Todd Semrau is a long-time Atlanta resident and entrepreneur. He has been an advocate for reimagining communities by uncovering the culture and characteristics that make those communities unique. Todd is an advocate of the small, incremental development movement and Ray Oldenburg’s Third Place philosophy that champions the development of local approachable gathering places. Mr. Semrau holds an Urban Planning and Economic Development Graduate Certificate and a BBA from Georgia State University.
In 1995, Todd opened a restaurant in East Atlanta Village that served as a community gathering spot and a catalyst for neighborhood growth. Although it wasn’t a popular term yet, the restaurant was in fact an example of a New Urbanism Model, as restaurants often anchor the rebuilding efforts of neighborhoods.
In 2006, Todd launched Urban Eats Consulting Group, a full-service consultancy providing food and beverage concept development for clients across the hospitality industry. Market sectors included food halls, food streets, department store food offerings, hotels, and restaurants. Over time, the Urban Eats business model expanded to include the curation of retail corridors for mixed-use developments, central business districts, and lifestyle centers.
In an effort to better serve these markets, Semrau formed Urban Retail Advisors to provide retail placemaking, high-level infrastructure guidance, and brokerage advisement to developers, property owners, and municipalities. URA’s strategy is to create unique experiences by harnessing the heartbeat of a community. Along with Oakhurst Realty Partners, URA has worked on projects with many notable companies including AMLI Residential, The Novare Group, Trilith Real Estate, Alliance Residential, and The City of Sugar Hill, GA.
The Urban Retail Advisor’s approach today is the same as it was in 1995; creating authentic destinations that stand the test of time and reflect the communities they serve.
Let’s create something unique.