The new managing partner for an iconic Buckhead restaurant that changed its name and format said bookings for weddings and rehearsal dinners will be honored, though new contracts will have to be signed.
None of that has calmed prospective brides and their families, who have voiced their concerns on the Internet in wedding-related chat rooms and blogs over the new proprietorship. One person who identified herself as "laxgardner29″ wrote she had heard from several brides who were "frantic about their upcoming wedding days."
The former Anthony's Restaurant on Piedmont Road has been renamed The Helm and turned into a semi-private club, said Alex Suarez, chairman of The Yacht and Polo Club LLC, which will operate the revamped business.
Suarez said he was working hard to accommodate wedding groups, but said they must negotiate new contracts, with possible concessions and discounts in place in some cases. He said any deals struck with the group that formerly operated Anthony's need to be addressed with his company and people should contact their credit card companies.
"It's a very challenging transition," said Suarez, who took over the business on May 16.
Asif Edrish, one of the partners who leased the property and ran Anthony's, said the economic recession negatively affected his business. He is in the process of filing for personal and business bankruptcy. He acknowledged he is unable to return $28,000 in deposits for previously scheduled events, having already spent the money on his business.
"We could not keep up with the rent," Edrish said, adding that he understood the new operators would honor all contracts. "It takes a lot of money to run that place. I feel absolutely horrible that I won't be able to give people their money back."
Suarez said the semi-private club will be open to the public but also will have special memberships that range from $1,000 to $2,500,carrying certain privileges and discounts.
Suarez said the business officially will open July 15. The new business, though not fully open to the public, already has hosted some weddings, rehearsal dinners, receptions and corporate events.
Joel Prendergast of Canton said his stepdaughter recently held her wedding and reception at the restaurant, with the family notified about the business change two weeks before the nuptials.
"It probably could have been a bad situation, but it worked out," Prendergrast said. "Everyone had a great time."
The Rotary Club of Buckhead continues to hold its weekly lunch meetings on Mondays, president Alex Smythe said.
"Our relationship is unaffected," he said. "We've not had any disruptions."
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