news-record.com

GREENSBORO - One of the city's most popular chefs and one of its best-known developers will team up to open a new white-tablecloth restaurant downtown.

The restaurant, called Avenue, will be the centerpiece tenant on the first floor of Center Pointe, Roy Carroll's $40 million rehabilitation of the old Wachovia building at North Elm Street and Friendly Avenue.

Carroll, who was out of town Monday, has not released an opening date for the luxury condo project but has told the first tenants they can move in "in a matter of days."

The building's restaurant, which he will operate with chef Mitchell Nicks, will open in May.

Work began on Center Pointe more than two years ago, but from the beginning, Carroll has been in no hurry to identify a restaurant tenant.

"I was looking for the right restaurant concept and operator who would fit the vision I had for ... Center Pointe," Carroll said in a prepared statement. " ... I think that the selection of Mitchell Nicks hits our targeted mark."

Nicks, 46, has operated two eating places, Muse and Restaurant Pastiche, and served as chef at the defunct Greensboro City Club. He also has served as chef at Sedgefield Country Club.

Nicks said he and Carroll have been discussing a restaurant deal since October.

"The opportunity I have to work with Roy is something that you just don't find," Nicks said Monday. "This is something that just comes once in a lifetime."

Nicks said Avenue will feature a New American menu with dinner entrees ranging from $18 to $35. Lunch prices will range from $7 to $11.

Contact Donald W. Patterson at 373-7037 or don.patterson@news-record.com