of his establishments tell a different story. It seems another line of work is in order. Bad service, Cold, poor quality food, and operating illegally do not a business make. It seems the patrons have been trying for a long time to “communicate” their displeasure with these issues via their reviews.

    Now The City has spoken.

    – “let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”

  5. isnt buying your beer and liquor from the package store illegal for restaurants?
    isnt that proof that you know very well, that you have no valid permits or licenses?
    does anyone care about what you were wearing that day?
    do we really believe you travel the world?
    do we care how many hours you work?
    do you plan on fixing your issues with the IRS?
    do you plan on fixing your issues with the Dept. of Labor?

  6. I admire your positive attitude, Mr. Wyche. Best of luck to you!

  7. I had never been to Rare, but I will say Social House is a f*ucking disaster as far as service goes. Good thing it seems like Mr. Wyche was focusing on that place.

  8. re spare us;
    i read every yelp review.. please log onto opentable and read 99 percent of the positive reviews.. ask the 700 guests i take care of every week how much they love the work we do.. are we perfect? no. but we work hard to deliver a great affordable dining experience. even if it hasnt made sense for us a a business. I can guarantee every one of my guests who have talked to me about their experience i take care of it personally.

    re former employee;
    its unfortunate that you have been misinformed. and the fact is since i opened rare i have paid my employees many times without paying myself at all. I have helped some employees with car notes, mortgages, and other situations i guess you are not one of those people. I dont expect a pat on the back because entrepreneurship is about taking the risks with the rewards. god bless you.

    allison wonderland;
    thank you very much!!

  9. Before I became an employee for Rare, I was a regular customer there. And the reason I was a regular there is because the food was GREAT and the bartender was GREAT! Not to mention, where else in Atlanta can you lounge and eat? The concept was amazing…

    I admired Mr. Lorenzo for his dedication to his business.

    I really enjoyed my time working there and I wish him the best of luck.

  10. HEY I LOVE RARE AND I MISS THE HARLEM BAR I KNOW LORENZO HAS BEEN AT THIS FOR YEARS AND EVERY TIME I GO INTO HIS SPOTS HE IS THERE SO KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK BRUH. JUST MAKE SURE I CAN KEEP GETTING MY BANANA PANCAKES AT SOCIAL HOUSE AND WE GOOD.

    -EDDIE

  11. Sorry to hear this Lorenzo. I don’t want to put my name on here, but you know me. With the new opening, you probably should stay away from the “Black Hollywood” theme and not so stuffy type people. Maybe I’m getting old, but I think people would appreciate more of a laid back crowd without getting judged on what you’re wearing. But I guess that’s everywhere in Atlanta now…..lol. I guess it’s not your fault that Atlanta has lost it’s southern charm. Good luck to you. =)

  12. re: micheline pierre (former waitress at harlem bar)
    your awesome.. funny. i remember the time a customer walked out on their tab and i came in at the end of the shift and comped off the bill without the manager knowing so you did’nt have to pay for it.. do you remember? i do.

    re: gyver aka wesley davenport (former kitchen manager at rare) i remember giving you an extra $900.00 cash so you could put that down payment on your wife’s wedding ring…. do you remember? i do.

    listen folks. I have been in this business since 1998 in atlanta and at 33 im not going anywhere.. best of atlanta 3 years in a row with 3 seperate restaurants.. I’ve been featured on rachel ray, southern living, atlanta magazine, good day atlanta… this business has taken me to africa, dubai and other places i could have never imagined as a waiter working at the fish market back in 1998 for $2.13 an hour. My reputation is in tact.. the only reason Im responding is to show aspiring business people that you can make mistakes and continue your mission.

