Hob Nob Opens in Atlanta

A brand new gastro-pub opens up today on the corner of Piedmont and Monroe...Hob Nob Neighborhood Tavern. Due to the close proximity to my house, I have been seeing the daily development of the space from what used to be an old Caribou Coffee into a Restaurant and bar. I have to say, I have been intrigued this entire time. It is not often that you see a coffee shop get turned into a bar and grill. That fact alone intrigues me because I just want to see how the designers re-organized the space. The decor inside consists of orange-ish walls, chandeliers with candles, a full fireplace, stacked stone, full bar, outdoor heated patio, private party space, and free valet parking. The food seems to be interesting enough and, although I have not tried it, I have a feeling its going to be your average (or maybe slightly above average) bar/snack food. A couple of the things I don't like; Their colors are black and orange on a shield shaped sign that says hob nob with silhouettes of people. The color scheme and logo does nothing for me. Actually, it makes me think of Halloween and I keep wanting to say hob goblin not hob nob because of the Halloween specific colors and old chandeliers with candles and all of that. Also, the location is strange. What was once a gas station, then coffee shop, and now restaurant is plopped right on the corner between other gas stations and absolutely zero parking. Its also a little difficult to actually turn into. Lastly, its right across the street from an Atlanta staple in the music and bar scene..Smith's Old Bar. Smiths is a place I enjoy frequenting and I just cant see myself heading over to Hob Nob as opposed to smiths. I love the restaurant industry and all that it has to offer and I hope for nothing but success for Hob Nob but my prediction is that its not going to last. Confusing concept, design, and location lends itself to some weaknesses. If your looking for a drink your probably going to head to Smiths, not Hob Nob