The upscale craft cocktail and sake lounge was inspired by classic Japanese-style bartending and bar-keeping.
Piggybacking off the success of Umi Sushi in Buckhead, co-owner Farshid Arshid and his partners are moving forward with plans for a new concept, Himitsu Lounge, a few suites over.
A building permit application was filed with City of Atlanta this week to begin the buildout process for the lounge inspired by classic Japanese-style bartending and bar-keeping, at 3050 Peachtree Road NE, in the One Buckhead Plaza development.
Himitsu is Japanese for “secret,” Arshid told What Now Atlanta in a telephone conversation Sunday.
“We’re developing a world-class concept in an unsuspecting space with office frontage,” Arshid said. “We want guests to walk in and react with, ‘Whoa. I didn’t expect this.'”
The lounge will act as an “extension” of Umi affording diners a place to enjoy a craft cocktail while waiting for their table at the neighboring sushi joint, or a spot for an after-dinner spirit.
“Himitsu will provide a place for us to send guests while they wait for their table at Umi. We’re also tossing around the idea of serving desserts. There aren’t many proper lounges in Atlanta for after-dinner that’s more adult or sophisticated.”
Arshid visited Tokyo earlier this year in gathering research for the soon-to-open lounge.
“Lounges are very customary in Tokyo. The spaces are typically small but highly curated. In Tokyo, it’s more about service and execution than the program itself. The accuracy you receive from whomever is executing behind the bar is unparalleled.”
Himitsu will be open Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and possibly Wednesday, according to Arshid. Reservations will be required.
“The function of the space isn’t a financial one. It’s about the experience. We are going to require reservations to keep the space from being over packed and turning into a standing room.”
An estimated $75,000 will be spent renovating the 1,722-square-foot space (formerly a lounge) into the new concept, according to the permit filing.
Himitsu is expected to open in early May.
Photo: Tom Dixon Design
