Rumi’s Kitchen to open in Midtown’s Colony Square as part of redevelopment

The mirza ghasemi at Rumi's Kitchen in Sandy Springs. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLIS

Credit: Henri Hollis

Credit: Henri Hollis

The mirza ghasemi at Rumi's Kitchen in Sandy Springs. CONTRIBUTED BY HENRI HOLLIS

Popular Persian restaurant Rumi’s Kitchen is slated to open its third metro Atlanta location next year.

Rumi's will occupy the space in Midtown mixed-use development Colony Square that was meant to be taken over by chef Chris Gentile's Iselle Kitchen + Bar.  Gentile left his restaurant group Double Standard Kitchenetta, and North American Properties, which owns Colony Square, didn't want to move forward with a chef who was unknown to them, Atlanta Business Chronicle reports.

The 5,000 square-foot restaurant will begin buildout in December and will open in May, along with the rest of the Colony Square redevelopment at the corner of 14th and Peachtree streets. The space, designed by Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry, will also feature a 1,500-square-foot outdoor patio.

Rumi’s also has locations at North American Properties-owned Alpharetta mixed use development Avalon and in Sandy Springs.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to bring Rumi’s Kitchen inside the perimeter and share our passion for innovative culinary experiences and delicious food with Midtown’s diverse community,” said chef and owner Ali Mesghali in a prepared statement.

The restaurant will join several other concepts coming to Colony Square.

Sukoshi, slated to open later this year, will offer "an authentic sushi experience with a cheeky, on-the-go atmosphere" from O-Ku and Colletta owner Steve Palmer in a 2,000 square-foot space designed by Powell Architects.

Rendering of the future Colony Square / Rendering courtesy of The Wilbert Group

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Fast-casual Freshii, which will be located in Building 100 across from the new Starbucks, is owned and operated by Atlanta native Dustin Saboorian, who also owns Graveyard Tavern in East Atlanta. Freshii will offer “nutritious meal options inspired by global health trends,” including bowls, burritos, salads, wraps, soups, smoothies and juices, as well as gluten- and dairy-free products. Colony Square marks the brand’s second location in Georgia. Frehsii will partner with WE Charity, an international charity and educational partner dedicated to empowering impoverished communities, to develop a special menu that will benefit children in countries including Kenya and India.

Also part of the redevelopment will be a food hall called Main & Main and a chef-driven restaurant coming as part of iPic luxury movie theater. as well a Chick-fil-A, Moe's and Starbucks.

A new 10,000 square-foot urban park, dubbed The Grove, opened earlier this month and includes 40-foot trees, Spanish steps, tables and chairs and will be the gateway for Main & Main and the iPic theater.

“Between the restaurants, luxury dine-in theater and expertly curated food hall, Colony Square will be the destination for great food, lively entertainment and community,” said Mark Toro, managing partner of NAP in a statement. “We’re looking forward to welcoming each of these exceptional dining concepts to Colony Square and are excited to be one step closer to delivering Midtown’s new center of gravity.”

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