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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 27, 2003
For More Information:
Warren Bruno, 404-892-4708, ext. 11

Atlanta Restaurant Veteran Warren Bruno Helps Owners Spot New Locations, Tenants and Trends

“I instantly recognize the 1,000-mile stare!”

In his first six months as an Atlanta restaurant real estate agent and consultant, Warren Bruno says he has already become adept at spotting the “1,000-mile stare” when first entering a hospitality establishment.

Bruno owned six Atlanta restaurants dating back to 1975 before getting his own real estate license and joining Vantosh•Gordon Real Estate last June. Now he specializes in helping property owners find the optimal tenant for their location. “I want to make sure the tenant stays a long time and is the best match for the property,” he says. Bruno also represents tenants looking for new locations in emerging neighborhoods. He says he can read a restaurant or bar owner’s face in a matter of seconds. “I understand because I’ve been there,” Bruno says. “Real estate agents don’t always understand their clients if they haven’t walked in their shoes. I feel like I am uniquely qualified in this area, having owned successful and not-so-successful restaurants. I understand the tenants’ perspective.

“Several times in the past few months, I’ve walked into a place and instantly recognized the 1,000-mile stare,” Bruno says. “This recipe can include any, but usually many, of the following ingredients: behind on the rent, can’t make payroll, found the ‘dream location’ but signed the wrong lease, paid too much for the right location, etc.

“Owners can get frustrated because no matter how much talent they have, they can’t dig themselves out of a bad lease or poor location,” Bruno says. “But I tell them, ‘You got to put down the shovel and pick up the ladder and get yourself out.’ It helps them to hear it from someone who has been there, but I also have the perspective, and now the license, to help them out.”

Bruno also helps new clients avoid pitfalls when beginning an enterprise. For instance, Jonathan Sheer, whose Tin Roof Cantina and Restaurant opens next week at 554 Piedmont in Midtown, hired Bruno when he was looking to move his restaurant from Buckhead. “He helped me find the right location and consulted on license issues. He speaks from experience. He was and is an operator and he has very practical knowledge of the business. He is very well in tune with the politics in this city, particularly the alcohol licensing.”

Landon Brown, owner of teaspace at 1133-B Euclid Avenue in Little Five Points, found Warren to be “very resourceful and a real ‘stand-up guy.’ He definitely incubated our business to a certain degree. He helped me be more accurate on the restaurant management end.”

“We were excited to add someone with Warren’s experience in the restaurant industry to our firm,” said Jeff Vantosh, real estate broker and one of the agency’s principals. “He provides instant credibility to our clients who are interested in investing in the hospitality category.”

Bruno started his Atlanta restaurant career with Aunt Charley’s in Buckhead, which he bought in 1975 and sold in 1994. Since then, Warren bought and sold ownership positions in Atkins Park (Virginia-Highland, 1983-2001); Knickerbockers (Downtown, 1985-1988); Groundhog Tavern (Underground Atlanta, 1987-1996); Mike ’n Angelo’s (Buckhead, 1988-1995); and Phoenix Brewing Company (Sandy Springs. 1996-1999). He also has years of experience in working with local governments, especially in the areas of licensing, zoning, and safety and has served as president of Buckhead and Virginia-Highland community and business groups.

Vantosh•Gordon Real Estate, LLC, provides an array of expertise in commercial property management, leasing, investment analysis, and brokerage to the small investor marketplace. Its offices are at 1477 Spring Street, Atlanta, GA 30309. On the web at www.vantoshgordon.com

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