Construction Delays Push City Winery's Opening to June

Facing construction-related delays that are all too common for the restaurant industry, City Winery owner Michael Dorf has announced the Ponce City Market venture won't hit its May target for a projected opening date. The restaurant/wine bar/music venue now is looking to begin service in June.

"It's disappointing," Dorf said in a prepared statement. "All of us at City Winery are incredibly excited to be in Atlanta, and we've been looking forward to our first shows. While we are frustrated with this setback, we want to make sure that we are putting our best foot forward and delivering the perfect space for fans and foodies."

While many (most?) restaurants in Atlanta launch long after their ambitious initial targets, restaurateurs usually don't officially declare their projects to be "delayed." City Winery's case is different because it already has concerts booked for May. Dorf says the venue will keep its June bookings, and it hopes to reschedule those early shows affected by the false start. All current ticket holders for the will receive two house seats to a non-sold out show of their choosing. The Freedom Seder, scheduled for Sunday, April 17, is still on deck to take place at a location in Ponce City Market.

In all, 16 shows have been postponed, including Mavis Staples on May 7, Steve Earle on May 13, and Cracker on May 16. City Winery's new debut concert is scheduled to be 10,000 Maniacs on Saturday, June 4.

"We promise to make this up to all of our ticket holders," Dorf said. "We hope everyone understands, and we can't wait to see you in June."

When it finally opens, Jeffrey McGar will run the kitchen as executive chef. City Winery's Atlanta outpost is the fourth for the concept, following New York, Chicago, and Nashville. A former location in Napa Valley recently closed.