Dream Cars at The HIGH - May 21 - Sept 7, 2014

-- For more info visit : http://www.high.org

Take On Me - A-ha

Stone Mountain Lasershow for 2014

 http://www.stonemountainpark.com
From: atlantaplanit.com

Event Description

Seen by more than 25 million people for more than 30 years, this 45-minute show is a not-to-be-missed Atlanta tradition. The Laser Canopy creates a ceiling of light right over your head, transforming the park into a natural amphitheater. Recently digitally re-mastered, the Lasershow is a dazzling display of neon laser lights featuring characters, stories, graphics and fireworks choreographed to popular musical scores. The new show is presented in Mountainvision, which adds 3-D effects but without the glasses. It promises to wow your family with state-of-the-art digital graphics and awe-inspiring effects on one of the world's largest outdoor screens. And, of course, the show's famed patriotic grand finale includes a live fireworks display.

Ticket Information

Park Admission: $10 per vehicle
General Admission: Free!
VIP Lasershow Terrace Seating Packages: $15 to $24.95
(includes snacks or dinner before the show)

Big Pop Up Returns to East Decatur Station June 12

 From : http://decaturartsalliance.org
The Decatur Arts Alliance and East Decatur Station (EDS) present the Big Pop Up III on June 12 from 6-9 pm. Come and explore this popular mixed-use complex of dining, retail and studios between Agnes Scott College and Avondale Estates for a pleasant summer evening of art, crafts, music, food and drinks. New this year, Three Taverns Craft Beers will offer a special price on their brewery tour and tastings, and their parlor will be open for an exhibition of original art curated by VINSONart with live music by P-Jazz. Mingei World Arts make their Big Pop Up debut from their new home at EDS.
The Mobile Marlay Fish ‘n Chips truck will return, as will live acoustic music in the courtyard. Visitors can browse and buy locally made arts, crafts and jewelry. Kid-friendly activities will be available.
This event is free and open to all ages. There will be plenty of parking, or you can take MARTA to the Avondale Station. East Decatur Station is just a short walk away, at the corner of East College and New Street.
Visit http://fb.com/PopUpDecatur for up-to-the-minute details. Or contact Meghan DeCastro, meghan@eastdecaturstation.com, 404-377-5188 or Shawn Vinson, shawn@vinsonart.com, 404-939-2787.

Decatur Lantern Parade

--- Black Sheep Ensemble perform " CIGRA" Click arrow to play video. -- -

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- - The Decatur Lantern Parade started out on E. Howard St and turned right onto N. Candler St. and left on Sycamore St. to the Square.

For more photos click here

North Dekalb Mall to Convert to Open-Air Concept.

From: bizjournals.com

    Staff Atlanta Business Chronicle

Lennar Commercial Investors LLC teamed with Sterling Organization to buy North DeKalb Mall for an undisclosed sum.

The development team, which also includes Atlanta-based Hendon Properties, plans to convert the enclosed portion of the property to an open-air concept. Lennar and Sterling acquired ownership interest in the property and Sterling will manage the center. Timing on the redevelopment has not been set.

The 622,300-square-foot center is just inside Interstate 285 in northeastern Atlanta. It opened in 1965 and is one of the last remaining large-scale infill opportunities in the Decatur/Emory area for retail or mixed-use redevelopment. Anchor tenants include AMC Theatres, Burlington Coat Factory, Macy’s, Marshalls and Ross Dress for Less.

“North DeKalb Mall is extremely well positioned for redevelopment based on its age, proximate location to major employers such as AT&T, Emory University, Cox Communications and Kroger, and easy access to major thoroughfares,” said Mike Cohn, regional president of Lennar Commercial. “In addition, a redevelopment will greatly benefit the high density neighborhoods surrounding the property, including Emory, Druid Hills and Decatur.”

Sixth Annual Springfest at Twain's Saturday May 17th

From http://www.twains.net/

Come out to Twain’s on Saturday May 17th, from1 to 4 pm. Enjoy 5 unique beer and food pairings prepared for you by Decatur’s finest restaurants and breweries, in support of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.  $50 gets you 5 beer and food pairings and a commemorative glass.  Food will be prepared by Twain’s, Pine Street Market, Leon’s, Steinbecks, and Pinewood, while beers will be from our local friends, Three Taverns, Wild Heaven, and Blue Tarp.  This will be a one of a kind event for a great cause featuring the Ralph Roddenbery Duo.
 Please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/643645 for your ticket now.  All ticket proceeds will go directly to the ACFB, who have been graciously feeding Georgia’s hungry citizens for 25 years.
Music will continue later that night starting at 8 pm featuring Georgia sounds from Hair of the Dog, with Rolling Nowhere ramping it up at 10. $5 cover for nighttime acts. food/beer pairings are only available between 1 and 4 pm, get your ticket for that above.

