By Rodney

April 22, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this

I gotta say - I saw this one coming. Speaking as someone who eats out a lot (though not nearly as much as Meridith I’ll bet) I never had much of a desire to visit Emeril’s.

It just seemed too touristy and trendy when it opened. I remember hearing people talk about driving for an hour or more (from waay OTP) to eat at Emeril’s, yet they’d never ever heard of, or would make the trek for, any of our truly great restos.

I say bye bye Emeril’s - I’ll not miss what I never had. And I’m excited about Catherall’s asian joint!

Chef Tom C. (grrrrowl, baby), et al, really have nothing to worry about. Emeril’s main draw was a decidedly non-foodie crowd whereas Craft and Catherall’s new asian and the others (Blais’ Flip??) seem to draw a completely different crowd.

By Logical Dude

April 22, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

For a similar price, you can get excellent fair at better restaurants. Such as: Woodfire Grill , Atlanta Fish Market,
Bones,
Buca di Beppo,
Taurus, Table 1280, or even your local Wings bar.

By Jay

April 22, 2008 3:59 PM | Link to this

Trendy Overpriced Overspiced/underspiced

By Little Bits

April 22, 2008 4:03 PM | Link to this

BAM!!! All the food tasted the same!

By thepoorman

April 22, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Emeril just can’t seem to connect with Atlantan’s that pay $100+ per plate while complaining about the economy..

By Mongrel

April 22, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Emeril’s = old news, faded, and dated. His 15 minutes is up and so is his schtick. The restaurant reminded me more of Olive Garden (uck!!!)with nicer decor.

By Mongrel

April 22, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this

Emeril’s = old news, faded, and dated. His 15 minutes is up and so is his schtick. The restaurant reminded me more of Olive Garden (uck!!!)with nicer decor.

By Me

April 22, 2008 4:09 PM | Link to this

Emeril who?

By Carpetbagger

April 22, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Because the ATL is the biggest SHEEPLE TOWN in the USA! “All about me Atlanta” glorifies mediocrity one second, listens and heeds to ONE complaint-review, then moves on like Sherman did in the last big one. This town is a joke!

By The Real Truth

April 22, 2008 4:10 PM | Link to this

Price didn’t match portion! Boooooo!

By RK

April 22, 2008 4:14 PM | Link to this

I was in last February when I saw a, ahem, bigger-than-life Emeril walk out of the elevator shaft to his restaurants at the Venetian, on a Monday afternoon. So, he’s still cooking and watching over his restaurants, but the writing was on the wall for Atlanta. I’ve lived here for 4 years, and it had never been on my radar for ones to try.

By wmatlanta

April 22, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

Location, Location, Location. Buckhead Loop has gridlock all of the time

By LeftWingLoon

April 22, 2008 4:17 PM | Link to this

He’s far too gay.

By WhyCook?

April 22, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

There were several reasons I only went there twice: Tourists and underdressed locals, Way crowded tables and too much noise, Value. If I am going to go out for a nice meal, I want to be around people who don’t look like they’ve been at Six Flags all day, in an atmosphere that is pleasing and lends itself to and enjoyable dining experience. Emeril’s doesn’t measure up, and the food couldn’t make up for its faults.

By Smart and Sassy

April 22, 2008 4:19 PM | Link to this

The restuarant had no soul. It was too big and too corporate and the food was spotty. I am not surprised at all that they are closing. Consistency is important in food and service in order for a restaurant to be successful and they just didn’t have it. Let me repeat…no soul.

By Trotter

April 22, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

I actually liked it but after eating there about 5 times I noticed that the place was always empty..I wasn’t thrilled about walking up a flight of stairs to use the bathroom but the place was beautiful…I’m guessing the location…look at FAB…its lunch crowd has taken a NOSE DIVE since it moved…

Oh, so what does anyone hear of Blais becoming the new head chef at Posh..well, they are changing the name I hear to HOME…but Blais will be the new chef? I’m not sure about Tom C. Most of his restaurants seem oddly similiar…Prime, Strip and the others.

