The Forum reveals new businesses, guest amenities at carnival-themed soiree

Seven new food and retail businesses have been announced for The Forum in Peachtree Corners

The Forum reveals new businesses, guest amenities at carnival-themed soiree

By Arlinda Smith Broady

Ever since North American Properties(NAP) purchased The Forum, a Peachtree Corners retail destination that had suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has delivered on its promise to make the outdoor mall a lifestyle destination. 

The next phase of that plan was showcased Thursday, Aug. 8, as NAP and Nuveen Real Estate (Nuveen) hosted a community celebration unveiling The Forum Peachtree Corners’ newest amenities and announcing the arrival of new businesses.

If that weren’t already cause for celebration, the ticketed event, Celebrate The Forum, raised nearly $7,000 for Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries, a local nonprofit dedicated to providing emergency assistance to families in need.

Highlights included the property’s new central focal point: a 6,650-square-foot turfed plaza, complete with a raised performance stage, a 17-foot by 10-foot LED screen, soft seating and tables and an optional valet service area. 

Now that it’s completed, The Plaza is designed to be The Forum’s main area for the more than 100 events held onsite annually. According to NAP management, visitors can enjoy the open-air greenspace to lounge and mingle with neighbors when it’s not in use. 

A new breezeway with public restrooms (located at the base of the office building near Pottery Barn) was also revealed, creating a more pedestrian-friendly throughway between the parking lot behind the building and the heartbeat of the property.

“[The] celebration was the culmination of many team members’ hard work and the beginning of something really special for the Peachtree Corners community,” said Charlotte Hinton, The Forum’s marketing manager. “We love this city and are ecstatic about introducing a larger, top-notch space for enjoying events and making memories together.”

Although guests received a sneak peek at the new restaurant coming to the space, the official ribbon-cutting took place Friday, Aug. 9, with Peachtree Corners Mayor Mike Mason and several members of the Peachtree Corners City Council on hand, including Weare Gratwick, Phil Sadd, Alex Wright, Joe Sawyer, Eric Christ, and Ora B. Douglass.

Sushi concept Sei Ryu will occupy the standalone jewel box situated in The Plaza.

After gaining 15 years of experience at chef-driven restaurants in Las Vegas and Boston, and locally at MF Bar Avalon and Sushi Mito, Chef Ranno Wuyan has decided to fully demonstrate his understanding and passion for sushi by opening a concept of his own, according to the release. 

Sei Ryu, a high-end Japanese restaurant specializing in appetizers and sushi – including omakase service, available by reservation only – will feature a Zen-like atmosphere with four distinct dining areas: a cocktail bar, a sushi bar, an indoor dining room, and rooftop patio overlooking The Plaza. 

More food, beverage choices

According to the news release, Chef Ranno adheres to the Japanese concept of Ichigo ichie, meaning to cherish each encounter as it may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. His menu will include items such as teppanyaki, premium A5 wagyu, bluefin tuna, seasonal offerings, and vegetarian and gluten-free options. 

All food will be prepared using top-quality ingredients sourced globally, with a particular emphasis on seafood from Toyosu Market in Tokyo, one of the largest fish markets in the world. 

The team also plans to regularly host activities like tuna-cutting shows and sake tastings to enhance the guest experience.

Sei Ryu will serve lunch and dinner. Chef Ranno and his business partner Tai Nguyen aim to open the restaurant by the Chinese New Year in late January 2025. Erica Nguyen with eXp Commercial represented Chef Ranno in the lease transaction.

But wait, there’s more.

According to NAP, Golestan, a new and innovative restaurant from the Naraghi family and Jamshad Jaamy Zarnegar, will also join The Forum’s food and beverage lineup. It embraces the rich traditions of Persian hospitality. 

Golestan, a famous collection of prose and stories from influential 15th-century poet Saadi Shirazi, translates to “flower or rose garden.” Playing off this theme, the restaurant will draw inspiration from ancient Persian architecture and culture in its overall design, creating a casual fine dining ambiance that feels timeless and contemporary. 

Located in the former California Pizza Kitchen, the team plans to transform the 5,175-square-foot space into a trendy, welcoming environment where diners can visit multiple times a week and have a fresh experience every time. 

An open kitchen will allow guests to witness the artistry behind traditional Persian fare, with a special emphasis on high-quality ingredients and a sophisticated presentation of each signature dish. The new establishment also plans to offer an international wine program, carefully curated by Zarnegar to complement the flavorful menu.

New retail, personal services additions 

In addition, NAP has signed new leases with several other brands, including national fashion retailer J.Crew Factory (opening in October)and beauty and personal care studio LaserAway. Sandie Cappai, owner of local home goods store Cappai Designs, has also signed a six-month license agreement to open a pop-up at The Forum in September. Cappai has operated multiple successful pop-ups at Avalon since 2020.

 “We’re aiming to strike the right balance of both familiar and new brands as we continue re-merchandising The Forum into Downtown Peachtree Corners’ go-to spot for shopping, dining, and all the little moments in between,” said Brooke Massey, NAP director of leasing in a written statement.  “It’s exciting to feel that energetic buzz throughout the property, and we have even more on the horizon.” 

Since taking over leasing responsibilities at The Forum in March 2022, NAP has signed 38 deals with new and existing tenants, including still-to-come Nando’s Peri-Peri, Politan Row at The Forum, Sucré, and The NOW Massage.

Information: https://theforumpeachtree.com/