MARBAR Coastal to Re-open Soon as MARBAR Beachside Cantina

  MARBAR Beachside Cantina to open soon. Location is 314 E. Howard Ave. Decatur, GA

 From: https://www.facebook.com/marcoastal/page_map
To open soon.
Can’t get away to the beach? Come to MARBAR – we’ll make you feel as if you’re relaxing on the beach. No stuffiness here: put on your shorts and flip-flops, and enjoy a casual menu that offers an array of flavorful dishes – coastal tacos + tostadas, cebiche, gallega octopus, tuna tartar, mussels, calamari, tequila shrimp, chamorro, soups + salads…not to mention daily homemade tortillas.

MARBAR offers an extensive tequila list and coastal specialty drinks such as margaritas, mojitos and micheladas, as well as diverse wine and beer lists. Our weekday lunches are perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal, with daily specials under $10 and easy parking.

Modern yet rustic, MAR offers an airy, casual and relaxed environment with indoor dining and a spacious outdoor patio. Atlantans of all ages can come together, unwind and enjoy a little bit of the coast in the city.
Soccer fan? There’s no better place to watch world soccer with a bucket of beer and a tostada. Be ready to join us for World Cup 2014, starting June 12 direct from Brazil.

Alison Lueker Ritter, Owner and Executive Chef of Sun in my Belly, has joined MARBAR to offer her culinary expertise, management and attention to detail. Lueker brings a new style and flair to the dishes you know and love at MARBAR, and adds her New Mexican touch with new items such as mussels borracho, ancho chile-seared tuna steak, and watermelon-chihuahua salad with black pepper-serrano vinaigrette. Created by international restaurateur, Humberto Bermudez, MARBAR is
an extension of his restaurants in Barcelona and Queretaro, Mexico.

Smoke & Glory - Smoked Pork Showdown at Steinbeck's Ale House May 18

Smoke & Glory - Smoked Pork Showdown

Steinbeck's Ale House

We are hosting a smoked pork competition on Sunday, May 18th at noon in our back lot to benefit The Giving Kitchen. Staplehouse, The Brickstore, Kimball House, Leon's, Pine Street Market, Seed Kitchen & Bar, Southbound, Steinbeck's, Twain's, The Hil, & Farm Burger will be competing. The only rule is that their dish include smoked pork butt, otherwise creativity is smiled upon. Judges are from DBA Barbecue, Slopes and Community Q. Tickets are $27.50 at brownpapertickets.com and will get you tastes of all entries and a beer from our sponsor Bells Brewery. Jim Stacy will be our emcee and we will have three bands playing live: Caroline & The Ramblers, Adom, & Dejablue Grass Band.


info from : http://www.steinbecksbar.com/

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/660384

Decatur Lantern Parade This Friday May 16

The parade will be led by The Black Sheep Marching Ensemble! Lantern Workshops! REGISTER NOW! Everyone needs a lantern for the Decatur Lantern Parade! In this workshop you can choose to decorate a paper globe lantern, make a firefly lantern, or construct an original bamboo form. Your lantern can be as simple or fancy as you like! Working with colored paper and light is delightful creative playtime. Walking in the lantern parade with your friends and neighbors and their lanterns is epic creative playtime! Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
decaturlanternparade.com