By Corey

April 22, 2008 4:28 PM | Link to this

Hey Logical Dude, don’t ever put Atlanta Fish Market and Bones in the same sentence

By Gary

April 22, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

Called one day to get a reservation and was told it would be weeks for a Friday or Saturday…. Really? OK you are off the list. To many other great places to eat to put up with that. PS: to CarpetBagger, if you hate Atlanta go home. I promise you will not be missed.

By JM

April 22, 2008 4:31 PM | Link to this

Like Rodney, I too eat out a lot (partial because I spend half the year on business travel), but have only eaten at E’s twice. The food was not very good, actually the second time the food was bad.

There are far too many good restaurants in the city for subpar ones to survive. One of my favorites, BluePointe is right up the street. In fact, Twist is ten times better than Emeril’s and its in a freakin’ mall.

Anyway, glad to see some of the national top chef’s coming to the ATL. I put Atlanta in the top 5 foody cities in the nation.

By AtlantaDawg

April 22, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Absolutely the worst service and dumbest staff of ANY restaurant EVER.

By B2LG

April 22, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Emeril’s I’m glad they are out. The services was bad and the food was just as bad. The prices were over the top. Chops or any other ATL restaurant was much better for the money and portion of food. The decor was a little better than both the food and service. Bye Bye Emeril!

By JM

April 22, 2008 4:32 PM | Link to this

Like Rodney, I too eat out a lot (partial because I spend half the year on business travel), but have only eaten at E’s twice. The food was not very good, actually the second time the food was bad.

There are far too many good restaurants in the city for subpar ones to survive. One of my favorites, BluePointe is right up the street. In fact, Twist is ten times better than Emeril’s and its in a freakin’ mall.

Anyway, glad to see some of the national top chef’s coming to the ATL. I put Atlanta in the top 5 foody cities in the nation.

By diner

April 22, 2008 4:39 PM | Link to this

Hey Carpetbagger,

Did you actually ever eat at the restaurant? Agreeing with Logical Dude, there are other choices with better tastes. Any of the Buckhead Life restaurants are better and the service is always good. The restaurant didn’t survive because it was a mediocre restaurant. It’s amazing how many others in the same price range around it have stayed and are staying in business.

By Steve

April 22, 2008 4:40 PM | Link to this

Hey Carpetbagger! Deltas ready when you are.

By azcat225

April 22, 2008 4:41 PM | Link to this

Meredith, you summed it up succinctly—-“It was trendy at first, then wavered after everyone figured out that the food was overpriced and sub par.” It took one visit for my wife and I to reach that same conclusion; we never returned.

And the other chefs should feel no sense of foreboding whatsoever.

By Buckhead Hater

April 22, 2008 4:42 PM | Link to this

Why would anyone go ITP, particularly crime-ridden Buckhead, when there are better restaurants in safer areas in the suburbs? Examples include Grayson House, Canoe (Vinings ITP but still the ‘burbs), Kurt’s (Duluth), many places in Dunwoody, Sycamore Grill (Stone Mountain), Ray’s on the River, etc.

By haha

April 22, 2008 4:43 PM | Link to this

mmmmmm…..maybe because pple refuse to pay $20 bucks for a Burger with a toothpick in it and a piece of lettuce on the side?

By Ross

April 22, 2008 4:45 PM | Link to this

A very little bit of Emeril goes a long way, a very very long way.Bye. Ross Tampa

By HDD3

April 22, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

Had the Filet at Emeril’s which was good. However, the service was really bad. My wife sent an e-mail complaining about the poor service and never received a response. Needless to say, we did not go back.

By TWFain

April 22, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Food was pretty, but that’s about it.

