As GBK Gwyneth pointed out in a comment yesterday, the Chocolate Bar space on West Ponce, next to Ted’s Montana Grill, has a For Lease sign up in its window.  It’s currently unclear whether the business has closed or moved, but it looks like they’ve moved out of the Artisan building.

 

Omnivore Atlanta is reporting that celebrated Atlanta pastry chef Aaron Russell has left The Chocolate Bar.  How celebrated?  Russell was up for a James Beard award last year.

In the post, Russell explains why he left and in the process has a few not-so-nice words about the new management that took over after Karen Britain left earlier this year.

Carl writes in with a smörgåsbord of Decatur restaurant “For Sale” ads. But for most of these, there’s no name included so we’re forced to guess based on the description. Note that just because they are “For Sale” doesn’t necessarily mean any of these places are going anywhere…just that they might get new ownership.

The one certainty (because the name is stated) is The Chocolate Bar. Here’s the ad.

Then its onto the speculation…

Carl thinks this one is Badda Bing, and that this one might be Little Azio.

Then there is this description that he believes is Birdi’s…

“Landlord will give long term lease with favorable terms. This is a well established and very popular watering hole. Super space with hi ceilings, big bar and fully equipped kitchen. This location is located in the heart of the county seat and shares the square with tons of restaurants, bars and retail stores and galleries. Any full service upscale or casual restaurant works great here or could be kept as a bar and club or a live music venue. Priced at $250,000 OBO with Owner financing. Incredible location directly on the Decatur Square in full view of all of Downtown Decatur and Court House.”

And this one he guesses could be Carpe Diem…

“Current sales of this full service progressive cuisine restaurant are underperforming at around $62,000 per month with an Owner that does no advertising, marketing and or promoting of restaurant. Restaurant currently breaks even but could do incredible with a little bit of effort. Full staff in place including Executive and Sous Chef makes that makes for a very easy transition. Great “hands-on” Landlord will give long term lease to qualified Tenant at a negotiated Lease below market rate. Seller will also provide full training and support to new Owner at no cost.

This Decatur spot is well established and is really stunning. Fully built out at a cost of over $400,000.00. 5200/sf which includes as part of square footage a 50 seat private dining room. Restaurant seats 176 plus 14 seat bar, 8-seat lounge and 40 seat patio.”

I think its funny that so many of these ads stress that there has been “no advertising” done. It would be much more amusing if it said something like “We advertised the heck outta this place and still no one showed up! Highest bidder?”

Decatur’s The Chocolate Bar opened to critical acclaim last year racking up a three star review from Access Atlanta, a glowing summation by Atlanta Magazine, and a best first date spot nod from Creative Loafing. Today The Chocolate Bar can also add winning the “Taste” award in Daily Candy’s 2007 Sweet Things contest to their figurative plague wall.

Karen Britain beat out Lindsey Walsworth of La Dolce Lulu and Michael Kuniansky and Craig Weiner of Liquidchefs to take the top prize.

Here’s the blurb…

h/t: The Misses