Every Friday, Roots in Alpharetta features an article on food and dining in a series I like to call Foodie Friday.
The restaurant business is competitive, especially today. The weak are not surviving long. But the lure of one hundred thousand cubicle workers and their willingness to drop $15 on lunch everyday is attracting new restaurateurs to fill the voids. I kinda appreciate some turnover in my dining choices. Unfortunately we are getting more of the same while the unique tends to be closing. Here’s what’s new and what’s gone.
Maryland’s Crab House – Windward
This joint opened in the space formally occupied by Loafing Leprechaun. I haven’t had a chance to visit, and they have been thinly reviewed. I’ve only found reviews here and here. They have signs posted for a Sunday brunch, which may be interesting. They don’t have a website, so I know almost nothing about these guys. I’d suggest they look into this internet thing!
Another Indian buffet on Windward. That makes three, although this is the only one west of GA-400. There is certainly a market for Indian food up here, but competition is fierce. I haven’t tried these guys yet, but Sri Krishna Vilas and Sai Murali are both delicious. There are also at least two Indian offerings on Old Milton. Will be interested to see if they survive. Pass the Rolaids please.
Cosmic Deli – Windward
I’ve actually been to this one already. They look like a franchise but I don’t think they are. They have an outer space, George Jetson kind of theme. My sandwich here was pretty good but I don’t think it stands out given the competition in the specialty sandwich business. Again, this genre is crowded and competition from places like Wildflour and Never Enough Thyme will eat these guys alive.
Panera Bread – Windward
For the love of God, people! Why is there a line out the door here? Panera is the worst of the worst in terms of chain sandwich joints. Even Cosmic is better than these guys. Their pre-made sandwiches are not put together well and are boring. My prediction… this place will be a fixture on Windward for many years to come. Makes me sick.
Gladys Knight Chicken & Waffles – Johns Creek
CLOSED! Looks like their foray into the burbs didn’t make it. I went there once and kinda liked it, but my wife didn’t. I kinda wish we had more country or soul cooking places up here, even if they are expensive.
Cha-Cha Bongo Cuban Grill
Both their Windward and Johns Creek locations are closed. While I didn’t care much for their food, I think this cuisine is underrepresented in the northern burbs. You best bet now is Mambo’s Cafe on Haynes Bridge. Ay caramba!
No related posts.
Talking about restaurants, someone should tell the owners of Ru San’s on Highway 9 that while the trendy/hipster music works midtown, it doesn’t quite match with the ‘burb crowd. Much like thong swimsuits don’t work well for any crowd…
Also, there should be a sign at the door to explain to redneck Cracker Barrel fans that you don’t pile up sushi on a plate. The buffet will still be open in 10 minutes.
As long as TGIF doesn’t close, most people will be fine.
Talking about closing restaurants: one of the owners of Durty Kelly’s (who closed another restaurant down the road and never opened another one they were planning) got into the restaurant business because the real estate business, where he was from, was hit hard by the economy.
Wow. Going into the restaurant business to escape an industry hit hard by the economy. 1-2-3? 1-2-3? Anybody home?
Are you talking about Slice Cafe?
I agree. The restaurant business isn’t for the faint at heart.
Add Frontera on Windward to the list of closed places. Kinda surprised they didn’t make it, given their close proximity to AT&T.
Went to spice touch last week, not good. I went for the lunch buffet, and was underwhelmed with the choices and temperature of the choices. Probably wont go again.