By Buckhead Hater

April 22, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

BTW, while we’re on the subject of Buckhead and the failure of Emeril’s (which should have closed 3.9 years ago), why would anyone with an appreciation of fine dining eat at a “Buckhead Life” restaurant? Yuck! With the exception of perhaps Chops which serves straightforward fare like steak and lobster (read: hard to screw up), places like Buckhead Diner, the Fish Market, Kyma and Bluepointe are among the worst restaurants I’ve ever visited. Got food poisoning at the Diner, couldn’t hear my fellow diners at the Fish Market (during a business meeting), got overcooked Chilean Sea Bass (really Patagonian toothfish, I’m sure) at Kyma and had to endure snotty service at BluePointe. Get a better “life” people! Move OTP and become cultured.

By West Cobb Dad

April 22, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Emeril had a restaurant here?

By DJ

April 22, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

DUH. “How could a restaurant with the kind of big-money, corporate backing and star-chef recognition…”

um… maybe we are all sick of corporate crap? i don’t want to eat a meal that has been focus-group tested, and i sure as hell don’t want to pay for a corporate legal department, an army of marketing flacks, and a ‘superstar’ pitchman as a part of the cost of a meal.

SUPPORT LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED RESTAURANTS AND TELL THE CORPORATE CHAINS - NO MATTER HOW ‘UPSCALE’ - TO GO TAKE A FLYING LEAP INTO “LAKE BANKRUPT”.

Atlanta has too many good locally owned, locally conceived, locally flavored restaurants to EVER bother eating at Emeril’s, Ruth’s Chris, Rosa Mexicana, etc.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES. KEEP THE MONEY IN THE COMMUNITY. BOYCOTT ALL CHAIN RESTAURANTS.

By Hungry

April 22, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Emiril’s is medium value in NOLA, and worse in ATL. No surprise to us, and his cable show really is bad!!!

By Curlyq

April 22, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Location, Location, Location - Everytime I went there (twice) it was hard to figure out how to get into the place!

By Curlyq

April 22, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Location, Location, Location - Everytime I went there (twice) it was hard to figure out how to get into the place!

By Curlyq

April 22, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

Location, Location, Location - Everytime I went there (twice) it was hard to figure out how to get into the place!

By DressComfortably

April 22, 2008 4:57 PM | Link to this

OK here’s to WhyCook?

What the heck does it matter how you’re dressed when you go out to dinner as long as everything is decent? There is nothing wrong with jeans and a shirt.

There is only one way to describe you and I’m happy that you go other places because the worst thing in this world is a SNOB!!!!!!!!!!!

By hdd3

April 22, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

By Buckhead Hater,

All the places you mentioned are better that Emeril’s but none are in the top 50 ATL restaurants . As a matter of fact Ray’s on the River is mediocre at best. Kurt’s is the best on your list but cannot compare to Rathbun’s, Shaun’s or Joel’s (and many more) which are all in the city. You can hate Buckhead all you want but on average restaurants ITP are better. Check any review guide.

By Native

April 22, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this

Beautiful restaurant but I have to agree with everyone else here, the food did not equate with the price or the service, and Emeril was a ghost when it came to the dining room.

By diner

April 22, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

I will say that there are good restaurants ITP and OTP contrary to what Buckhead Hater thinks. It’s all in what you are looking for.

And as for WhyCook? Some of the best steak and seafood restaurants I have eaten at are where you can walk in in a t-shirt and shorts and no one cares. I enjoy formal dining but the dress has nothing to do with the quality of the food or people around you.

By jc_atl

April 22, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

There are so many local dining establishments that put Emeril’s to shame and for less money. The only type of people interested in going to Emeril’s are the same people who think the Cheesecake Factory is a good place to eat. All hype but no substance. I don’t doubt that Emeril is a good chef, but unless he’s in the kitchen it’s just his name being used and over-used in that sad venture.

By WF

April 22, 2008 5:08 PM | Link to this

Didn’t even know the place had opened up already.

By Fred

April 22, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

one thing people don’t like when they pay high prices at restaurants is BAD FOOD. The place was just average.

By Fred

April 22, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

one thing people don’t like when they pay high prices at restaurants is BAD FOOD. The place was just average.

