Alma Cocina to Open in One Ninety One Peachtree Tower in November

July 27,2011

After extensive research, discussion, and of course eating, Robby Kukler, Steve Simon and Kris Reinhard of Fifth Group Restaurants, have tightened the description of their newest restaurant and hired a chef. Alma Cocina is set to open around Nov. 1 in Downtown Atlanta’s One Ninety One Peachtree Tower.

“We originally thought we would do authentic Tex-Mex and Mexican-inspired dishes,” said Kukler. “But after our travels and discussions with the creative leadership within Fifth Group Restaurants as well as with those who would be our regular guests, we decided to focus more on contemporary Mexican cuisine infused with the many flavors of Latin America. Then we found Chef Chad Clevenger and knew for sure this was the right direction.”

Clevenger has 14 impressive years of culinary experience that include work with famed chefs Rene Ortiz, Jesse Perez, Rick Bayless and Tim Love. He was executive chef at Coyote Café in Sante Fe, New Mexico and owned award-winning restaurants and a street cart focusing on global pork dishes in Denver. He moved to Atlanta in mid-July to begin training with the Fifth Group team as well as to focus on Alma menu development.

Alma Cocina will serve lunch and dinner and provide catering services to the downtown Atlanta area. Ai3 and Bill Peace of Peace Design, both highly regarded Atlanta restaurant designers, will work together to create an environment conducive for business entertaining and leisure dining in the 5,200-square-foot space. The restaurant will accommodate about 200 guests for traditional dining room seating, accented by two distinct bar areas with large booths and communal tables. Because of its location adjacent to the lobby of the prestigious building, plans call for tables and a second bar to spill into the beautiful atrium.

Fifth Group Restaurants is the privately owned company that operates Atlanta restaurants South City Kitchen® Midtown, South City Kitchen Vinings, La Tavola Trattoria, Ecco and The Original El Taco, as well as Bold American®, a catering and events company with onsite services at Studio 887 and the Event Gallery at the King Plow Arts Center and offsite at private homes, offices and Atlanta's premier venues. In 2010, Fifth Group was named a state finalist for the National Restaurant Association’s “Restaurant Neighbor Awards” for its outstanding community service. For more information, call 678-302-3251 or visit www.fifthgroup.com.