Our Panel Has Voted: Here’s The Winning ‘Concept’ For Our Haunted Restaurant Contest

what should open in the cursed nona mia space in midtown? ~ what now, atlanta?
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Gmail

Sign up now to get our Daily Breaking News Alerts

Opt out at anytime

But Is It Good Enough To Break The Curse?

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Haunted Restaurant Contest!

Our Grand Prize Winner is taking home dinner for two at Fifth Street Cafe and VIP Passes to the Media Preview of Netherworld Haunted House!

Our panel of industry insiders, along with neighboring business owners, agonized over picking a winning concept.

The Runner-Up (and winner of nothing):

Submitted by Sammy on September 25, 2010 at 8:53 am: A handjob stand.

..and onto the winning concept! Though it wasn’t very specific, we appreciate the thoughtfulness and the clear understanding of the neighborhood and what it’s lacking– we think our Grand Prize Winner might be onto something that could once and for all, break the curse at 980 Piedmont Avenue.

Our Grand Prize Winner:

Submitted by Felix H on September 26, 2010 at 7:14 pm:

My want:

My first thought is a place like Holeman and Finch Public House where you can get (late night) really great small plates of delicious food at varying degrees of accessibility with excellently executed cocktails in an environment that’s not terribly stuck up.

My analysis:

When you think about it, the area has “everything” and yet nothing really stands out to me as fantastic- there’s sandwiches, latin food, giant burritos, japanese, cafes, breakfast food, desserts a few blocks around the corner, bars… and yet, none of it really stands out (except for maybe the Blake’s crowd).

Paradoxically, there’s a culinary complacency. When the company behind Moe’s bought Flying Biscuit, the quality of the food visibly deteriorated. Somehow, people still LOVE the place. Nickiemoto’s has “Chinese” food on their menu. My brunch at Gilbert’s was unbearable. Zocalo is a chain, but decent. I feel like the only thing that keeps the place intact is the fact that it IS a neighborhood- something Atlanta lacks in most areas.

I want something with quality. I’m thinking concepts along the lines of healthy and delicious like MetroFresh. Innovative and late night like Holeman and Finch Public House. Or a bakery/purveyor like Alon’s. Great bistro food and beer like Leon’s in Decatur. Or take advantage of the trend started by Hankook Taqueria, mixing authentic Asian flavors with more familiar mediums like tacos. Make it honest and not overtly branded/corporate.

I know I’m being extremely critical, but I’m being honest.

Here is a list of the contest entries:

OhWiseOne! says:
September 24, 2010 at 12:39 pm

As somebody who lives within walking distance I can tell you that the concept has to have the following:

• A quick, in-and-out feature. A drop-by kind of place that invites me in a few times a week.

• Low price/high quality

• Something that complements the neighborhood

• Something that I NEED every day.

Therefore, TA DA! my submission is a bagel place along the lines of Einstein’s Bagels. In and out, cheap, good, and easily visitable every other day.

SteveInAtlanta says:
September 24, 2010 at 12:42 pm

This is easy! It’s so obvious that the neighborhood is missing some kind of dessert spot. There is NOWHERE to walk to in midtown that has ice cream– other than Jason’s deli but come on! That doesn’t count. Its soft serve and only three flavors.

Emily says:
September 24, 2010 at 12:43 pm

Its a great location for walkers – I’d love an indie movie store a la movies worth seeing or videodrome and I think a pool hall would do very well. But frozen yogurt seems to be the “IT” thing right now and that neighborhood is lacking in one within walking distance! I vote for yogurt!

justin says:
September 24, 2010 at 1:04 pm

what about a 5 guys?

Sarah Pearse says:
September 24, 2010 at 1:04 pm

Taqueria del Sol!

Liz Thomas says:
September 24, 2010 at 1:18 pm

I love living in walking distance of this location. With all its neighbors always full with customers, I would suggest a European- fell restaurant with an emphasis on wine and desserts, but a good menu too. It would be everyone’s happy hour and Sunday brunch spot.
Make sure to decorate well, midtowners notice things like that.

Bobby says:
September 24, 2010 at 1:19 pm

1. A stand-up espresso coffee place would be great, but I’m not sure it would catch on in Atlanta, but that Caribou Coffee is way too cruisey when you just want/need coffee: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/25/dining/25coffee.html?pagewanted=all

2. An art gallery/event space. Something to liven-up the stale corner.

3. An Au Bon Pain. I fu*king miss those.

Matthew says:
September 24, 2010 at 1:32 pm

a fresh food restaurant/bodega. Light meals and fresh fruit, vegetables, milk, eggs, drinks.

Bill says:
September 24, 2010 at 1:41 pm

Anything that isn’t food related. Obviously this is a cursed spot for that venue and there is apparently a ghost that is seeing to the failure of all of those types of businesses that go in there. Maybe the spirits would be happier with some kind of higher end retail….Boo knows!

