Bits & Bites

Ponko Chicken softly opened this past Monday, well delayed from their original plans, but ahead of their previously announced November 1 opening. In fact, Ponko is only partially open, as they have not started the build-out on a significant portion of their overall space.  For now, the restaurant is open with limited indoor seating and a sprinkling of outdoor tables.  They definitely have some kinks to work out, but business has been brisk and they have made themselves a destination.  The new Ponko is located just off I-85 on Chamblee Tucker Road.  
The second half of Ponko Chicken is expected to open sometime next year 

A New Speedway is planned for 3205 Stone Mountain Highway in Snellville.  The new gas station and conveneince store would join the upcoming location in nearby Lilburn that ToNeTo Atlanta reported on last week.  In addition o the Lilburn and Snellville locations, Speedway has locations in Alpharetta, Norcross and Lawrenceville and another proposed in Kennesaw.  

Norcross-based Alternative Apparel confirmed earlier this week that the company has been purchased by Winston-Salem based HanesBrands for $60 million.  Started in Atlanta in 1995, Alternative Apparel has grown into an omnichannel business with three retail stores (Venice, California, SoHo, New York and San Francisco), online, wholesale accounts and direct-to-consumer sales.  Described as offering "better basics," Alternative specializes in T-shirts, fleece and other tops and bottoms.  Alternative founder Greg Alterman, who now lives with his family in Malibu, California, also started a juice company in California, "juice served here." Earlier this year, Alterman launched  "m/f people, inc.", a complete lifestyle apparel and skincare brand based on the simple principles of minimalism.  The company offers cosmetics and clothing, both designed to be unisex.  Alterman's brother Scott, a co-founder of Alternative, left the company many years ago and launched Icebox Cool Stuff, a promotional apparel and products company that is today based near Krog Street Market.  

Barry's Boot Camp will open next Saturday October 28 in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.  The new fitness facility opens in previously vacant space at the corner of North Fulton Drive and East Paces Ferry Road.  Barry's joins F45 Training and Flywheel in the suddenly fitness-heavy development.  

Soulja Boy has opened House of Fresh at 1770 Howell Mill Road on the Westside.  The shop is in a stand alone building, not far from where the Trap House was earlier this year.  House of Fresh is described as  a "streetwear boutique with a selection of top fashion brand-names & sneakers for men, women & kids." 

Taste of Atlanta is this weekend and you can save $5 off general admission with discount code TASTE.  

A new RaceTrac is planned for the corner of Beaver Ruin and Shackleford Roads in Gwinnett County.  The new gas station and convenience store would be built on an approximately two acre parcel of currently vacant land at 1800 Beaver Ruin Road.  The convenience store portion of the business would be about 5,400 square feet.  

Battle & Brew announced yesterday via their Facebook page that they will close after service on Sunday November 5.  The game bar and restaurant originally opened in Marietta in 2005, but relocated to its current home at at Parkside Shops at 5920 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs in 2015.  The nearly 10,000 square foot space is located in the rear of the center to the right of anchor Tuesday Morning.  “It is with a heavy heart that we bring you this information,” the statement reads. “We want to thank you for for all the years of support that you have given us, it has not gone unnoticed. Without you, there would have been no us.”  No reason for the closure was provided, but the owners are reportedly willing to sell the business should an interested buyer come forward.   


A new freestanding Panda Express is planned for 205 Athens Highway in Loganville.  The restaurant would be built not far from the T.J. Maxx, Lowe's and Dick's-anchored North Logan Commons shopping center. 

Bytes, Midtown's first "iPad-driven restaurant" is now open at 848 Spring Street neat Tech Square.   The "digitally-infused, modern industrial restaurant and bar" serves lunch, and dinner and features an eclectic menu and "organically engineered cocktail selection."  Christian Ruffin and his wife Nacasha are the owners of Byes and also own do at The View, a similar concept that recently closed their location on West Marietta Street with plans to reopen next year off Northside Drive close to Mercedes-Benz Stadium.  

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