Upcoming Events at Big Tex

UPCOMING EVENTS BLUEGRASS BrUNCH Join us for Bluegrass Brunch every Sunday starting at 11am, going until 1pm, with live music from great local bluegrass band  Mother's day - may 11 Along with our normal Bluegrass Brunch, featuring The Rhubarbarians, we will off the following special "Momosas" - RHUBARB MANGO GINGER BELLINI (PROSECCO & PEACH PUREE) RUBY RED GRAFEFUIT & HIBISCUS plus our customary bottomless mimosas BRAVES GAME specials Come to BIG TEX to watch the Braves and have the chance to win tickets for upcoming home games,. $3 Sweetwater 420 and $3 Coors Light any time the Braves are on. ROOTs MUSIC W/MOIRA - Every Tuesday in May  Join Moira Nelligan from 6-8pm GBS-cidp event - saturday May 10 5:30-10:00 P.M. at Big Tex Restaurant,  the Greater Atlanta Walk and Roll for GBS, CIDP, and MMN Planning Committee will host the kick-off event for the Greater Atlanta Walk. Information on these rare medical disorders will be available, and speakers on these disorders will be part of the evening’s festivities. Speakers will include patients and former patients. Donations can be made to help this cause PAINT NITE - WEDNESDAY May 21 Come drink creatively. Have fun and carry home a piece of art. This has been a popular event at Big Tex and you need to get in on it. Click here for more info and don't forget to use coupon code "bigtex20" to get $20 off.
info from Big Tex Cantina

Emory Village's Doc Chey's Noodle House to become Dragon Bowl.

  From: http://www.tonetoatl.com

Doc Chey's Dragon Bowl will open later this summer in place of Doc Chey's Noodle House on North Decatur Road at Emory Village.  Dragon Bowl will sport a menu similar to its predecessor but with new proteins like ribeye steak and pork belly.  Dragon Bowl will offer six sauce options, four base options and four protein options.  The menu will also have a variety of rotating specials as well as a few side and beverage options.    Sides will include Kimchi Dumplings while beverage options will include assorted teas, beers, sake and wine. 

Mellow Mushroom Update : Still Closed Due to Interior Problems.

5-8-14 UPDATE: Next Stop...Decatur called the Pizza joint today and the person that answered said "they were closed today due to interior layout problems." no more no less. So stay tuned for a later update.

Updated: Is Decatur's Mellow Mushroom Closing ?

5-8-14 UPDATE: Next Stop...Decatur called the Pizza joint today and the person that answered said "they were closed today due to interior layout problems." no more no less. So stay tuned for a later update. --

From Mellow Mushroom facebook page 
UPDATE: The below Facebook post has been removed from the site but  the above THANK YOU photo is still posted.
Stay tuned to see whats going on over there.

"We regret that as of today, the Mellow Mushroom Decatur location has closed. We appreciate your support and loyalty over the years and we look forward to serving you at one of our many other locations.

    It is never an easy decision to close a restaurant under any circumstances, particularly after many years in a market. Mellow Mushroom remains enthusiastic about the possibilities for another Mellow in the Decatur area at some later date. We look forward to returning to the market and once again serving our customers in the future. Please visit us at www.mellowmushroom.com for new openings and the latest news from Mellow Mushroom."

    Again, thank you for your many years of support and patronage.

 5-8-14 UPDATE: Next Stop...Decatur called the Pizza joint today and the person that answered said "they were closed today  due to interior layout problems." no more no less. So stay tuned for a later update.

Furniture Painting Classes at KUDZU using Chalk Paints-Sandy Springs & Decatur!

Chalk Paint 101
Learn to Paint Furniture Like a Pro Using Amy Howard Chalk Based Paints!
Join us for Kudzu's series of how-to chalk paint and furniture antiquing classes featuring our beautiful line of Amy Howard paint products. Learn how to give tired old pieces of furniture a new life with Amy's chalk based one-step paints, plus waxes, antiquing dust, gilding and more. A great way to get hands on experience while learning from experienced professionals.
Sat, May 10th, 10:00am-12:00 Beginning Class: Decatur
Kudzu Antiques - Decatur: 2928 E. Ponce de Leon Ave.
Reservation and prepayment required. Please call 404-373-6498.
Wed. May 14th, 10:00am-12:00  Sandy Springs
Kudzu and Company - Sandy Springs: 6450 Roswell Road
Reservation and prepayment required. Please call 404-255-2548.

Ali's Cookies Coming to Emory Village

From: Tomorrows News Today http://www.tonetoatl.com/2014/05/emory-want-cookies.html#more

Ali's Cookies will soon open their third area location, the first inside the Perimeter.  The new Ali's Cookies will open on North Decatur Road at Emory Village.  The cookie shop is taking the place of Tin Drum Asiacafe which closed in January.  Before that, the owners of Tin Drum operated a burger concept in the space known as Wonderful World Burgers Fries.