By Eileen

April 22, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

I had one meal there that was very bad and very overpriced.

By Krystal

April 22, 2008 5:15 PM | Link to this

If you’re gonna make it in the ATL you have to suck up to the gay crowd. Lesson learned for the little “E”.

By EatMe

April 22, 2008 5:26 PM | Link to this

Bad location and overpriced food, mixed in with a town full of guppies that follow each trend until the next = a fall in business after the hype blows over. Real people prefer good food over decor and name brand. A crystal chandelier hanging over my head will not make a meal taste better besides, I’d go for good a mom & pop joint anyday!!

By Steve

April 22, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

. Too Expensive …

Poor Service …

.

By ed

April 22, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

There was an Emeril’s in Atlanta?

By Alpha Omega

April 22, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

They didn’t have the Never Ending Pasta Bowl or bacon wrapped steaks from a buffet!

By chris

April 22, 2008 5:36 PM | Link to this

hey buckhead “hater”, you dont know what the hell your talking about! Crime-ridden….move to the burbs…get over yourself. Read the paper once and while, Forbes named Buckhead the most influencial community in the nation. It has restaurants, nightlife, bars, shopping, and culture. I would know, i live there. read it and weep

By Charles

April 22, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

I’ll have to agree with everyone here. The one experience I had at Emeril’s (with an out-of-town friend who loves the guy’s show) was a major disappointment. We all had different dishes (his wife’s entree was brought 10 minutes after ours and we didn’t want to start without her) with the same results - poorly prepared and cooked. It wasn’t worth the trip, experience or bill.

We’re staying OTP where valet parking isn’t required (we can all use the walking), the food will be consistent and my wallet will not be offended by the prices.

By RTL

April 22, 2008 5:38 PM | Link to this

I ate there once. The food was bad, the service was bad (except the bar service) and nobody seemed to care that I was unhappy and yes I ended up paying for it. Expensive food is fine if it matches the price in taste and service. Emeril’s did neither. I have sent two e-mails to his corp. offices and have yet to hear a word from them. That’s not going to cu it.

By Steven

April 22, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Gang, I grew up eating at some really fantastic restuarants along my native Alabama and MS Gulf Coasts, and I grew up weekending in NOLA and then living there full time for a few years before moving here. A really sharp chef from Church Point, Louisiana once told me that if you’re restaurant is/ gets so big that the the head chef is no longer able to “touch every plate at the pass,” your quality will begin going down exponentially after that. he was right then, and he’s right now. And that comment was made about ONE SHOP! Think about haow bad it can get when you start opening multiple shops.

By Steven

April 22, 2008 5:41 PM | Link to this

Gang, I grew up eating at some really fantastic restuarants along my native Alabama and MS Gulf Coasts, and I grew up weekending in NOLA and then living there full time for a few years before moving here. A really sharp chef from Church Point, Louisiana once told me that if you’re restaurant is/ gets so big that the the head chef is no longer able to “touch every plate at the pass,” your quality will begin going down exponentially after that. he was right then, and he’s right now. And that comment was made about ONE SHOP! Think about haow bad it can get when you start opening multiple shops.

By WhiteHot

April 22, 2008 5:46 PM | Link to this

That is what I’m talking about>>>

SUPPORT LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED RESTAURANTS AND TELL THE CORPORATE CHAINS - NO MATTER HOW ‘UPSCALE’ - TO GO TAKE A FLYING LEAP INTO “LAKE BANKRUPT”.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES. KEEP THE MONEY IN THE COMMUNITY.

By rip & read

April 22, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this

Adios, Emeril. You will not be missed. Even in superficial, utra-trendy Atlanta you couldn’t draw a large enough crowd to support your ego driven ulterior. Most celebrity chef restaurants are blatant ripoffs. Superficial, shallow people flock to these places “to be seen”. The food inevitably sucks. the service inevitably sucks and the bill sucks the air out of the room. Face it, if not for the “trendies” celebrity restaurants would not exist. With the economy in the tank look for any restaurant relying on a celebrity chef’s reputation that is not serving good food at a value to bite the “magic dust”.