    Life goes on.. anyone who has been in my office has seen my photo of booker t. washington one of the most courageous men in american history.. it says “its the character that makes the man not his circumstances” So my suggestion to anyone who wants to throw anonymous rocks through their computer screen get a life… i love a good bit of drama like anyone else but this isn’t the atlanta housewives..

    caleb (owner of this site) is trying to establish a career in online blogging and wants to use my story to gain fanfare.. If this helps him than great. But i hope even he goes through his old emails from last year when he launched this same site and i reached out to him to see how i could help him get the scoop on new (positive) things happening in the restaurant business. I have an attorney on retainer and could have easily taken this story down within minutes.. but you know what? there is someone reading this story and will start following my story and watch the successes that will continually come because I’m blessed. I do this for the people. Im a giver. Im a person of my word. And I only carry myself with the utmost integrity.

    my passions run deep for this business and I will continue to create ideas and put them out there for other people to enjoy. I will continue to invest in young hungry people who want to make an impact in this business. “get in the game or get out the way”

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3U9RsXeJ3w&feature=player_embedded#at=72

  13. Zo, if you wasn’t so busy trying to bang all of the women that works for you, you could remember to pay your bills. This guy drives a 100k SUV but can’t pay his employees, his bills or his baby mama. Does anyone see how many time he has been locked up for dumb stuff? he has more mug shots than he dones businesses now. You make all black businessmen look bad.

  14. What a loser you are proving yourself to be Mr. Jailbird.

    First, this site is posting Publicly accessible information. There is nothing any lawyer can do about it. Get your facts straight. Next time dont get arrested. (And worry about the only kitchen you have left.) This website is serving the Atlanta foodies and patrons well. It gives us heads up on whats going on in this great city, and warns us of where to steer clear from.
    You sound like an angry child. Face it, you have destroyed any small shred of hope with your lame comments.

    Secondly, constantly patting yourself on the back for “favors” is a sad try at redemption. ( you keep talking about your 1 trip like its so hard to board a plane. get a life.)
    We are sure Any favor you ever did had strings attached. Or was done because you were going to benefit.

    Maybe its time close that tiny shack you call a restaurant on Howell Mill. The one with no air-conditioning, bad service, and lousy food. (First there was three restaurants, then two, now: you are down to one.) My friends and I have all placed bets on how soon you close the last one. I’m betting on a few months, 3 tops.

    Next lifetime dont be so rude to your customers, pay your bills, dont try to cheat the system and cut back on the burgers.
    PS – if you havent learned yet= KARMA IS A B*TCH.

  15. lol…its been fun folks… if anyone has anything to say to me.. my door is open. 100 percent transparent..
    404.310.7772
    [email protected]

    best regards
    -lorenzo

  16. I am a big fan of wyche restaurants.. I’m sure the people saying these hateful comments are probably jealous of his success. I get treated well by the staff at social house and will continue to eat there. I have met lorenzo several occasions and he is a pretty funny guy and cute too.. Good luck lorenzo

  17. Wow. First of all, I really do appreciate you, sir, for saying something about the situation. So many times, we wonder what the owner or person is thinking when they have problems. As a person who desires to have my own business one day, I really do appreciate you mentioning what you identified as your issue & taking responsibility for what happened. I’ve had some ‘interesting’ times of service at the various restaurants, but I’ve had them at other places as well. I wish you continued success in all that you do. When you had to close Rare the first time after the fire, I was really disappointed in the way that communication was handled (the website wasn’t updated, the phone didn’t say anything, no signage). My only advice is to make sure that you keep your customer updated with pertinent info from time to time.
    Also, you know that the person that you had to lay off? They are feeling SUPER high right now. You know how someone always says ‘you can’t run this place without me’? Yeah… First goal is to get that role filled…

  18. Whoa… Whoa.. Whoa… Sounds to me like a few of the same people are airing out their personal vendettas on this “foodie” site under different call names. First of all I doubt a “former customer” stays up to 2am to sling unsubstantiated mud. And my businesses expand outside the restaurant industry and includes philanthropy and your right I do get something in return for what I do for others but guess what? the big man upstairs is keeping score of that not you nor me.. I don’t argue with fools because people from afar can’t tell who is who. So I pray and hope the best for the same 4 people who are posting this garbage. You know who you are Jc, dh, wd, mp.. Lol.

    This site is far from a foodie site In fact it’s moniker says “restaurant & retail openings and closings” has nothing to do with food. No food reviews. No interviews with chefs. Caleb spivak is no different than Perez Hilton or tmz sensationalizing other people’s lives… Lol

    And last but not least reply to “zosohomo” I think you need to respect other people better. You can say what you want about me but this is not a forum for racial slurs. Im having fun responding to these ridiculous people on this site but I cannot stand racism, sexism or discrimation of any form. You need to check yourself at the door with that type of attitude.. Not cool at all.. It’s not a black thing or a white thing it’s a people thing..

