Wagaya team to take over former Better Half space plus more dining news from the week

Interior of Wagaya in West Midtown

Credit: Becky Stein

Credit: Becky Stein

Interior of Wagaya in West Midtown

These are the stories that created buzz on the metro Atlanta dining scene this week:

•The team behind Japanese restaurant Wagaya is set to take over the former Better Half space at 349 14th St. NW in Home Park, What Now Atlanta reports.

The owners of Wagaya -- which has locations in West Midtown and in Emory Village -- have filed permits to open Chirori.

Better Half closed in October after five years.

The Red Eyed Mule is relocating to 430 South Marietta Parkway in Marietta, Tomorrow's News Today reports.

•Contrast Artisan Ales is now open at 5504 Peachtree Road in Chamblee, Eater Atlanta reports. The brewery is from Chase Medlin, the former brewmaster at Twain's Brewpub & Billiards in Decatur.

•Sushi chain Maki Fresh has closed at Peachtree Battle, its only Atlanta location, Tomorrow's News Today reports. The eatery opened in 2011.