In City Paper’s February 26 article “Reality show makeover might leave locals confused,” writer Angela Hanyak reported on Park Circle spot Cork Bistro’s transformation from Cork to Cannon Trattoria via a reality TV show called Belly Up! led by Atlanta chef Eddie Russell. “Owner Tradd Gibbs and Executive Chef Heather Edwards pled their case for a spot on the show,” Hanyak wrote. And, after winning the coveted spot, the restaurant redux included a full menu makeover and rebranding. But two months later it appears Cork has come back. A message posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page Monday stated:
“For the past 2 months, you, our customers, have been part of a social experiment… but now that is over… and GUESS WHAT!!! CORK IS BACK- AND BETTER THAN EVER!!! The sign, until we get ours back- will still say Cannon- but GUARANTEED- everything else will say Cork!! So tomorrow- come and see us, enjoy some of your old favorites, and a few of Chef Heather’s new creations, and help us welcome back Cork Neighborhood Bistro!!!!!”
City Paper left a message for Gibbs and Edwards, but the call has not been returned. We reached out to the Cooking Channel to see when the Cork episode will air and were told it is not currently scheduled to run.