The East Lake Foundation and CF Foundation, Inc. are excited to announce that the owners of Fellini’s Pizza and La Fonda Latina, Mike Nelson and Clay Harper, and their partners, Jay Martin and Nathan Bolster, are bringing multiple restaurant concepts to the corners of Second Ave. and Hosea Williams Dr.
The land at these four corners was purchased in 2005 by CF Foundation, Inc. as a way to decrease crime and ensure the ongoing holistic revitalization of the East Lake community. Several years after the purchase, during a community visioning discussion about the corners, a strong consensus emerged to develop this property in a thoughtful way that included commercial development. The originally planned construction was halted as a result of the recession. This sale is the next step in this exciting process.
“CF Foundation, Inc. is delighted to make the sale to two intown restaurant operators who have more than 30 year of experience,” said Rick Bent, VP Real Estate and Development, CF Foundation, Inc. “This investment will provide East Lake residents with a much needed destination for good, affordable, interesting food and drink.”
Construction will begin over the next couple months to convert the old gas station on the Northwest corner into The Greater Good BBQ, a fast-casual family-friendly restaurant. On the Southeast corner, they will modify the existing building for two new restaurant concepts with outdoor seating and add a third new small restaurant.
“We are excited about the opportunity to bring a thoughtful mix of local, independent restaurants to the neighborhood,” said Clay Harper. “We completely embraced the philosophies of the East Lake Foundation and see this as much more than a business opportunity, and see this as a chance to be a part of an effort to bring real positive change to our community.”
Nelson and Harper, who opened their first Fellini’s on Peachtree Street in Buckhead in 1983, currently have 7 Fellini’s, 5 La Fondas and 2 Greater Good BBQs in the Atlanta area.
Tim Holdroyd of City Realty represented CF Foundation, Inc. on the deal.
About The East Lake Foundation
Founded in 1995 on the belief that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, the East Lake Foundation collaborates with public and private organizations to provide tools that enable Atlanta’s East Lake residents to build a better future through its model for community revitalization.
The East Lake model includes cradle-to-college education at Charles R. Drew Charter School and its early learning partners, mixed-income housing at The Villages of East Lake and community wellness through programs including The First Tee® of East Lake, the Resident and Community Support Program, the East Lake Community Learning Garden, Start ME: East Lake micro-entrepreneur program and East Lake Healthy Connections. This approach to building a strong community not only helps break the intergenerational cycle of poverty, but creates a place where people of all ages and incomes choose to live. East Lake has become a national model for holistic community revitalization programs through its sister organization, Purpose Built Communities. Additional information is available at www.eastlakefoundation.org.
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Media Contact:
Catherine Woodling, East Lake Foundation/CF Foundation, Inc.
404-974-4506
cwoodling@eastlakefoundation.org