By Thrash

April 22, 2008 5:57 PM | Link to this

Bad location maybe? Where the hell was it again???

By MikeB

April 22, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

What does it matter to anyone but the investors why it failed. The rewasons why are none of our business, uless we worked there or were invested in the establishment.

They know why they are closing, and that should be enough.

Another useless blog……

By MikeB

April 22, 2008 5:58 PM | Link to this

What does it matter to anyone but the investors why it failed. The reasons why are none of our business, uless we worked there or were invested in the establishment.

They know why they are closing, and that should be enough.

Another useless blog……

By Emeril

April 22, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

Unless its BBQ or on a buffet, Atlanta doesn’t deserve such cuisine !

By JJack

April 22, 2008 6:10 PM | Link to this

Simple to understand. The staff was pretentious without cause, the food was not good, and their star owner never showed, not that it probably made a difference.

Ate there once, someone else paid - thank god. For what it cost, I would have loved to eaten at about 50 other places before even mentioning Emerils, much less even thinking about eating there. I told lots of people what a lousy place it was. Those that had been agreed with me.

No loss for Atlanta.

By JN

April 22, 2008 6:13 PM | Link to this

I didn’t even know he had a restaurant in Atlanta.

By The Rock

April 22, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

I miss Rocky’s Brick Oven Pizza !!!

That was honest-to-goodness FOOD !

By Alice

April 22, 2008 6:22 PM | Link to this

When Emeril refused to appear on Q100’s “The Bert Show” because their listeners were not Emeril’s “target demographic” I wrote them off forever.

I’m glad the place failed.

Here’s my friend’s review of Emeril’s: “Instead of going to Emerils, just stay home and set $200 on fire. You will get the same experience and save gas.”

By objectively speaking

April 22, 2008 6:27 PM | Link to this

it had a crappy location on a congested intersection

By N O native

April 22, 2008 6:35 PM | Link to this

He’s not from New Orleans. You don’t just waltz in and become a great Creole chef. He was a gimmick at Commander’s Palace to begin with, a successful gimmick, but still…

Atlantans must have better taste than they’re given credit for.

By food lover

April 22, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

This is actually a great word of warning for all the new chefs coming into Atlanta for new restaurants. Atlantans know good food and have some wonderful choices.The name will not be enough to support the restaurant if the fare is only fair. Bring us good food, and you will get our support. That is something that Emeril’s never achieved.

By food lover

April 22, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

This is actually a great word of warning for all the new chefs coming into Atlanta for new restaurants. Atlantans know good food and have some wonderful choices.The name will not be enough to support the restaurant if the fare is only fair. Bring us good food, and you will get our support. That is something that Emeril’s never achieved.

By FBT

April 22, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

GO RATHBUN”S…..honestly the best in Atlanta. It is nice to go to a restaurant where the chef/owner comes out to ask you how your meal is. Anytime someone comes to town that is the first place I tell them to go.

By teri

April 22, 2008 6:42 PM | Link to this

Oh Chris, what a snob. Just because you live in Buckhead does not make you all that.

By ATLDawgy

April 22, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

I went to Emeril’s on the Saturday of the grand opening with Emeril himself in the kitchen. I had the bone-in ribeye which was great, the crab cakes which were great, and the BBQ shrimp which were great. However, they were not great enough for the price. The suits (corporate folks) were there also and were major A-holes to the wait staff. My wife actually had to tell one of the execs to back off our waitress after she failed to refill our wine glasses in an acceptable period of time to him. We told him she was doing fine and under enough stress from having corporate types breathing down her neck. Anyways, the menu was just too crazy. Since when do you have famous Georgia Apples? I’m sure apples can grow somewhere around here but we’re known for peanuts and peaches for crying out loud.