JoeInAtlanta says:
September 24, 2010 at 2:18 pm

This spot could thrive with good, well-priced food in an inviting space. Unfortunately, it’s never had that.

I would love to see a non-chain Mexican restaurant that could really utilize the nice patio as a serving counter as well as a seating area: Burritos, tacos, tamales; a selection of salsas (some nice and spicy) from different parts of Latin America; and, of course, flan.

B says:
September 24, 2010 at 3:36 pm

What will receive steady business in this Atlanta location?

A PARKING LOT.

Phil says:
September 24, 2010 at 3:39 pm

I think the building should be leveled and the space should be turned into a pay surface-parking lot. Parking lots and decks in Midtown and Downtown have had more long-term success than most restaurants.

People in Atlanta love to drive and need to park. Having a convenient surface lot for customers of neighboring businesses would be a win for everyone. Happy driving, Atlanta!

Sarah says:
September 24, 2010 at 4:02 pm

I think it needs to be a dessert place — but not another cupcake or yougurt shop. I’m thinking brownies, pie, real ice cream or cookies.

Charlie says:
September 24, 2010 at 4:02 pm

An ice cream gelato place. The neighborhood alone would support it and it would get people out and about on the sidewalks more.

Kevin says:
September 24, 2010 at 4:19 pm

A Fellini’s would do good at that location, it’s got a good price point and is quick. Plus there’s no “Italian” at that corner.
A Flip or similar burger-bar concept like Smash Burger would do great. Yeah Burger is opening close-by at Va-Highland but not close enough to walk.
I would love to see a Sprinkles, Pinkbberry or Red Mango in Midtown too.

Skreet says:
September 24, 2010 at 4:52 pm

The Lateasha Shuntay Shuntel Blake’s Annex

Ann C says:
September 24, 2010 at 6:30 pm

*** One answer is so simple. A diner! It has everything. *** Or, a unique walk-up from the street to the counter type restaurant where they would serve fast, yet nice food, reasonably priced AND (wait for it) it would also feature treats for your pet. Of course, an outdoor patio area is a must for this concept.

Woo-hoo!

The Freshmaker says:
September 24, 2010 at 7:55 pm

Amazing that nobody is thinking OUTSIDE of concepts that already SATURATE Atlanta. How many Flips, Del Sols, and Fellini’s do you really need? Enough already!! Atlanta needs something that does not have 20 locations already here. LOL Seeing how things seem to get here 2 years after they are hot everywhere else ( food trucks, burger joints, hip pizza, modern Thai) … I think the FAST PASTA concept “Hello Pasta” or “Nooi” may get a nice buzz. It must be a low price point, and perhaps have deep pockets for the slow times. True we have Figo, but these are a little more modern. …heres a link…http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703441404575206341938690262.html

Nikolai C. says:
September 24, 2010 at 8:31 pm

A relaxed bistro for people to eat fresh food and have a place to relax and do work. I used to love coffee shops but I’m not into smelling like a cup of coffee for the rest of the day. You can barely wash the smell out of your hair after being in a place for a couple of hours. If it’s going to go the organic route, let’s make sure to not charge us half of our paycheck and focus upon local produce.

K-Dogg says:
September 24, 2010 at 8:56 pm

A whimsically themed breakfast joint called “The Sinking Muffin”…

or a Dunkin Donuts…

or perhaps a Hooters?

melanie says:
September 25, 2010 at 4:48 am

My suggestion would be something along the line of Cafe Dumonde in New Orleans. I would have an open air space with pastries, light desserts and coffee. I think it would attract a morning, evening and late evening crowd.

Sammy says:
September 25, 2010 at 8:53 am

A handjob stand.

joe says:
September 25, 2010 at 11:36 am

A Holy Taco would rock in Midtown

Trisha Dowling says:
September 26, 2010 at 6:23 am

please please please will someone open a place that sells california style burritos. giant handheld, NOT moes. when i moved here i went on a search to find some like i grew up eating in san francisco. nothing anywhere and i have tried them all!! please go to SF, get one and you will see what i am talking about. juicy, not dried meats. meat still in the juices when you make them, still i the pots! omg heaven. pure heaven. dammit. just talking about it makes me want one.

Veronica says:
September 26, 2010 at 7:53 am

My opinion would be like a Green Street. They have one in Miami and it is always busy. Its a breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner kind of place. They also have a patio with couches to relax and unwind for drinks and food. I think it will do great in Midtown.

Susan T says:
September 26, 2010 at 5:00 pm

A great place for breakfast anytime

Felix H says:
September 26, 2010 at 7:14 pm

My want:

My first thought is a place like Holeman and Finch Public House where you can get (late night) really great small plates of delicious food at varying degrees of accessibility with excellently executed cocktails in an environment that’s not terribly stuck up.

