Every Friday Roots in Alpharetta features an article on food and dining in a series called Foodie Friday.

The Canton Street invasion of downtown Alpharetta continues. Sources tell me that Louis Soon is behind the new restaurant buildout at 9 South Main Street. This space was formerly home to short-lived Tap on Main and The Coffee Pot.

Soon served as the general manager of all three restaurants in Roswell’s legendary F&H Food Trading Group – Salt Factory, Little Alley and Opluent. Looks like he’s gone out on his own for a new concept. Unfortunately we don’t know what that concept will be at this point. But we do know that the city will close the adjacent Jones Avenue. It will become a pedestrian alley in addition to an outdoor seating area for this restaurant.

Just around the corner will be a new coffee shop called Mugs on Milton. They will open in January on Milton Avenue right next to Gallery 35. Expect coffee of course in addition to fresh baked goods.

And speak of baked goods… a location of Nothing Bundt Cakes is opening on Windward next to Five Guys. This is a franchise outfit out of California. Milton will be only their second store in Georgia. I’m told a soft opening starts today.

A new restaurant called Volcano Asian Bistro will erupt into Xian’s old space on Windward. We know nothing else about the concept but are happy to see this space remain Asian. I call this area Milton’s cul-de-sac of international cuisine.

Crabapple’s Sip Wine & Tapas will open a location at The Collection Forsyth (formerly The Avenue) in the former Four40 Kitchen+Bar space. Even though most restaurants have done well at The Collection, the 440 location has been cursed. Yet I think this is a perfect fit for Sip, a restaurant that’s been eying Forsyth County for a while.

A little bit down Peachtree Parkway will be Cuoco Italian Table. They’ll be in a hidden little shopping center near the intersection of Sharon Road. The lack of visibility here has sunk two previous Italian concepts in the same storefront (Luce and Biba’s).

Thankfully I have only one closure to announce this month. Growler store Blind Murphy tapped out. The founders are in a hurry to open a brewery (likely to be outside of Alpharetta). Georgia’s alcohol law won’t allow them to operate a retail store at the same time. While they were influential in changing Alpharetta’s alcohol laws (often to their own favor), it’s ironic that convoluted alcohol laws did them in.

Restaurants Coming Soon

Great Harvest Bread – Should open any day now on Windward next to Mambo’s Cafe.

Urban Spice – Mexican/Indian fusion concept that Azul Agave will become.

Sweet Monkey Frozen Yogurt & Cupcakes – Froyo concept to open at The Collection Forsyth.

Tower Burger – South Main Street in a former Sonic Drive-in.

Dunkin Donuts – New construction on Peachtree Parkway near Dutch Monkey Doughnuts.

37 Main – A Rock Cafe – Restaurant and music venue opening in the former Barnacles location in Johns Creek.

Penny’s Popping Delights – Gourmet popcorn retailer coming soon to Mansell Road near The Melting Pot.

DaVinci’s Donuts – Cake doughnut makers opening next year on South Main Street near Alfresco.

850°F Bar Pizza - Neapolitan pizzeria coming to Crabapple.

Kickshaw Grill - Asian steakhouse opening on North Main near Campania.

First Watch – They will anchor the new shopping center being built on Old Milton and North Point.