Emory Village previously had a cookie place, One Hot Cookie & Creamery, but it closed and its space is today home to Bad Dog Taqueria.  If memory serves, One Hot Cookie opened in early 2007 and closed in early 2009.  The shop  allowed customers to customize their cookies with assorted raw dough options and have the cookie made to order.  The shop also offered assorted ice cream as the space had previously been a Cold Stone Creamery. 
read more

Eye on Decatur

The Atlanta Jazz Festival 2014 May 23-25

The Atlanta Jazz Festival 2014 is scheduled for 23rd – 25th May and with an annual attendance of around 150,000 it promises to be one of the best jazz events in Georgia. With a number of outdoor stages showcasing the best performers from around the globe and multiple venues in Atlanta city catering for the evenings entertainment it’s perfect for all the family.

Info from: http://www.festivalarchive.com/event/atlanta-jazz-festival-2014/

Eye on Decatur

The 2014 Decatur Arts Festival Poster Unveiled

 From: decaturartsfestival.com
This year’s Arts Festival poster artwork was created by Lulu Kaufman of Cuthbert, Georgia. Her work, she says, celebrates laughter, love, nature, and life, and embraces the spirit of “girl power.”
After traveling and living all around the globe, Lulu has settled in southwest Georgia. She works in her studio on an antebellum horse farm, painting on recycled roof tin, reclaimed barn wood and old windows. Lulu travels to art shows, galleries and shops across the southeast, she says, “spreading love and sunshine.” She’s also the designer for official Jimmy Buffet tour T-shirts.

Beat the Heat with Derby Days at Leon's

 Things to do this week-end
From the decatur minute
*Beat the Street for Little Feet is Saturday morning and is the annual fundraiser for the Oakhurst Co-operative Preschool

*Leon’s is hosting Derby Days again-A celebration of Southern-ness! Elaborate hats, seersucker suits, and Sunday’s best dress all for the most exhilarating 3 minutes in sports.
Come sip mint juleps and bourbon any way you like at our annual viewing party.  We’ll have TVs indoors and on the patio.  Get the chance to wager a bet (with money raised going to The Giving Kitchen).  Don’t forget to dress the part; we’ll have a fancy hat contest.

* The first Concert on the Square of the month takes place Saturday night from 7-9:30pm on the Square. Bring a picnic and come out to enjoy the sounds of The Mar-Tans, a New Orleans Funk Band
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Photo and info from http://decaturartsalliance.org/blog/join-the-derby-day-celebration-at-leons/
Join your friends at Leon’s Full Service, 131 E. Ponce de Leon Ave. (map) in Decatur, on Saturday, May 3, for a Derby Day celebration featuring a hat contest, mint juleps, horse betting and more, all to benefit the Decatur Arts Alliance. See you then!

Taken 3 Filming in Atlanta this Week

 From:http://www.accessatlanta.com

"Taken 3" is in action in Atlanta this week, and stars Liam Neeson and Forest Whitaker filmed a key scene at Stone Soup Kitchen on Woodward Avenue, just east of downtown, on Tuesday. Crew members spent Monday setting up. Things went mercifully well given the crazy weather Atlanta had earlier in the week.
"We're glad the weather held out," Stone Soup owner Sarah Rick said. "One of the crew members asked, 'What's your tornado plan? I said, 'Tornado plan?' She said, 'I'm going to need one.' I said, 'Well, we'll make one!'"
Rick's husband, John Rick, is a contractor who is working on a home with a sturdy basement close to the restaurant. Tornado plan solved.
"I was really impressed with all the people" who worked on the project, Sarah Rick said. "Hard-working people. It was amazingly organized for having 70-some people descend on this small little place. I don't really know how they picked the location but they started talking to us a couple of months ago."
 "Taken 3" star Liam Neeson on the set this week.
Photo from accessatlanta.com

The Plaza Theatre Rated No. 5 in Best Theatres in World

From: http://www.mensjournal.com

Like many of the country's earliest movie palaces, the Plaza Theatre has gone through a series of incarnations in the 75 years since it opened, from an Art Deco gem in the 1930s to a 1970s porn palace to a restored repertory theater in the 1990s. In 2012, The Plaza – Atlanta's oldest continuously operating cinema – was purchased by a new owner, who has since reverted its programming back to a nice mix of new indie films, contemporary classics, and regular midnight screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Why It Stands Out: In 2012, Michael Furlinger – who previously revamped Charleston's Terrace Theatre – purchased the Plaza Theatre and has been dutifully working to upgrade the facilities (Including giving it plush chairs, gourmet concessions, and digital projection) while keeping popular community events intact.