My analysis:

When you think about it, the area has “everything” and yet nothing really stands out to me as fantastic- there’s sandwiches, latin food, giant burritos, japanese, cafes, breakfast food, desserts a few blocks around the corner, bars… and yet, none of it really stands out (except for maybe the Blake’s crowd).

Paradoxically, there’s a culinary complacency. When the company behind Moe’s bought Flying Biscuit, the quality of the food visibly deteriorated. Somehow, people still LOVE the place. Nickiemoto’s has “Chinese” food on their menu. My brunch at Gilbert’s was unbearable. Zocalo is a chain, but decent. I feel like the only thing that keeps the place intact is the fact that it IS a neighborhood- something Atlanta lacks in most areas.

I want something with quality. I’m thinking concepts along the lines of healthy and delicious like MetroFresh. Innovative and late night like Holeman and Finch Public House. Or a bakery/purveyor like Alon’s. Great bistro food and beer like Leon’s in Decatur. Or take advantage of the trend started by Hankook Taqueria, mixing authentic Asian flavors with more familiar mediums like tacos. Make it honest and not overtly branded/corporate.

I know I’m being extremely critical, but I’m being honest.

Craig says:
September 27, 2010 at 9:35 am

Hamburger Marys

Hamburger Mary’s

Sarah says:
September 27, 2010 at 11:28 am

Would love an Alon’s or other bakery type place where you can grab a nice sandwich and take to the park or sit and have a nice beer on tap and people watch.

Mark says:
September 27, 2010 at 10:52 pm

I would like to see a restaurant that would be open with a simple affordable breakfast all day and even into the evening. A place that you could start your day with coffee and finish it with a glass of wine. A place that would have sit down service but also quick pick up lunch items to go for a flat price i.e. Soup & Salad or 1/2 sandwitch for 7.00 to 8.00 tax included. The closet restaurant that we have is Rise & Dine in Emory Village. If you do not already know they now serve breafast from 7a.m. to 10p.m. with lunch and dinner items as the day progresses. My dream would be for someone to combine the best elements of Star Provisions, Rise & Dine, Metro Fresh, Alon’s, Coffee Shop in Manhattan’s Union Square, Westville in NYC’s West Village with a little bit of Murray Bagels thrown in for good measure! Bottom line: Nothing fancy, nothing expensive, just a great local place with great food neighbors would run into each other daily!!

Dee says:
September 27, 2010 at 11:43 pm

Something along the lines of Leon’s Full Service. Great beer and cocktails, and food worth eating, at a price point that enables people who dine out regularly to dine there every week, but not so cheap that the restaurant will go out of business. An ice cream or dessert spot, where people sit for an hour but only spend $5 or even $10 each, can’t make enough money to pay the rent on that space. Starbucks and Caribou survive because enough people stop in every day for a $4 latte or two. Almost no one is getting ice cream and dessert every day.

Kyle Browning says:
September 28, 2010 at 1:04 am

Every one has an old relative who used to make something to DIE for. This reseraunt would take a contemporary view of the foods that sustained our childhood and kept us energized enough to imagine and dream big. This place would feel like a cosy place to talk with old friends but also meet new ones. A place with a lounge where you can sit and just have coffee and colaberate with business partners, band members, family members. Or a dining area where everyone sits at one huge table and is reminded in inovative ways of their favorite childhood memories. Where food is art. Art is nostalgia and fresh and friends are never far away.

Kyle Browning says:
September 28, 2010 at 1:23 am

To elaborate a bit more I want a community oriented resteraun I want a person who comes in lonely to feel less lonly and a place where ideas are encouraged. Creativity on the plate and in the customer. The website would even have a place for old famly recipies. They would be used as an inspiration of disishes. Now the single round table isn’t completly neccisary I just want a place where people feel connected in ways other then a twitter account. (Tweet me if you have any further questions) In all seriousness I think a place that has great food and great heart where there is no condisending tones no turned up noses only a genuine heart to the employees and patrons. Good food prepared fresh. This is all about Passion.

J Dre says:
September 28, 2010 at 9:51 am

Is there any reason we cannot get good Korean without having to drive out to the burbs of Buford Hwy?

Brian says:
September 28, 2010 at 10:12 am

Good thoughts, I said a parking lot for the obvious reasons, only partly joking.

Food wise, think a walk up, NY style food place, Gyro, Falafel, Hot Dogs, pretzels…”walking food”. Small seating in the patio, none inside, no public restrooms available.

Morgan says:
September 28, 2010 at 12:47 pm

I think a stand up comedy club would be really cool. it could even have a open mic night that people could come in and relax and be entertained. 🙂

Anne says:
September 28, 2010 at 1:37 pm

Cafe Intermezzo..Perfect!

