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Mayfaire Loses Two Locally Owned Restaurants PDF Print E-mail
Written by Lisa Layman   
artisanoutside
Q & A
Q: Do you have any information on why Artisan market closed?  I went for lunch on Sunday and they were turning people away. It is truly sad -- I thought Artisan was just amazing (I am mourning the loss of the grilled veggie panini).  What chains are going in?  I so hate chains....Member: Aimee E.

A: Aimee: I have spoken to both the owners of WOW Wingery and Artisan Market and have said it many times; restaurants go out for a variety of reasons. Although Artisan had a tremendous amount of support, sometimes it is just not enough. With the rising cost of "doing business", locally owned restaurants are at more risk now than ever. Food costs are a major issue for the independently owned restaurants. They are having to hold their own against corporate competitors who are not effected as hard by the rising costs of products and are put at an unfair disadvantage when corporate chains can lower their menu costs and become more competitive in our ever growing restaurant wars. 
Whether or not you are aware, with the introduction of the Fresh Market in Mayfaire, over night, Artisan lost its Artisanal Market and pulled all of their cheese, wine and gourmet prepared foods. They were unaware of any prior plans that the center had to put Fresh Market at their front door and were hit very hard by that introduction. Not only did Fresh Market obstruct their view from Military Cutoff, it placed an unfair competitive advantage, which impeded their business. There are additional reasons for the closing but, again, the situation with our economy and slow down in dining habits coupled with the increasing food costs and unfair corporate competition is having its effect on all of our local restaurants. A very similar situation is now looming with the addition of the Panera, Brixx and Melting Pot, all of which are under construction at this time. Atlanta Bread Company, City Tavern and Rudino's are locally owned. They will soon feel the pressure as these new locations are coming in to Mayfaire.
WOW is an all to familiar story with many of the same elements plus a lack of foot traffic. Just as Artisan suffered from the "ins and outs" of several major department stores inhabiting the Hects/Macys/Belks space, the empty lot across the street that is currently under development for the new Brixx and Melting Pot,  led to an awkward space that lacked foot traffic. Anyone who thinks that the restaurant industry is easy  - is gravely mistaken. If it is not easy for the chains, just imagine the pressure on the independents. Before we see more closings we all need to do our part in supporting the local owners. This website has been dedicated to doing just that. All of the menus that we post are from locally owned restaurants, not chains - we are very proud of that! If it's a question of ownership, call ahead and find out. There are corporate owned restaurants, locally owned franchises and independent restaurant owners.  Make it your mission to know where your money goes, it may make the difference in your favorite restaurants surviving during this economic "down slide".

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