About Buckhead reporter. (Sandy Springs, GA) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (May 3, 2013)
COMMUNITY HIBBA STANLEY Patrons enjoying an early evening at Czar Ice Bar in Buckhead. of Buckhead nightlife,” re members de Haan, adding that some of that nightlife had a less than positive ef fect on the community. “You saw a number of bad operators trying to make a quick buck. There were some really great ones as well, but also some people who were just out to make a quick buck.” De Haan opened East Andrews Cafe in 2002, at a time when residents and business owners were try ing to reign in the any- thing-goes atmosphere that abounded near the intersection of Roswell Road and Peachtree Street. As other bars shut down, though, de Haan expand ed, eventually taking over the entire 30,000 square feet of space in the com plex now called Andrews Entertainment District. The secret to his suc cess, de Haan says, has been broadening his fo cus beyond the early-20s crowd that frequents late- night favorites like An drews Upstairs, and Stout on Friday and Saturday nights. Prohibition, a cigar bar special izing in craft cocktails, tends to draw a more mature crowd, says de Haan. Im- prov, on the other hand, showcases live comedy acts that appeal to a broad rang ing clientele. Unlike the “bad operators” of the past, de Haan says he has tried to build a business that serves as a positive part of the community. He says he gets input from local residents, in the form of focus groups, each time he opens a new con cept at Andrews. “We’ve approached our business as, ‘What would the Buckhead Community want for its nightlife?”’ Despite de Haan’s assessment that the Wild West atmosphere of the old days is long gone, not everybody is happy about the resurgence of after-hours activity in Buckhead. “The area around Roswell Road and East Andrews has seen an increase in bars opening,” Kim Kahwach, president of the Buckhead Forest Civic Associa tion, told Reporter Newspapers recent ly by email. “Of course we have received complaints and tried to deal with them.” Kahwach says that special events permitting by the city of Atlanta allow Buckhead bars to sidestep parking and noise ordinances, despite complaints from residents. Jim Barnes, president of nearby Ma- thieson Exchange Lofts, described com munication between bar owners and res idents as “nonexistent.” “To the best of my knowledge, there has never been any communication be tween any bar owner,” he added, “oth er than, ‘We have special event permits that exempt us from noise ordinances in response to noise complaints.’” So, for better or worse, the par ty seems destined to continue in Buck- head. r ' Now is the best time to develop H Ei#a I awaI your child’s Thinking Power! ' / Cy© Level ***— 1 lA I am the key your child’s Thinking Summer Bridge Camps Available Discover how your child can benefit with Eye Level’s Math and English Programs • Low students to teacher ratio • Individualized attention with emphasis on self- directed learning • Only program that offers coaching in Critical Thinking Math and Creative Writing • Curriculum aligned with NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) and NCTE (National Council of Teachers of English) standards for Math and English Find out why more than 2.5 million students are studying at Eye-Level Worldwide We are now open and Enrolling. Visit us at: Eve Level Of Brookhaven 804 Town Boulevard, Suite 2095, Atlanta, GA 30319 404.416.3221 Eve Level Of North Druid Hills 2949 C, North Druid Hills Road, Atlanta, GA 30329 404.510.8523 CONTEMPORARY STYLING FOR THE WAY YOU LIVE NOW W Introducing the METROPOLITAN® Collection, our newest contempo rary, durable and stylish looks for today’s homes, home offices or business environments. Known for our Artistry, Innovation and Crafts manship, Karastan continues to take floor coverings in bold new directions. www.karastan.com w BELL CARPET GALLERIES Lifetime Installation Warranty • All Products 12 Months No Interest Bell Carpet Galleries 6223 Roswell Road • 404-255-2431 www.bellcarpetgalleries.com www.StrathmoreFloors.com DERMATOLOGY ASSOCIATES 3379 Peachtree Road, Suite 500 Peachtree Lenox Building, (nexttotheWestin Hotel) Atlanta, GA 404-907-2367 olanskydermatology.com Since 1981, Most Insurance Plans Accepted Get Ready for Summer Sun! May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month 20% off All Sunscreen Products Offer ends 5/31/13. Call today for an appointment! Comprehensive skin care for the entire family in a single practice. BH www.ReporterNewspapers.netl MAY3 — MAY16,2013 | 3