Lindsey says:
September 28, 2010 at 2:44 pm

A gourmet market that sells specialty foods, limited produce and sandwiches, charcuterie, etc. Similar to a Cabbagetown Market or Savi Urban Market.

John says:
September 28, 2010 at 3:07 pm

Wouldn’t a gay bar to compete with Blake’s / Mikimoto spillover when it’s packed make the most sense. The other idea’s are nice. But without good parking let’s look at the places that are packed on that corner night in and night out.

Joel says:
September 28, 2010 at 4:35 pm

Someone beat me to it, but yes a Hamburger Mary’s since its in the Gayborhood. http://www.hamburgermarys.com/

juniper_rose says:
September 29, 2010 at 2:57 am

A place you could visit frequently, meet friends there, open during the day and closes late.
A book shop like a smaller scaled version of Strand in NY.
With a European-style cafe bar (good quality small plates, espresso bar & spirits) and a small performance space.
Local artists can book it for readings, workshops, performances of any sort. Free WIFI. Self-serve bottomless cup of coffee. Community Bulletin boards. Pet station outside for biscuits & water.
A potential place to people watch, meet new people, discover neighbors with similar interests…
A place to go to after dinner or on your way back from the park or for happy hour or Sunday brunch etc.

Heather DeBerry says:
September 29, 2010 at 10:20 am

Yoforia

Heatherd says:
September 29, 2010 at 10:24 am

I think they should put in a Yoforia. Amazing frozen yogurt, fun atmosphere, cheap, and not many calories.

Jill Biazzo says:
September 30, 2010 at 7:31 am

How about Big Red Tomato or Sweet Devil Moon? Oh wait, on second thought I think it should be a parking lot since nothing seems to be successful in that space!

Alice says:
September 30, 2010 at 7:53 am

What is really missing from Midtown are Korean and Vietnamese restaurants. One of those would fill a niche.

All the other food themes people mention are already are already present, most of them within walking distance.

Dave Gibson says:
September 30, 2010 at 9:49 am

I agree that a quick in/out kind of place would work well for the neighborhood. I think perhaps a comfort foods kind of place…soups, mac/cheese, fantastic desserts. Keep it low overhead, low cost, but highest quality. Perhaps it could be called “Mom’s” or something similar.

Juleen says:
September 30, 2010 at 12:27 pm

i think that area needs something quick and fun – maybe something in the line of a gourmet build your own hamburger joint…

Kelley says:
September 30, 2010 at 1:57 pm

Middle Eastern style fast food: kebob (beef, fish, chicken), basmati rice,roasted veggies, hummus, etc. Maybe have it be a hookah lounge with small plates in the evening! 🙂

Sara M. says:
September 30, 2010 at 6:01 pm

Given the proximity to the park and great night life, a pedestrian-friendly place would be kickballin. Think of the accessibility of one of those food trucks but in a permanent setting maybe even with some simple tables and chairs that can be easily stored. The place could have two menus -day and night- with no more than 6 or 7 unique and delicious dishes. The day menu could appeal more towards the families and people on their afternoon strolls with healthy and yummy options that kids and non-health nuts will actually eat. For the night menu, I’d love to see more alcohol-induced indulgences like tacos and kebabs but with a twist. The food could represent a mixture of cultures like Greek sliders with lamb meat and tzatziki sauce or pulled pork tacos with a BBQ sauce only found in the South. Everything would be max $5 or $6 because let’s face it, we’re all on a budget.

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

2 Responses

  1. For all of the folks that advocated demolishing the building in favor of surface parking, I hope you were kidding. That is such backwards thinking. If people really want to patronize a place because of it being a unique and successful business, they will pay to park. Or, they will use public transportation. The last thing we need in Midtown is another surface parking lot. If anything, we need to get rid of the ones that are still around!

  2. No: Mexican – already have Zocalo, though that can stand improvement. Lupe failed (unfortunately, it was good, as was Cuerno and Beleza).
    No: Urban hipster coffee shop. How much freakin’ coffee do we need?
    No: Breakfast spot. Improve Flying Biscuit instead.
    No: Asian. Next to Nickiemoto. People, start filling MuLan – good food, nice porch, low prices.
    Hell no: parking lot.
    Yes: Great ice cream to replace Jakes (and Brewster’s; Rita’s doesn’t cut it). But, it’d be better if Chocolate Pink on Juniper added great homemade ice cream, lowered their prices, and stayed open late.
    Hell yes: Holeman & Finch or Leon’s type place. You have good beer selections at Taco Mac and Hudson Grill, but they are massive sports bars. Midtown deserves a local spot to enjoy quality beer and food, but it must be neighborhood-oriented and not another expensive martini, late-night-clubber scene. This concept may also be nice at the former Avra. Or the Cuerno/Beleza spots, if 905 Juniper can agree on the concept.

Leave a Reply to Jonathan Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

Search