    I’m doing a dinner for schmucks please send your contact info

  19. Lorenzo, the food there was awesome! Rare was one of my favorite restaurants and I’m sorry to see it go. I loved the atmosphere. Where is the chef going now??? lol! Because for that fried cornish hen, piri-piri pork, blt-salad, and peach cobbler (to name a few) I will follow him.

  20. re: hungrymama
    thanks so much.. the chefs name is anthony sanders… he is in south florida now.. super talented kid! facebook him.

  21. Re: shix
    Great observation.. In fact the website did say that the restaurant was not open and asked for people to leave contact info for grand reopening.. Phone was messages as well like it is today. And the employee that was layed off was done so under favorable terms with severance. The business just couldn’t support the 50k salary and we are still friends. My suggestion is to just do it.. That job will be waiting for you if you decide being in business for yourself isn’t for you…
    If you need help with your ideas I invest and have friends who invest in young start ups.. Inbox me.

    Best regards
    Lorenzo

  22. Caleb – keep up the good work. This guy is a joke. I bet he wouldn’t be coming after you and your website if you posted a positive review about his establishment.

    Lorenzo – word to wise – Don’t attack the messenger….oh, and get a liquor license.

  23. Re: nick
    Attack? Really? Your a joke. If Caleb wants to write about me I’m going to respond to him and anyone else for that matter..
    At the end of the day your spending your time talking about me.. I have several liqour licenses.. Word to the wise.. Go screw yourself.. Lol

  24. I posted my first response to communicate with the readers of this blog about what was going on with rare… That’s it. Now it’s turned into something else.. But guess what I am my own man.. Self made millionaire at 25… Successful in multiple businesses in several industries… Im a artist so I’m passionate about my work… And I will respond to every ignorant, hateful comment and thank my supporters.. I’m sitting at wholefoods outside enjoying a naked mango with my honey on my iPhone… Totally unaffected by the haters… And anyone else who has anything but positivity.. I love you back…

  25. As a former DJ for RARE it was a cool spot to kick it at. However there were some miscommunication between you and management, but what establishment doesn’t have those. It was a great experience for me and exposure. I could be one of these bitter people on here complaining about the pay but I played chess with the situation. Preciate the look-out Zo!!!

  26. Wow, as a “foodie” I hate to hear bout a spot that everyone likes being closed down. People frown when you up and smile when you down. bad business

  27. As a former manager for Lorenzo i would like to say he is one of the hardest working people i have ever worked with i have since worked for other restaurant groups including the biggest ones and the owners of the other restaurants walk around like you dont exist and Lorenzo speaks to everyone.. he is always at his places even carrying food and stuff around in his car. LoL. I think its really unfair to judge someone unless you have been in their shoes. And i have worked with him and have learned so much about the restaurant business from him really respect him and wish him so much success. Good luck Lorenzo i know you will build something bigger and better.

  28. hey lorenzo i totally understand your point of view… your damned if you do and damned if you dont.. I dont think people realize the work that goes into building a good restaurant and i like the fact you wear your heart on your sleave. im doing a reality show on restaurant life and will call you to see if i can feature you.

    Your hilarious dude!!
    P.S. at least you don’t look like Nick Nolte in that poster board.

  29. as a former employee I’ve seen Zo beat down his ex wife in the kitchen of Harlem Bar in front of all of his employees and guests. He doesnt pay his employees but sure loves to sleep and have babies with them.. This man owes the IRS over 500k in taxes…umm yeah good luck with getting that liq license. You just filed for bankruptcy not too long ago. you’ve been to jail for beating your ex wife and for not paying her, her divorce settlement. You have multiple lawsuits out. I’m sure hes about to be on the next episode of “repo man” bc im sure they are coming for the truck. If all these statements werent true you wouldnt be back here defending yourself. Bottom line is that you are not a person of integrity, you have treated former employess with no respect, you dont know how to run a business bc if you did you would not be in this position and you wouldnt be down to just one restaurant from three. Do us a favor and become a better business man or just stay in jail.

