dopkick t1_it9joad wrote on October 21, 2022 at 10:49 PM

Reply to comment by gottagetintosomethin in If not Atlas, then who? by Accurate-Lecture7473

I don’t see how they are killing the restaurant scene. A decade ago the restaurant scene here was much weaker than today. Much much weaker. There’s now a significantly larger number of great restaurants, despite Atlas opening more restaurants.

pandacorn t1_it9vz9s wrote on October 22, 2022 at 12:26 AM

Would you rather have a restaurant scene that is owned by all the same corporation, or a variety of local investors?

dopkick t1_it9ws18 wrote on October 22, 2022 at 12:32 AM

The restaurant scene IS owned by a large variety of individuals, though. Atlas has a fair number of properties (probably a dozen or so in Baltimore?) and is probably the largest single entity/group. However, there are significantly more places owned by non-Atlas entities that are superior in quality. Outside of Harbor East they have very little presence in the city.

pandacorn t1_itbrn10 wrote on October 22, 2022 at 12:59 PM

Yeah, this is obvious that there are other ownership groups. they actually own around 20 in the region (and growing). but would it not be better for those areas like harbor east to have more diverse options? You look at the area in fells that is quickly changing. They now own waterfront hotel, choptank and admirals cup in fells (berthas is being sold as we speak). This city doesn't have that many tourist areas and it would be great if there was more diverse ownership in those specific sections of the city.

dopkick t1_itbw4y4 wrote on October 22, 2022 at 1:38 PM

Fells Point has pretty diverse ownership, though. Ekiben and Thames Street Oyster House are regularly considered among the best in Baltimore. There’s plenty of other great places around there not owned by Atlas and outside of their usual portfolio - Thai Street, Kippo, Pitango, Sacre Sucre, etc.

Also, it’s not like the Cup and Waterfront are culinary masterpieces that offered a lot of diverse cuisine. They were/are your fairly typical standard fare for tourist areas, which can be found all across the nation. Considering the prevalence of these types of restaurants (I would include Barcocinia in the same category, as an example) there is obviously a high demand. I, personally, would prefer something else but it seems like a large number of people are not looking for exciting, unique options.

I feel like this is sort of a slippery slope type argument. I just don’t see Atlas taking over everything and crushing the competition. Also, it’s pretty common for the heart of tourist areas to not have the best restaurants. Those who care will manage to find their way a few blocks away from the water to Ekiben. Those who don’t… will probably love the Atlas experience.

pandacorn t1_itdg1rl wrote on October 22, 2022 at 8:16 PM

The prevalence of those restaurants does not equal a high demand. People who choose to go out to eat don't choose who own those restaurants, they just want to go downtown.

Do you ever wonder why there are so many great authentic Mexican and South American restaurants on North Broadway, but you still will get a papis tacos near the waterfront? There just isn't much diversity in food,generally,in the tourist areas, and atlas doesn't help that.

Go to New Orleans and tell me there isn't a big difference in what is offered, not just in food, but in entertainment. That's just an example,phili and DC are also more diverse,if you want better local examples.