UPDATED: Dante's Down the Hatch Closing Its Doors to Make Way for High-Rise
Well, it's down the hatch for Dante's, the legendary and iconic restaurant known for good times.
The iconic 42-year-old restaurant, Dante's Down the Hatch, will close its doors soon to make room for a new high-rise apartment building, scheduled to break ground next spring.
Just this month, owner Dante Stephensen was inducted into the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame for his creation of such a unique and beloved Atlanta hotspot and his continued and unwavering superior customer service.
Atlantic Realty Partners, Inc., the same firm demolishing Georgian Hills Apartments to make room for newer apartments, announced Thursday that it had entered an agreement with Dante's to acquire and redevelop the site to build a 10-story, 288-unit apartment building, according to Buckhead View.
What will you miss most about Dante's Down the Hatch? What are your thoughts about the restaurant being replaced by another high-rise apartment building? Tell us below in the comments.
Atlantic Realty Partners is expected to submit its redevelopment plans for the two-acre parcel to the City of Atlanta in the next two weeks and to break ground for the development in the spring of 2013, Buckhead View reports.
The development team met with the Development Review Committee SPI-12 (Special Public Interest District) on Nov. 7 and plans to return to the DRC's December meeting with its new plans including suggested changes made by DRC members.
The development is expected to include several green standards, like being LEED-certified and including energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Other amenities will include: a rooftop resort-style pool, deck and grill cabana, large fitness center, cyber lounge, and Skydeck overlooking Peachtree Road.
Buckhead Patch has left messages for both Atlantic Realty Partners and Dante Stephensen and will update this article as more information is made available.
UPDATE: The press release from Atlantic Realty Parnters is now attached.
Sallie Forrester
11:44 am on Friday, November 16, 2012
Just there on Saturday. Dante was his usual cheerful self. Very patient with a group of kids running around exploring the ship.
I remember visiting Dante's when I was a kid.
Can't replace Dante's. I will be sorry to see it go.
Sallie
George Rees
3:17 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
A great loss for Atlanta. Sad to lose such a great place due to the inability of the City of Atlanta to comprehend that you can't run a quaint, one of a kind, privately owned restaurant and tax the place based on the projected value of a otherwise zoned piece of dirt. We lose a jewel and gain apartments with another "for lease" sign on the ground floor. george rees
Ana VanHorn
11:49 am on Friday, November 16, 2012
What a shame shame shame! We don't need more apartment buildings!!!! We need places like Dante's for apartment dwellers to visit!!! Had my wedding dinner and many other great dinner parties at Dante's. Dante is a good man and a true American patriot.
Betsy031799
11:49 am on Friday, November 16, 2012
Another high rise condo?? As if there wasn't enough congestion on Peachtree! Maybe their potential buyers should purchase one of the many other condos already on the market.
Bob T.
1:05 pm on Friday, November 16, 2012
I agree with the above write, more congestion, more congestion, and they wouldn't approve that Walmart at Lindberg and Piedmont..................
Lindsay McCabe
1:22 pm on Friday, November 16, 2012
I got engaged there! It's my favorite restaurant in the city. Do you have any information on when it will close?
Tim Hennington
1:51 pm on Friday, November 16, 2012
This is horrible, I worked there for nearly five years when I was younger. Great place, great people! Sad to see this happening...
Erica M
6:25 pm on Friday, November 16, 2012
We will miss Dante's fabulous personality, his food, his pets and his Atlanta Landmark dearly. My father Sy did his photography and print work for 30yrs and when passing, Dante tracked me down to keep the business relationship going. Think I'll go have a last meal.
HamBurger
9:32 pm on Friday, November 16, 2012
Mr. Dante, you know how I love my special hamburgers with thin sliced Vidalia onions and pickles with plenty of yellow mustard washed down with a Cheerwine. However, your unique food selection, service, enjoyable jazz entertainment, hospitality, and through the years your personal attention really made Dante’s a dining experience.
You and Dante’s Down The Hatch will be missed, however, best wishes to you as you transition to your new life riding the rails.
Any time you make a stop at Goodwin Crossings, let me know. There is always a special hamburger and a Cheerwine waiting for you!
Sylvia Andrews
10:07 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012
Dante, my daughter and many of her friends have worked for you for years, and we heard such good things about you and also the rest of the staff. When we couldn't be there in Atlanta to take care of a matter for Amanda and Kim, you stepped right up to bat and got the matter resolved. Thanks ever so much. And, please know you're always welcome at our home...I hear the train comes through Toccoa. Best Wishes, Sylvia Andrews
"E Pluribus Unum"
10:07 pm on Friday, November 16, 2012
Dante is one of a kind...dear friend, great story teller and train lover.