By FBT

April 22, 2008 6:50 PM | Link to this

If a “Restaurant Company” has more than one restaurant in the market I typically do not go. Usually they spend all the money on the “Atmosphere” and no money on the service or the Chefs. They try to pull the “we are booked up” to try to make it look like people actually go there. Come on Atlanta wise up!

By Kimmy P

April 22, 2008 6:52 PM | Link to this

All I can say is, it just plain sucked!

By ATLlover

April 22, 2008 7:00 PM | Link to this

Buckhead hater is a hot-head and doesn’t know his map. Both RaysontheRiver and Canoe are inside the perimeter fool! Carpetbagger give me a break! Go somewhere anywhere but here—bitter! Rightfully what most people saying here is the real truth: Emeril’s time is up and we are over it; corporate restaurants ain’t all that great; quality control is everything; value is important; location and ambiance are somewhat important and soul is essential.

By a

April 22, 2008 7:06 PM | Link to this

Emeril’s resturant was to expensive. I hated it. For the price of one meal I could have bought a month worth of groceries. Good writtens Emeril. There are not any jobs in Atlanta and people are broke.

By DKNATL

April 22, 2008 7:08 PM | Link to this

Emeril’s peeps told the radio station that I listened to that the station demographics was not what the restaurant was aiming for! I took my ten ‘til eight BMW and Centurion card elsewhere and I haven’t stepped foot into any other Emeril’s restaurant since. If he’s not going to apologize for blatant dissin’, Emeril I won’t be missing!!

By Daddy O

April 22, 2008 7:14 PM | Link to this

haters all ya’ll HATERS. This town wouldn’t know fine dining if it slapped you in the face, as a matter you should be slapped in the face. Think of the staff who is loosing their job. Cuisine? Why don’t you stay at home and eat box food.

By James

April 22, 2008 7:18 PM | Link to this

My wife and I made reservations soon after the place opened. After arriving at the appointed time we waited for 45 minutes for a table. The food was way too expensive and of average quality. No loss for Atlanta.

By wealthy cook at home

April 23, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

Pano and Pauls. 4 people, $600 bill for an overated meal at a restaurant in a strip mall.

That says it all for you people who feel compelled to spend vast numbers of dollars at restaurants to impress your friends only to return home to your subprime McMansion in your leased Mercedes. Ever noticed that Sysco Food service truck pulled up out back at your favorite overpriced retaurant? Same food you can buy at Walmart only bigger cans.

Smart business move Emeril. If you can’t make money in a business of any kind, move on. Virtually any restaurant has a limited shelf life anyway, and fickle Atlantans often hasten the demise with their whims. I moved after 12 years and never looked back. Snobs and thugs, America’s impression of the ATL.

By wealthy cook at home

April 23, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Pano and Pauls. 4 people, $600 bill for an overated meal at a restaurant in a strip mall.

That says it all for you people who feel compelled to spend vast numbers of dollars at restaurants to impress your friends only to return home to your subprime McMansion in your leased Mercedes. Ever noticed that Sysco Food service truck pulled up out back at your favorite overpriced retaurant? Same food you can buy at Walmart only bigger cans.

Smart business move Emeril. If you can’t make money in a business of any kind, move on. Virtually any restaurant has a limited shelf life anyway, and fickle Atlantans often hasten the demise with their whims. I moved after 12 years and never looked back. Snobs and thugs, America’s impression of the ATL.

By Jeslita

April 23, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

I’m not happy the employees will loose their jobs; but the hype of Emeril’s has hit the fan. I first ate there in 2004 for a job Christmas party. None of us (15 people) were impressed with the food and we all had a negative comment about the $ (especially with the small portions). In 2006 I went again with some friends who were visiting Atlanta. The menu had changed, but still too pricey and the portions hadn’t changed. I believe he was “banking” on his name and tv reputation and forgot the consumers still wanted good tasting food and a reasonable price with decent portions. Note: The valet parking was not needed as well. Just another hype……..

