Scofflaw to open new brewery in
Buckhead

The new Buckhead location will be Scofflaw's fourth taproom and brewery.

By Tyler Wilkins – Staff Reporter, Atlanta Business Chronicle

May 30, 2023

The Ardent Cos. plans to replace ground-level offices at Piedmont Center with retail space. A loading dock will be knocked out to make room for an entrance to a central courtyard surrounded by food and beverage options.

An Atlanta-based brewery plans to open a new Buckhead location. Scofflaw Brewing Co. is the first tenant to sign onto Oxton, a food and retail hub taking shape in 35,000 square feet of space at the base of Buildings 1-4 at Piedmont Center. The Ardent Cos. plans to break ground on the project in the third quarter. The brewery, poised to open next year, will take 5,500 square feet of space at a future courtyard entrance facing Piedmont Road.

"Pairing the captive audience of office workers and nearby residents with a brewery that is so passionate about what they do will make for a great opportunity for everyone to discover their new favorite place to gather in Buckhead," said Jonathan Dubovsky, managing director at Atlanta-based Ardent, in a statement.

Founded in 2015, Scofflaw first planted its flag on MacArthur Boulevard in Westside Atlanta. The beverage company later rolled out Dr. Scofflaw's at nearby The Works and recently opened a taproom in Columbus, Georgia. Buckhead guests will be able to taste signature beers and try a selection only available at the Oxton location, said Joe McIntyre, Scofflaw’s brewmaster and head of recipe development.

Ardent is working with Westbridge, Bridger Properties and Square Feet Studio Architects to pull off the transformation of the 1970s- era office park. The real estate team hopes to fill the remaining 25,000 square feet of space with local and regional food and beverage operators, as well as fitness and wellness tenants.

The rehabilitation of Piedmont Center kicked off a few years ago after Ardent gained control of the 14-building campus. The firm padded the property, spread across 45 acres, with eight spec suites for companies in need of flexible space. Switchyards, a members-only coworking space, is now open on the ground floor of Building 3.

The reinvestment into Piedmont Center is an example of the effort to retain tenants at older properties. In the era of hybrid work, companies are trading large workspaces for smaller ones in amenity-rich environments. Real experts say enhancing walkability, focusing on street-level experience and beefing up entertainment options could help restore the appeal of working in Buckhead, where office leasing has trailed behind Midtown and other Intown Atlanta districts in recent years.

Some of those ingredients are starting to pop up in the car-centric commercial district. Citizens Market, a food hall sandwiched between a large courtyard and luxury retailers, recently opened at Phipps Plaza. Selig Enterprises is upgrading facades, creating an open-air corridor and bringing new tenants to Lenox Marketplace, a 1990s-era retail center now rebranded as The Block at Phipps.

About The Ardent Companies

Ardent operates as a privately held real estate firm focused on opportunistic and diversified investment strategies. With significant industry experience and a demonstrated track record, Ardent leverages its established relationships and capital flexibility to attain a diverse set of risk-adjusted investments. The firm pursues opportunities with an innovative and disciplined approach, making material investments together with our limited partners for maximum alignment. As the firm continues to build upon its infrastructure, portfolio, and footprint, Ardent is committed to creating a positive impact on its employees, investors, and communities.

Founded in 2012, Ardent has invested over $4.2 billion with $2.2 billion in assets currently under management. Ardent’s investment strategies extend across state lines and country borders, with a current presence in 30 states and two countries. As Ardent expands upon its geographic footprint, the firm continues to grow its employee base with team members based in Atlanta, Charlotte, and New York City as well as the United Kingdom.