Tom Catherall Plans a New Restaurant in the Noche Space

Following the collapse of his once prosperous dining empire, chef and restaurateur Tom Catherall is coming out of retirement to open a new eatery. Catherall will launch Tom Tom Tapas & Tequilas in Virginia-Highland's former Noche space, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, with plans to begin service in February 2016.

Catherall has reportedly signed a 10-year lease for the space at 1000 Virginia Avenue NE, and in a statement said, "As always I will be serving high quality food and drinks that offer value for the money." The restaurant will be "classic Catherall with a Spanish-inspired menu that is both innovative and always fresh."

Catherall previously operated Here to Serve Restaurants with his wife and business partner. After the couple's divorce, responsibility for the company transferred to Leigh Catherall. A lawsuit over the leasing agreement at Phipps Plaza played a role in the massive shutter, which left hundreds of employees without jobs or paychecks.

Restaurants that saw their demise under the Here to Serve umbrella included Noche, Coast Seafood and Raw Bar, Prime, Shucks, Smash, Strip, and Twist. The company previously shuttered Shout, Goldfish, and Aja in the past year.