Retired Army Colonel Opening Tapas Bar In Castleberry Hill

Retired Army Colonel Andre Tyler is pursuing his life-long dream of becoming an entrepreneur, the Castleberry hill resident told What Now Atlanta in a telephone interview Wednesday.

Tyler has plans to open Meiko’s International Tapas Bar & Lounge in the Castleberry Point Lofts building, at 110 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. downtown.

“I want to bring the diversity of the world to Meiko’s,” Tyler said.

The restaurant, whose name comes from Tyler’s high school nickname “Meiko’s,” will serve up tapas that represent a wide range of cuisines from around the world like shepherd’s pie, cuban sandwiches, and caramelized scallops.

The retired Army Colonel will was quick to admit his background isn’t in the restaurants business.

“I am the owner hiring the smart guys,” he said. “I put together a team of experts in their respective areas.”

The 2,400-square-foot space will boast colors of teal, royal blue and purple accents in an “upscale environment.”

“Your eyes are going to drop when you see our two-story bar.”

An estimated $165,000 will be spent on building out the commercial space for Meiko’s according to a permit application submitted to City of Atlanta Tuesday.