Quick Bites: Shake Shack opens, updates on Storico Fresco Pasta, Hector Santiago, and more

• Photo by Evan Sung
• Shake Shack is now open in Buckhead.

Shake Shack is now open in Buckhead at 3035 Peachtree Road. The popular, New York-based chain of all-American burger, fries, hot dogs, and shakes boasts 13 locations in NYC, three in Pennsylvania, four in Florida, five in D.C., one in New Jersey, and 24 internationally, but this restaurant marks the first in Georgia. Patrons can expect frozen custard beverages inspired by local lore, and the company’s community outreach will include partnering with the Camp Twin Lakes network to provide camp experiences for children in need.

On Oct. 19, Hector Santiago, of Pura Vida fame, will depart his executive chef role at Abattoir following 15 months on the job. Joe Schafer, recently departed from King + Duke, will swoop in to fill his spot at the 1170 Howell Mill Road restaurant. Santiago will then shift his attention to his forthcoming Ponce City Market concept, a hardwood grill-inspired restaurant that will serve Argentinian- or Uruguayan-style cuisine, according to an interview last week with Atlanta magazine. A spin on Super Pan is also a possibility, through which he’ll offer burritos, hot plates like Cubanos and coconut buns, sandwiches, and baked goods, before transitioning to a tapas menu at night. Details as they arise.

Antico Pizza’s Giovanni di Palma is under federal investigation for labor law violations, a process that began on July 9 in response to accusations that the restaurateur was not compensating employees fairly. And according to an official complaint filed on Sept. 30 by the U.S. Department of Labor and Secretary of Labor Thomas Perez, DiPalma has interfered with the investigation in unlawful ways. The Atlanta Business Chronicle reveals that DiPalma was said to be “harassing and intimidating employees who cooperated in the investigation,” terminating or threatening deportation in retaliation for their collaboration. As a result, the department is seeking a temporary restraining order to keep DiPalma out of the Piazza San Gennaro vicinity at 1093 Hemphill Ave. His hearing is set for Monday, Oct. 6. Details as they arise.

Old-world Buckhead pasta shop Storico Fresco is moving to a much larger, 4,000-square-foot space at Grandview Avenue and Peachtree Road by March. Owner Michael Patrick will significantly expand the food offerings, turning the retailer into an Italian grocery something like “a smaller Eataly,” he tells Atlanta magazine. The foods will run the gamut of Italian regions; patrons can expect house-made pastries, mozzarella, pastas, smoked fish, prepared foods, and more. The lunch menu will include sandwiches and pasta, whereas a weekly dinner series will pay tribute to traditional Italian fare.

Arianne Fielder has left Bellwoods Social House (1000 West Marietta St.) approximately a month after its Aug. 28 opening. Fielder came on board as bar manager for restaurateur Leif Johnson’s new Westside concept after leaving Parish, where she came aboard in December to consult on the drink menu but left by April, four months prior to its early August relaunch as The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café at Parish. No word yet on the reasons for Fielder’s parting or her next venture. Details as they arise.

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Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium should open its brand-new Athens outpost any day now. Last week, the AJC published an in-depth piece featuring owner Grant Henry and revealing details about the forthcoming, UGA-adjacent bar at 254 W. Clayton St. and plenty more on the proprietor’s life. Details as they arise.

After fewer than seven months of operation, Bar Meatball has closed at 1044 Greenwood Ave. Rumors point to a conflict between cousins and co-owners Joe Maci and Joey Federici. Meanwhile, Illegal Food—which was booted from Joystick Gamebar this summer—will move in to fill the vacancy by mid-November, Zagat Atlanta reveals. Virginia-Highland residents can look forward to big burgers, smoked rib rillettes, fois gras, and more.

The opening of World of Beer’s Midtown Atlanta outpost has been pushed to Oct. 13. The 855 Peachtree St. brewpub will offer approximately 500 bottled beers and 53 rotating tap offerings. A Kennesaw location will follow soon. Details as they arise.

Emory Point has a new Asian joint, Chow Mei Mei, from the owners of Thai Spice in Norcross and Peachtree City. The fast-casual lunch spot at 1540 Avenue Place serves fried pork dumplings, sweet and savory Yakisoba ramen, Panang curry, and more.

In case you missed it, Second Self Beer Company brews are now being served at Leon’s Full Service in Decatur (131 E. Ponce De Leon Ave.). On Monday, Oct. 6, the Westside-headquartered operation (1311 Logan Circle) will launch its product at restaurants, bars, bottle shops, and elsewhere around Atlanta.