Dreamland BBQ Announces It Will Not Rebuild

Six months ago on a wintery afternoon fire destroyed the Dreamland BBQ restaurant located on the corner of Peachtree Parkway and Peachtree Corners Circle. And just days later the Birmingham, Alabama-based company vowed it would rebuild.

But on Wednesday, Dreamland BBQ's CEO announced in a press release that the company would not reopen its Peachtree Corners location.

"After a great deal of consideration, we have decided to seek alternative sites ... said Betsy McAtee. "In recent weeks Dreamland and the property's owner were unable to reach amenable lease terms moving forward," she said.

Despite the company's promise to rebuild and have a new restaurant opened by May 31, Dreamland did not submit building plans to the City of Peachtree Corners until sometime in May, four months after the Jan. 15th fire.

Diana Wheeler, the city's community planning director, said that the city reviewed the plans and returned them three weeks later with changes notated that were needed to meet the city's building codes including meeting the Overlay District requirements.

"Then nothing happened," said Wheeler. "We followed up with them several times and they said that 'they were working on it.'"  Then the city was notified Tuesday that Dreamland would not be renewing its lease.

But according to Moe Majidi, who owns the property, it was due to the city dragging its feet in getting the plans approved that created the problem. "I am in a big mess right now because of Peachtree Corners," said Majidi. "I don't have a permit, they (Dreamland) weren't happy, I don't blame them."

The landlord maintained that it was he that who needed to obtain the building permit. But according to the city, a building permit would have been issued to Dreamland's contractor after the city had approved the final plans. 

Regardless of the reason for Dreamland's decision, one long-time resident was delighted to hear the news.

"I am thrilled that a source-polluter barbecue joint will NOT be located on a prime corner in the city of Peachtree Corners," said Gay Shook, former chairman of the UPCCA's Peachtree Parkway Improvement Project.

What do you think of Dreamland's announcement? Were you looking forward to the restaurant reopening? Use the comment box below and let us know.