  30. Karma is a biotch senor Wyche! You screwed over a lot of people trying to get to the top, including your ex wife, and now she’s going to be more successful than you without any help from your cheap ass! How does it feel?? Revenge!! haha

  31. You are a joke,Have you paid PFG back for all the food they have given you.I hope your sh*t burns the f*ck down.You need to turn in that fu*king white snow flake truck of your in before they repo it again.And you know that Babies your’s.She looks just like you,you can even see it in the child’s eye.Oh I’m sorry your gay!Your food sucks,your prices are too fu*king high.You know my mama said once God don’t like Ugly .
    Your a fu*king Monkey to this city!
    You need to torch rare up like you did the first time to get that Insurance money back.
    Oh Btw he’s from Long Island Not Harlem.

  32. I find it interesting that so many people want to throw stones at Lorenzo. There are so many people out there that have no idea what it takes to start and operate a business. No idea what it takes to be an entrepreneur. That’s why they have jobs working for someone else. Listen, I’m not commenting here on this site to defend anyone. But I am writing with the hopes that someone will read this and think. The fact is that without failure there is no progression. With failure, comes solutions, you figure out how not to do something. I have been to all of Lorenzo’s restaurants and I have had both good and bad experiences. But I have had both good & bad experiences at many other establishments as well. No one, or no business is perfect! It’s funny how so many people are quick to condemn a person when he or she makes mistakes. Even when a person, makes poor decisions, or does things that may seem like it’s the wrong thing to do, why do we ridicule them instead of help them? To those of you that were former customers, or former employees, ex-wives, or baby mamas, if you saw it going bad, and stood by and did or said nothing, then in my opinion, you were just as guilty & apart of the problem that you are complaining about. Sometimes you have to be the bigger person, even when you think the other person should be. To me that’s like watching a person walking across the street & getting hit by a car, and you didn’t yell “Hey Look Out! Get out of the Way!” The man created a Business(s) and provided an opportunity for his employees to earn a living. He was helping you to help yourself. If you were so great, you’d have your own business, or be out there following your own dreams! But Too many people are to scared & afraid to take the leap of faith and do what they want to do. But instead they stand on the sidelines, and complain & pass judgement. So many have the expectation that someone else is going to give them a job, or do something for them, or give them the hook-up. I heard some one say once, “if I want a job, I have to create it.” How many of you are creating your own job? This Country was founded on people forging their own way, and making it on their own. So, In closing, I say take a look in the mirror and evaluate your own situation before you start throwing stones. We all have skeletons in our closets, and none of us is without sin. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and this is mine. I don’t know Lorenzo from a can of paint, but I just felt that I should put my opinion out there. Thanks for your time & attention to all who are reading this.

  33. Dear “On The Outside Looking In”
    Your screen name could not have been better chosen. Because if you knew the details of this Bozo, you would know that many people have shouted at the top of their lungs: “HEY LOOK OUT, YOURE GOING TO CRASH!! GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!”
    – only to have him reply in the rudest, most foul manner: F*ck you! I’m the boss, I’ve travelled to 2 countries, and have on sunglasses at nite! So F you! ”

    That is when you pray the truck speeds up.

  34. I laughed just by reading the responses! My friend sent me to this page to get some great laughs and I did!! I must say I really enjoyed reading “On the Outside Looking In” comment. It made the most sense and appeared to express balanced out of all the responses. However, Mr. Lorenzo you have a lot of people not for you and your business. I encourage you to listen to everyone (your supporters and non-supporters), thank them for their statements even if you disagree or not, and not state what you have accomplished in the past(let others brag about you). It is obvious you have a few issues with management and you need to address them before starting your next location. People stating what you done with your ex or babies mommies are very off and should not be used to determine if you’re a great business owner, however not being able to pay your staff consistently is a serious problem. This will make most normal people mad. PLEASE maintain your passion and don’t let the people who are MAD with you prevent you from accomplishing your dreams. Thank you for giving back to your community by providing jobs/great food and thank you for being an example others can learn from (good or bad – hopefully other owners now are going to make sure their documentation are up to part lol)! I will look out for your next location to taste this great food many mentioned in this post. God Bless and I hope the Best for you…