Jason Hart
7:50 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012
I was told the city rezoned that parcel which raised his property taxes to the same a high rise would pay. He was forced to sell by a greedy city. Such a shame...
AtlantaTree Professionals
8:03 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012
So many memories erased with a single construction ball. Reminds me of the part in the movie, Mary Poppins, the tea party scene where everyone is having a great time, laughing together and floating near the ceiling. And then sadly, it's time to leave and everyone floats back down to the bottom.
Meinert
9:45 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012
A sad loss for an Atlanta landmark. My wife and I have fond memories of the place and of the John Robertson jazz band. They played at our wedding 20 years ago.
Stefanie
11:24 am on Saturday, November 17, 2012
Dante hosted my sister's surprise 40th birthday party. It was her favorite restaurant when she lived here in Atlanta and I sent her an airline ticket for her birthday. We had family members coming from all over...and each time our little party of two expanded...to three...to four...to six...to eight...etc. I emailed Dante with the news. By the time her birthday came around I think he was almost as excited as we were.
I am truly sorry to see that place go...even sorrier to hear it will be replaced by yet another high-rise. I wish Dante the best in his new adventure.
Sabrina F
2:49 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2012
Dante's Down the Hatch--I'm an old Hatchling (former employee) worked in Underground for 10-years and Buckhead a few months... As all former employees we will miss it the most. Dante is FAMILY!
Karen Adams M-
4:33 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2012
Me too, Sabrina...72-76 Hatchling, when Paul Mitchell Trio was there and we could't serve alcohol after midnite Saturday, even on New Years! Dante, Dante, just isn't fair, the taxes they raised! They should pay to relocate you, at the least!
Laura Overstreet Biering
4:07 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2012
So sad... And I never went there, even though I always wanted to - guess I just waited too long...
Karen Adams M-
4:34 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2012
Laura, sounds like you can still get on over there..you must!
Sabina Shalova
1:40 am on Sunday, November 18, 2012
Sad to hear, Dante's is an extraordinary experience, and if you know him personally it makes it that much more special! Will go back for last hoorah!
Gina ward
11:37 am on Monday, November 19, 2012
Will miss Dante and the entire experience...so glad we have all had this place to enjoy! He is one of the best humans I have ever known. Gina Ward - Carlisle Montessori School of Buckhead
Mike Phillips
3:09 pm on Monday, November 19, 2012
Just what this city needs...more high rise luxury condo apartments. Will the last one to leave Buckhead please shut the lights off?
mimi cronin
9:24 am on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
my husband and I met at Dantes while we were both working there in college. Not only did we meet but formed long lasting friendships with the other "Trons". End of an era. so sad.
Pam J
7:49 pm on Thursday, November 22, 2012
I got engaged there many years ago, when E.T. came out at the theaters. I got an engagement ring and a big E.T. candle that night at Dante's. Still have the candle, but not the fiance! I hate to see icons close.
Adrienne Freeman
2:40 pm on Sunday, November 25, 2012
I am so sad about the closing of Dante's in order to build just another condo building to add to the already overcrowded area. This is one of my family's favorite places. Dante has always taken the time to greet and speak with all of us and took special time with my kids as well, now at 27 and 16 they have grown up coming to Dante's and were very disheartened to hear of the closing. Another great tradition disapearing.
Hub Kelsh
4:50 pm on Saturday, December 1, 2012
Dante:
What a pleasure it was to have you as a client for 40+ years. You were always ethical,caring and exquisitely fair to your employees, vendors and guests. Your staff and your customers will miss The Hatch, and you. Thanks for your service to the US Navy as well!
Cynthia Altshuler
9:22 pm on Sunday, January 6, 2013
So sad to hear this news! We have visited Dante's several times while in Atlanta. We LOVE Dante's! Can't beat the great atmosphere, live jazz, fondue, great staff and of course, Dante himself! Will have to make a trip to Atlanta for one last Night at Dante's!
James P
11:26 am on Thursday, January 10, 2013
Visited there a few weeks back; one on many great evenings I enjoyed. One of my favorite restaurants. WIsh there was a way to relocate or rebuild (What do you say Dante?). Thanks for the memories (smile). James