MetroFresh's Midtown Promenade cafe is out of commission for now, sidelined by a late night fire last Friday that left the storefront badly damaged but spared everyone inside. Owner and chef Mitchell Anderson says a lithium battery in a leaf blower sparked the blaze, and the team is now deep in the world of insurance adjusters and repair plans. Until the Monroe Drive kitchen is back in action, regulars are being steered to the Peachtree "Uptown" location for their usual sandwiches, soups and cocktails.
Owner blames leaf-blower battery
Per What Now Atlanta, Anderson said the fire broke out around 11 p.m. and that "a lithium battery from a leaf blower sparked the fire." No injuries were reported, and Atlanta Fire Rescue responded to contain the flames, according to the outlet. Anderson told the site his crew is working with insurance representatives to sort out the damage and promised to keep the neighborhood posted as a timeline for repairs takes shape.
Peachtree outpost will handle service for now
While the Midtown Promenade spot is shut, MetroFresh is sending diners to its Uptown counter at One Midtown Plaza. That Peachtree outpost at 1360 Peachtree St NE serves weekday breakfast and lunch and runs a Thursday happy hour, according to Eater Atlanta. The Midtown Promenade directory lists the flagship address as 931 Monroe Drive and confirms the cafe's spot in the BeltLine-adjacent shopping center, as shown in the listing on Midtown Promenade.
Midtown staple since 2005
MetroFresh has been a Midtown fixture since 2005, founded by actor turned restaurateur Mitchell Anderson and known for its rotating seasonal menus and dog-friendly patio, Rough Draft Atlanta reported. The restaurant later added the Uptown counter to capture weekday office traffic, and the Monroe Drive original has been a frequent pit stop for BeltLine users and nearby residents. Neighbors say the temporary shutdown leaves a noticeable hole on the block, and many are keeping an eye out for any word on when doors might reopen.
What’s next
Anderson told What Now Atlanta that the team is still assessing the extent of the damage with its insurance provider before setting a reopening date, adding that he is simply grateful no one was hurt. MetroFresh plans to share updates on its official channels as repair details get locked in.