By Erin

April 23, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

I never ate at Emeril’s. I work in Buckhead and am almost 30 and after the comments hemade when they first opened about people in my age group, I swore I would never go. I would rather enjoy places like BluePointe, Nava, Seasons 52 or Anthony’s (I don’t think anyone has mentioned this place yet but it’s really yummy). I don’t mind corporate restaurants so much- I know the food is good and the quality control is strict. I can’t say that as much for smaller restaurants. I guess it depends on what you’re looking for. My favorite small place to eat in all of Atlanta? El Myr in L5P. I just don’t get to do it often since it’s far from where I live. Good riddance to Emeril’s. You will not be missed.

By James

April 23, 2008 9:01 AM | Link to this

This was my wife’s favorite restaurant. We only visited twice - once to celebrate our anniversary and once to celebrate her birthday. I know she will be disappointed that Emeril’s is closing. That said, the reason I think it didn’t do so well was simply the location. Maybe if it was a few blocks closer to all the traffic and people it would have done better.

By Southern born & bred

April 23, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

Hey Carpetbagger, You’re what we call a Yankee refugee. Delta is ready when you are!

By Bob

April 23, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

I say it was 100 percent the floor staff, from the manager to the waitrons…For such a nice place the waiters were, well…tacky, classless and downright rude. Service is the key!

By SteveO

April 23, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

Because I had better food at the Yacht Club in L5P.

By Warren

April 23, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

Hey James - quite fooling yourself that the location was the only issue. The food was obviously sub-par and you and your wife should be branching out and trying new things. Hit up Woodfire Grill on your next special occasion and I know for a fact you will have a better food experience.

By Peter

April 23, 2008 9:34 AM | Link to this

It’s really simple. Crappy food.

By Close Emeril's

April 23, 2008 9:35 AM | Link to this

I ate at Emeril’s once and the food was horrible. I say close Emeril’s and move Paula Deen’s restaurant in and you’ll have delicious food, lower food prices, more food, and excellent southern hospitality.

By Max

April 23, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Ate at Emerils once for a sales presentation. About 40 people all eating the same dishes… Service SUCKED. Food was awful. Atmosphere was a half step above Olive Garden. I didn’t have to pay a nickel for the meal but it was overpriced anyway…

When I looked at the menu and saw how much you’d have to pay to eat there I wrote them off. Too much gimmickery and dependence on a ‘name’ for my taste. For the kind of cash you’d put out for a meal there you can find several dozen places (ITP and OTP) that you’ll eat better and enjoy yourself more.

By Ms. Boo

April 23, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Emeril’s Emeril’s, what can I say good about Emeril’s? NOTHING!!! I went to Emerils 4x in 3yrs. Three of those times were not my choice. After I went the first time, I was not impressed. The location is not the best. Inside, there’s no decent amount of room for waiting for your table. Everyone is stepping on each other or breathing over the people already sitting at the bar. I don’t know who the chefs were, but each time, I (and the people I was with) didn’t enjoy the food. It was over priced and the servings were very small. Each time our portions were enough to fulfill a toddler. We are grown people with expectations of good food, portions and a fair charge. I think he thought his NAME was going to make him a success. I personally am one individual who don’t mind paying for what I feel is fair for what I’m receiving. I have the funds, but I’m not going to toss money away just to say I’ve been somewhere. Goodbye Emeril’s! I feel no loss for you and I’m sure your bank account can withstand loosing Atlanta; however, I do feel bad for the employees. Times are hard and I wish them well on getting employment quickly.

By snorfledork

April 23, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

6:08 yesterday post. Signed Emeril. If that was the real Emeril, he just exhibited exactly why he failed.

Other than the fact that he’s a douchebag.

By Leelee

April 23, 2008 1:44 PM | Link to this

Food & service, nothing more, caused the end of Emeril’s. Though many an Atlanta restaurant with similar issues has lasted longer than I can believe, that space was too big and pricey to survive without lots of repeat & loyal business. Emeril’s failed to cultivate that by not shining in any way but pure glitziness of the space.

