Italian goods retailer expands concept adding “take away” counter & cooking classes
Bella Cucina Artful Food is moving their Virginia Highland retail operation to a larger, nearby location.
Taking space that used to be Knitch at 1044 N. Highland avenue, Bella Cucina is moving two retail spaces down from their current location at 1050 (Knitch relocated just up the road to 1183 Virginia Avenue last November).
Slated to open May 1, owner Smith Hanes told What Now Atlanta the new location will boast a “modern take on a European Food Hall” as well as “cooking demos and classes.”
“We’re adding a porta via counter,” said Hanes. “Porta via” in English means “take away,” according to Google Translate.
Offering coffee, pastries, cheeses and meats made fresh at Bella Cucina, Hanes said his take on a “European style food hall” will use local ingredients.
Patrons will have access to “many of our foods, fresh from our kitchens, not preserved or packaged,” Hanes said.
Once Bella Cucina relocates, three adjacent spaces will sit empty: the current Bella Cucina space, the shuttered Juicy Green and the soon to close DabberDoo gift boutique.
What Now Atlanta spoke to Jessi Kaas, assistant manager at a neighboring store, on a trip to the retailer Wednesday about the three vacant retail spaces.
Kass said the area needs more “fun stuff.”
“I’d like to see a sandwich shop open,” said Kaas. “YEAH! Burger is delicious but you can’t eat burgers everyday.”
As for Bella Cucina’s new concept, Kaas “can’t wait to see the in-store demos.”
Bella Cucina
1044 N Highland Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30306