  35. Upon reading all of the previously posted comments, and learning about the circumstance through a close friend & being a former employee of the Harlem Bar, I can only say, that No body is perfect. We ALL have our issues, & things to work on, We ALL have something in which to Improve in our lives, and I have learned that it is through challenges, hard times, & set backs, that prepare us for much more fruitful experiences in our lives, no matter how sticky a situation may present itself at that time, know, that its to make us better people in the end. We can ALL point fingers, cast blame, say this and that, air out our frustrations, be disgruntled & complain about the woes in our lives, or what we believe some on “did” to us as if we have “no” control over what happens in our lives, but in doing so leads only to a dead end street. No forward movement can be had, no progression can take place, only stagnent, negative energy will fester there & grow like weeds consuming every inch of our existence. In short, Lorenzo, I feel, that despite what was experienced, you will grow from this and be a better you as a result. I feel that what ever you choose to do in the future will carry with it an air of creativity & passion, so long as the focus on the longevity of actions, thoughts and words are kept in forefront & sought with awareness. As for the other who have done nothing but complain in this commentary, remember, nothing is outsdie of ourselves, to see the error in others you must first be willing to see the error within yourself. To see speak upon the mistakes of others you must first be willing to accept responsibility for the mistakes you have made in your own life. Blaming, complaining, & judging are all external ascpects of deep seeded issues that exist withn. Be mindful as you travel that particular path as these things have a highly creative way of barring it’s hard truth to us all. Having said all of that, Good Luck Lorenzo, Social House is a favorite, service could be better, as I was just there this weekend. But the food is always awesome!!! Much Love & Respect!

    C

  36. Wow you worked with Chef Anthony Sanders,I been following his work for years.He has to single most UNDERATED chef in the country.Can anyone Find him Atlanta Needs him?

  37. WOW! MR WHYCHE I HAD NO IDEA THAT YOU WORKED WITH CHEF ANTHONY SANDERS HE HAS TO BE THE MOST UNDERATED CHEF IN THE COUNTRY.IF YOU READ RARE’S MENU ITS NOTHING LIKE HARLEM BAR OR SOCIAL HOUSE. ONLY A GREAT CHEF COULD’VE PULL OFF A MENU LIKE THAT.I BEEN FOLLOWING HIM FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS. DO YOU HAVE HIS CONTACT? IF SO LET HIM KNOW ATLANTA NEEDS HIM

  38. Im working on my PHD; player hater degree. I graduate in the fall yall.

  39. I have had the pleasure of dining at several of Lorenzo’s places and in fact met my husband at rare several years ago. I really miss that place and hope it opens up bigger and better. Good Luck!

  40. I am a former employee of Rare, i wasnt always satisfied with the way things were run, and no Lorenzo isnt perfect(no one is), there were several things that could have been handled differently, but i am extremely thankful for Lorenzo providing me with a job, a job that helped to provide for me for a little over a year. I am grateful for i had some the best times and met some of the greatest people in Atlanta (my former co-workers). Lorenzo, regardless of his faults, the man has a pool of knowledge and work ethic that i admire, and i just dont believe in kicking a man when he’s down, whatever grievances we(I) have, i just pray that Lorenzo becomes a wiser business owner who further developes his craft, and the callous earlier responses may be personally warranted but not necessary. I pray whatever improvements must be made, that God will give you an ear to hear and the wisdom and revelation to make the necessary changes for the greater good of your business, life and the community!

  41. I have worked for Lorenzo at 2 of his restaurants and I think he is a freaking genius 3 restaurants by the age of 27! are you serious?!!. One day we were all standing around the bar at work and he told us his story and how he got to were he is. The man needs to write a book. And he is always sharing knowledge with people around him. I suggest all the haters on here should have listened and maybe they would be thanking him instead of bashing.

    I am a aspiring owner and hope to have as much success as he has. No partners totally on his own.. who does that? The dude is off the chain. When does he sleep? Im not a c** rider Im recognizing somebody who is obviously doing his thing and than some. Who sets out at the age of 25 and says “I will start a african american themed restaurant group” get featured in Essence Magazine, Rachel Ray, Food & Wine magazine and get 3 best of atlanta restaurants featured in Atlanta magazine in a row, not to mention the cover of the food issue in 2007. Im a customer of all of his places and give him utmost respect and you should too. He deserves it.