Read more: http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/the-top-20-movie-theaters-in-the-world-20140415/the-plaza-theatre-atlanta-ga#ixzz30U7PL0d0

Lookout Suburban Plaza Here Comes Wal-Mart

From:http://neighbornewspapers.com


For more than two and a half years, Good Growth DeKalb has been the voice of residents concerned about the proposed redevelopment of Suburban Plaza, especially the decision to include a 149,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter at the intersection of Scott Boulevard, Medlock and North Decatur roads.

The organization’s concerns have been neighbors’ concerns — traffic, safety, emergency vehicles, the environment, good jobs for the community, small business viability and more.

“Faced with increasingly limited legal options, we accepted an invitation to meet with [the developer] Selig Enterprises, owner of Suburban Plaza, on April 17. This was a difficult decision and a difficult process and, while we continue to believe a Wal-Mart is wholly unsuited to this location, our legal battle is now over,” according to a news release.

In exchange for agreeing not to pursue further legal action against DeKalb County over the granting of the Wal-Mart building permit, the organization was able to obtain some relief for the individual plaintiffs whose homes are adjacent to the plaza. The organization also negotiated gains for the community, including a commitment from the developer to contribute a significant amount of money for a sidewalk along Medlock Road between North Decatur Road and Church Street. In addition, the developer will arrange a meeting between the organization and Wal-Mart to discuss issues of importance to the community.

Moreover, as a result of the legal fight, the county has confirmed that it has never staffed or operated the Technical Board Appeals that the county code of ordinances establishes as the review panel for many issues, including building permits.

“It is our hope that this admission will lead to better and more efficient governance and management of our county in the future in accordance with our laws,” according to a news release. “We are especially grateful for the support of our community, who stood with us during this long fight – and for our many donors, large and small, who enabled us to work to make our county and our neighborhoods a better place to live, work and play. We are very proud that, together, we’ve built an organization that is a recognized presence in DeKalb County, a force to be reckoned with, and that we are part of a movement spreading all over the country to encourage smart development, improve our communities and say no to unwanted development.”

The organization is working with other community organizations to ensure the new county zoning code reflects the best in zoning practices as well as community interests. It is gratified to have helped defer a vote on the new code over concerns that it still fails to address the ability of aggrieved parties to appeal unwanted development. The organization said it will continue to work with county officials and other neighborhood groups to resolve this issue before the zoning code next comes up for vote at the board of commissioners meeting May 27.

Information: www.goodgrowthdekalb.org

The Place on Ponce Coming to 315 W Ponce De Leon Ave.

From : http://www.theplaceonponce.com/
--
The Place on Ponce is only two blocks from a multitude of retail and restaurants on the Decatur Square, not to mention concert venues, art galleries and the Decatur MARTA Station, which provides a carless commute to the rest of the city.

--


h/t Decatur Metro

Introduction party for Le Creuset Stainless at Cook's Wearhouse

Only at The Cook’s Warehouse can you now find the new Le Creuset Stainless line and we’d love for you to join us at our introduction events.
We’ll be serving wine and hors d'oeuvres and this would be an opportunity for you to interview a local chef and our store management for cuisine- and cookware-related stories. As well, Le Creuset representatives will be on hand, for background and comment on cookware.
Please come to the store or date that’s most convenient for you:
· Brookhaven, Thursday, May 1, 5-8 p.m., Chef Christophe Le Matayer of Christophe’s To Go
· East Cobb/Merchant’s Walk, Friday, May 2, 5-8 p.m., Chef Doug Turbush of Seed
· Midtown/Ansley Mall, Saturday, May 3, 12-2 p.m., Chef Julia LeRoy
· Decatur, Saturday, May 3, 3-5 p.m., Chef Adeline Borra
In the Brookhaven store will be Chef Le Matayer, formerly of The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead, who runs a successful take-away gourmet shop; at East Cobb, Chef Turbush owns the highly rated and well-known Seed restaurant; at Ansley, Chef LeRoy has worked in two five-star Atlanta restaurants and teaches as well as is a private chef; and in Decatur, Chef Borra teaches and caters from her ma cuisine by adeline business. They’ll all be preparing delicious treats using the new Stainless line.

Underwater Art Work at Decatur's FELLINI'S PIZZA

Very cool art work, looks like something you would see at a swimming pool.

