Italian goods retailer expands concept adding “take away” counter & cooking classes
Bella Cucina Artful Food is moving their Virginia Highland retail operation to a larger, nearby location.
Taking space that used to be Knitch at 1044 N. Highland avenue, Bella Cucina is moving two retail spaces down from their current location at 1050 (Knitch relocated just up the road to 1183 Virginia Avenue last November).
Slated to open May 1, owner Smith Hanes told What Now Atlanta the new location will boast a “modern take on a European Food Hall” as well as “cooking demos and classes.”
“We’re adding a porta via counter,” said Hanes. “Porta via” in English means “take away,” according to Google Translate.
Offering coffee, pastries, cheeses and meats made fresh at Bella Cucina, Hanes said his take on a “European style food hall” will use local ingredients.
Patrons will have access to “many of our foods, fresh from our kitchens, not preserved or packaged,” Hanes said.
Once Bella Cucina relocates, three adjacent spaces will sit empty: the current Bella Cucina space, the shuttered Juicy Green and the soon to close DabberDoo gift boutique.
What Now Atlanta spoke to Jessi Kaas, assistant manager at a neighboring store, on a trip to the retailer Wednesday about the three vacant retail spaces.
Kass said the area needs more “fun stuff.”
“I’d like to see a sandwich shop open,” said Kaas. “YEAH! Burger is delicious but you can’t eat burgers everyday.”
As for Bella Cucina’s new concept, Kaas “can’t wait to see the in-store demos.”
Bella Cucina
1044 N Highland Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30306
6 Responses
I agree. There needs to be more fun stuff… a sandwich shop, a small pub, and a retail clothing store (with a men’s section) would be perfect!
I like this idea. Right now, when one goes into Bella Cucina, it’s sort of a strange (but nice) store. They sell high-end eggs, some sauces, and dips. No eat-n-go food–all expensive ingredients that one would have to take home and use in a recipe. European food hall is much more appealing.
Caleb–regarding those 3 store fronts in-a-row, could you start a topic? It’d be interesting to see what people think could be done with them.
hi mypitboss– a discussion board of sorts? that might be a neat feature to add in general. let me look into it! thanks!
–cjs
I would like to see a new “Shaun’s” just like the one that closed in Inman Park!
Wait.
Bella Cucina just insulted their future neighbor???
As the owner of Bella Cucina, I am very disheartened that an employee would not celebrate such a wonderful local business {and chocolate to boot!} such as Cacao. We LOVE cacao + kristen and are so delighted to have her as a neighbor. Cacao will be a great addition to the street.
Please accept my personal apology.
Alisa Barry
Owner, Bella Cucina