  42. I worked for lorenzo and I really enjoyed it. I made a lot of friends and good money.

  43. Much respect Lorenzo,

    Those who aren’t restaurant entrepenuers haven’t
    the slightest idea what being involved in
    these nearly 7 day week / 24 hour expensive
    undertakings entail. I congratulate you for the success
    that you have had and wish you much more
    success in the future. ” Every failure leads one
    that much closer to success! ” Never stop
    chasing those dreams. The GREATESS hope
    of all is hope for the FUTURE. Roll on my
    Brother!

  44. I worked at rare and think lorenzo was a good owner very hands on and always telling us to focus on the guests and providing great service… I have nothing but positive experience.
    Thank You.

  45. I saw this a while ago and wasn’t really familiar with Rare but i recently ate breakfast at The Social House and wanted to lick the plate. Too bad I didn’t get a chance to visit Rare before they closed.

  46. Aw man. I really love Rare and have been a customer at all of Lorenzo’s places. The food and the service is always excellent. I always make it my first stop when entertaining visitors from out of town. Definitely will be missed.

  47. I have had the good fortune to work with Mr. Wyche and have nothing but positive things to say. I believe all businessman go through challenging times and this too shall pass. What a bright talented guy. I wish you the best and expect that you will make it through this transistion.
    Good Luck!

  48. You know its a sad state of affairs when you have post post “positive” comments about yourself. Lorenzo has always been, and will always be a complete loser, crook and fraud.
    Take a glance at the reviews of the dump he calls a restaurant “social house” on Yelp.
    What a joke this guy is. Please move away – soon. Before you end up in jail for the 5th time.

  49. I heard about this post recently. How come folks try to tear down good people who do good work. I do permit expediting in the city of Atlanta and many restaurants and bars do not renew their licenses on time resulting in fines and penalties. This actually happens pretty often. I hope Lorenzo gets better personnel to handle these details. If you need help in this area I am very reasonable. [email protected]

  50. Lorenzo, I patiently await the day that Rare Reopens. I will be there with the girls and with bells on.

  51. From the moment I met this loser I knew he was a piece of crap. Actually I knew it before I officially met him. Anytime a employer knocks up his assistant and screw around with other female workers at his restaurant, he is nothing but a scumbag. A real business man that is about business knows you dont sh** where you eat and the closing of all his restaurants is sheer proof that he’s not about business. And how can we forget his language that he has used on this blog. What business owner with any class does that. You make black business owners look bad. Also within five minutes of meeting this guy, I realized he takes no responsibility for anything that he does and he thinks he is always right. I read an article about Zo in the Atlanta post a year ago and he was still commenting on the comments he didnt like saying he was travelling to Africa to help people find jobs and etc. Zo you need to stop with the lies, you know you have NEVER been out of the freeking country. And he cant take criticism at all. And as a business owner you have to be able to take criticism, you are never gonna make everyone like you . 95% of your comments on here are negative for a reason. And I say 95% because many of the positive comments were written by you i’m sure of it because you always like to comment about how much success youve had with your businesses and how much you have helped this or that person. All of these people writing negative comments are not lying about you. Maybe you need to stop being so quick to comment back and read and soak up the image of yourself that YOU have put out there and make some changes for the good then maybe you wont be the only person writing good comments about yourslf. No one cares that you had three restaurants at 27. It doesnt mean a thing because fast forward 7 years and they are all closed and left a bad taste in the communities mouth.

  52. Wow, is all I can say,

    Many of the former employees laughed and joked when the shoe was on the other foot. When they saw Lorenzo’s treatment of other guests/employees/promoters it was all fun and games until the shoe was on their feet. Its really sad because the food, the drinks, the ambiance in Rare was AMAZING. It was really original, and unique. All it needed was someone to care. He’s had managers that worked there, loved what they did, and showed genuine concern about his establishment, because of what IT was and not what HE was, and he couldn’t do right. It’s funny to see so many insiders who worked with him say so many bad things..can they ALL be wrong. I don’t think so. Working for him myself, I didn’t see him as the monster he’s being painted as. Just extremely disconnected, like a lot of black businessmen. They want to bask in the glow of success instead of continuing to build the brand and the business. I wish you Lorenzo the best of luck in your future endeavors, and pray you have the stamina to keep it up once you’ve received it. God speed.

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