FELLINI'S PIZZA
333 Commerce Dr

Decatur, GA

404  370-0551

See menu here

 

h/t Decatur Metro

Atlanta Motorama at the Atlanta Motor Speedway Continues thru Sunday

Downtown Decatur circa 1927

Drive-Invasion Moves to Turner Field with new Date Saturday Sept. 6th, 2014

From:  https://www.facebook.com/driveinvasion
Dear Drive-Invaders,

The Starlight Six Drive-in Theatre and its wonderful events like Mondo Movie Night, Drive-Invasion and Rock N Roll Monster Bash have always held a special place in my imitation butter soaked heart. Like you, I’ve shared many laughs, made new friends and built lasting memories on that old blacktop. It’s sacred ground that has defined us for a large portion of our lives.

With the studio controlled conversion to digital projection, staging events at The Starlight is now impossible. It stings, but I wish them the best and I’ll continue to buy a ticket to see their movies under the stars. The Starlight Drive-In will always be a magical place and we hope you will continue to support them.

Dusty Booze, Lisa, Amy and I were sickened by the idea of no Drive-Invasion. The thought of Scott Rogers, Suellen Germani and Teri Oldknow’s dream fading into a distant memory like celluloid film… it was depressing.

So we decided to get off our ass and keep the damn party alive! There had to be a way to honor the unselfish labors of past organizers, wildly talented bands and B-movie legends that sweated inside that great landmark.

What could possibly replace the nostalgia of a working Drive-in built in 1949?

How about a view of the Atlanta skyline on the very spot where Hank Aaron beat Babe Ruth’s home run record on April 8th, 1974! Yes, the Green lot at Turner Field. Six times bigger than the Starlight Six and we’re putting the main stage right underneath the monument where Hammerin’ Hank hit that ball 40 years ago! That’s right, we have teamed up with the Atlanta Braves!

So what will change? Other than no camping … not much. Due to a Braves home stand, we have to change the date to the Saturday (September 6th) after Labor Day weekend, but there is no Dragon-Con to compete against and The Great Atlanta Beer Festival is happening inside Turner Field on the same day. There are some really cool additions this year. We’ve enlisted celebrity chef and former Starlight Six manager, Jim Stacy, to hand-pick a food truck midway that is sure to get your lips smacking and belly rumbling. We’re also adding an artist market to the vending area and a kid’s play zone sure to wear out the little ones. There will be all kinds of shenanigans, horseplay, hijinks and tomfoolery announced in the near future.

We’ve gotten an early start so check the website! We’re being respectful of all musical genres. In no way do we wish to alienate anyone who has been involved with past Drive-Invasions. This has all been hush-hush because there were many hurdles we had to jump to get here. If you’re interested in contributing, we’re interested in speaking with you. This is all about Drive-Invaders, community, bands, b-movies and the legend of Scott “Rip Thrillby” Rogers.

Please be sure to like The World Famous Drive-invasion Facebook page at www.facebook.com/driveinvasion and click the dropdown menu for “get notifications”. And PLEASE repost, repost and repost.
Be sure to visit:  http://www.drive-invasion.com/

What's up City of Atlanta, is The Varsity Jr. coming back to Lindbergh Drive or what ?

 Ok, City of Atlanta, What are if any plans to get The Varsity Jr back on Lindbergh Dr. ? It's been almost 4 years since they closed.

Care to make any comments.

The following story is from 2010

From:  http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/print-edition/2010/10/22/Varsity.html?page=all

Lisa R. Schoolcraft

The Varsity Jr. off Lindbergh Drive may be closed, but the project to demolish, rebuild and reopen it may not be dead.
The 45-year-old restaurant, at 1085 Lindbergh Drive, closed in August after Varsity owners and city of Atlanta planning officials could not agree on the new design, including ingress and egress issues.
But since then, both sides have met to discuss the issues.
“The city has reached out to us to try to come to a resolution on the issues that we ran into,” said Gordon Muir, president of The Varsity Inc., which also owns Varsity restaurant locations downtown, and in Alpharetta, Athens, Norcross and Kennesaw.
Even Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed “came down and met with us at The Varsity and wanted to do everything he could to help us,” said Muir, grandson of Varsity founder Frank Gordy.
The problem, Muir said, is his company has already begun construction on a new 4,550-square-foot restaurant in Dawsonville.
“We’re a small family business and we don’t do a lot of projects at one time,” he said. “So it is very much up in the air if we will circle back around to do that Lindbergh project. But it is not completely off the table.”