Introducing Sozou: the first in a series of chef-driven concepts that will be announced for Spring Quarter, the premier mixed-use development transforming an entire city block in Midtown. National developer Portman announced that Sozou, a culinary concept from Chef Fuyuhiko Ito will open at the project in November 2024. The restaurant will push the boundaries of contemporary Japanese cuisine. 

Sozou’s extraordinary dining experience will come to life on the ground floor of 1020 Spring St, Spring Quarter’s remarkable and new Class-A office tower. The name Sozou encapsulates imagination and creativity, which guests will feel through the restaurant's incredible menu, mixology program and elegant interiors. Sozou will feature a main kitchen, robata grill and sushi counter, and serve the freshest, highest-quality ingredients sourced from the world's finest fish markets. 

Sozou’s culinary maestro is Chef Fuyuhiko Ito, best known for serving as Executive Chef of Umi in Buckhead. With a wealth of experience and passion for Japanese cuisine, he will deliver innovative and authentic dishes. Chef Lisa Ito, a true artist of desserts, will bring her delectable creations to Sozou. The team has enlisted renowned designer Noriyoshi Muramatsu from Studio Glitt in Tokyo to infuse natural stones and earthy elements into the space. Ozan Bayar is Sozuo’s managing director and founder, and he brings his extensive experience in operating upscale restaurants.

“At Sozou, we believe in creating more than just meals; we're crafting experiences that resonate with your senses and leave an indelible mark on your memory,” said Chef Ito. “Sozou will be a place that blends authenticity and sophistication and will play an important role in making Spring Street Midtown’s newest dining destination. We look forward to inviting the people of Atlanta and beyond to join us on a culinary adventure like no other.”

In addition to the main dining space, the team will debut Omakase by Ito on the 8th floor rooftop of 1020 Spring. With breathtaking views of Midtown, Chef Ito will create seasonal specialties for private guests. In this uniquely personalized experience, Chef Ito has the opportunity to adjust his dishes to suit the personality of diners. 

“Chef Ito has been a culinary icon in Atlanta since he opened MF Sushi Buckhead and followed soon after with the opening of Umi,” said Dotan Zuckerman, Portman’s Head of Retail Development. “Over the last 20 years, I have had the pleasure of following his career and watching him become one of the most incredible sushi chefs in the country. We are proud to bring him back to Atlanta to open his very own flagship restaurant, and are honored he chose Portman and Spring Quarter for the debut of Sozou.”

Spring Quarter is anchored by the historic H.M. Patterson Home and Gardens. The mixed-use community also includes Sora, Spring Quarter’s 370-unit luxury residential tower. Sora and 1020 Spring will rise against the backdrop of The Patterson’s rich history and timeless architecture. Its lush gardens will spring to life with street-level energy and ground-floor retail.

“We are gearing up to announce the anchor tenant for The Patterson, and can’t wait to introduce another chef-driven concept from a renowned Atlanta restaurateur,” continued Zuckerman. “We are thoughtfully preserving the soul and character of the historic building while also transforming the space into an alluring, morning-to-night food and beverage destination.”

Portman will complete Spring Quarter in Q3 2024. Also in Atlanta, Portman recently delivered Junction Krog District, a 135,000-square-foot, Class-A office building with ground-floor retail fronting the Atlanta BeltLine. Portman has announced Yuji, a new Japanese concept by Kinjo Enterprise, LLC, and YEPPA&co as the first restaurants joining the project, set to open Summer 2024. Junction Krog District features a massive, 7,000-square-foot public porch that Portman will activate with live music and other experiences for the community. 

To learn more about Portman, visit www.portmanholdings.com.