We visited once a year over the last four years for a child’s birthday (the power of television at work!). First year, terrible service & mediocre food were the order of the day. Second year, our drink orders were taken and the waiter disappeared for fifteen minutes without even bringing us menus (let alone our drinks). Finally, after having no server for twenty minutes despite rotating teams of servers (oh, maybe that was the problem, no one knew who was doing what), I got up and pulled menus from a nearby station and grabbed the sommelier who rescued the evening from total disaster. Next year, after Katrina, an influx of NO’s workers brought the service up a notch (just), but the food once again failed to rise to anything special. Made us long for the return of McKinnon’s Lousianne, which was good but no prize, but was at least a value with decent service. Last year, again, we received impersonal & spotty service, and food that was just okay. I want more than that for the prices (and I wasn’t even paying).
I’m frankly amazed it lasted that long. Atlantans are too too tolerant of crappy service and mediocre food. You’ve got to have one down well to survive.

By sharon

April 23, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

No big surprise - food was over priced and not very good.

By Ga native

April 23, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

Carpetbagger is sooo right. Atlanta is so full of itself.A city too busy to focus. And I have got out of that place!!

By KDG

April 23, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

I think Emeril’s would have survived the ATL if it was in a different location of metro Atlanta. Buckhead is too congested and in some cases overpriced. Did Emeril want the place to attract tourist or folk from ATL and surrounding areas? When you go out to dine, it should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. If parking is a hassle and a long walk to the restaurant…I am not interested!!!!! The food should be reasonable for all to enjoy.

By Debbie

April 23, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

Working right next door, I had to endure my share of business lunches at Emeril’s. After the second time, I never recommended it again, and would only go if suggested by clients. The bar was nice for after work drinks, but other than that, it had nothing going for it. Mediocre service (and the servers acted like they were doing you a favor by serving you) and mediocre food unworthy of the prices charged did them in. As others have said, lots more bang for your buck to be found at locally owned restaurants - my favorites - 5 Seasons Brewing and Woodfire Grill.

By KDUB

April 23, 2008 3:22 PM | Link to this

Surely the 6:08pm post from April 22nd was not from Emeril. If Emeril didn’t have time to be present in the restaurant in Atlanta, what make you think he had time to write a brief post about the restaurant closing? Emeril is very successful and obviously very busy. He would not entertain us with ridiculous remarks.

By ATLChef

April 25, 2008 8:10 AM | Link to this

Perhaps its a good thing Emeril’s is closing after hearing bad reviews from day 1. I am surprised it lasted as long as it did. Maybe he spread himself too thin with all of the other projects on his plate and could not be effective in overseeing and executing this particular restaurant. My wife and I had the opportunity to dine in one of his New Orleans restaurants, NOLA, with some business partners. The wait staff was perfect, from communicating the menu to service the whole night. However, the food was mediocre at best. My wife sent her filet back 3 times before finally they took it off the bill, and it still was not cooked right. Who can’t cook a steak right, specially in a restaurant like that? I ordered a signature, Shrimp and Grits. The grits were lumpy and old, cooked to the bottom of the bowl, and to my surprise, found a solid piece of cold, yes, cold cheese in the middle of my grits. Perhaps the Chef de Cuisine was not paying enough attention to what was going on. Maybe he should go back to preparing and basic execution to hone his skills. What really gets me is that a corporate exec chef for Emeril’s was there during service. Maybe he should have been more involved in the proper execution of the preparation, presentation and management of the kitchen. Maybe Buckhead Life Group will open a new concept, or perhaps Tom Catheral, or maybe Concentrics, they all seem to have their game together.

By Kimberly

April 25, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

Hey Buckheadhater…I always love to hear that one less weekend tourist will be clogging up Peachtree Road lining up to get in to the Cheesecake Factory. No love lost -

By Amanda

April 25, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Went once, had a good experience but with SO MANY great restaurants in Atlanta it wasn’t ever on the radar to go back to again. Their PR person’s alientation of the Q100 listeners probably didn’t help things much either…