Long-time friends Prince Omotayo and Akin Awujo set their sights on a property in the historic Morningside-Lenox Park neighborhood, envisioning their dream in real-time of opening up a new Mediterranean restaurant and lounge. Seventeen 69 Lounge got its name from the address of the property itself.
Purchased in December 2022 the duo has been working on their new project ever since. Having a high-class restaurant and lounge comes with even higher expectations of class and luxury. The lounge will be constructed to have three floors including a rooftop deck for outside eating, a restaurant on the main floor, and a private cigar lounge.
The menu is set to include the go-to Mediterranean foods including crabs, lamb chops, and salmon. “Doing research, I’ve noticed people in the area gravitate towards diverse food options,” Omotayo told What Now Atlanta.
As a business owner himself, Omotayo hopes to keep his current clients from his past bars to his new lounge. “I was a previous owner of two cigar bars,” said Omotayo. “Cigar smokers aren’t looking for trouble and business is usually consistent with them.” Once the lounge is open for business Omotayo said he plans on offering his most loyal cigar bar patrons free private membership to the cigar lounge.
Seasoned businessman Omotayo and Awujo, a soon-to-be-retired doctor, both decided that this new business venture is the next big step in their lives. The 6,000 square feet property is awaiting construction approval from the City of Atlanta.
Omotayo said they’re aiming to start construction by the end of 2023 into the start of the new year.
