by Bradley Parsons
Staff Writer
Portabella’s Gourmet Market has closed its doors at The Plaza at Berkman amid speculation that the restaurant could be moving to 11 E.’s ground floor.
Alison Curtis, regional manager for the Calex Realty Group that oversees 11 E., said Portabella’s owner, chef Travis Holloway, recently scouted the apartment building’s 4,400 square feet of ground–floor retail space. Other Calex representatives confirmed Holloway’s interest in the space.
Several Berkman residents said Monday night during a fundraiser at Eclate Jazz Club that the restaurant would relocate to 11 E., located at the corner of Forsyth and Main streets, and said its doors had closed over the weekend. Tuesday, a sign hung in the restaurant’s window declared Portabella’s closed “indefinitely.” However, Curtis said no agreement had been reached.
“It’s not been confirmed,” said Curtis. “We’re not that involved with anyone. At this point it’s just wishful thinking.”
She said the restaurant would be welcome at 11 E.
“We’d love to have them down there,” she said. “They’re a great business.”
Holloway could not be reached for comment. Berkman representatives deferred questions to the Harbor Company in Atlanta. Calls to the Harbor Company were not returned.
The Atlanta Bread Company reportedly showed interest in 11 E. in October, and was reportedly interested enough to request information about City incentives to improve the space. Curtis said Atlanta Bread and Portabella’s were among several interested parties. However, she said all the discussions were preliminary.
“Nothing’s progressed to the point where we’re moving anybody in,” she said.
One Berkman resident who asked not to be identified, said she noticed the restaurant had closed over the weekend. She said she had eaten lunch there two or three times a week and would frequently pick up dinner from the restaurant’s carry-out service.
“I’ve been here [Berkman] since it opened, and I’ve always enjoyed their food,” she said. “I would miss it if it’s gone.”
The Plaza at Berkman was sold earlier this year and the new owners are converting the building to condominiums. It is unclear if that was a factor in closing Portabella’s, which has has been operating in the building for about a year.