I think the second floor location was a killer. Not because people are too fat but because it was in an improbable place, up a very sterile looking staircase behind a glass door to an empty tile foyer and it wasn't particularly obvious from ground level. Walk by the Bristol on the same block and it's hard to resist going in the place; not quite the same for the Peachtree. The service was also a bit of an issue I understand (although decent, not great, on our one visit).

A lot more sophistication too. Went to a terrible high end Italian place in Houston today. This is just an anecdotal observation I've had lately about such places. In the midwest (and I'll include Houston in that), Italian food seems to be going the way of Mexican food; taste and sophistication matter far less than having a large serving size. In Houston, the high end Italian places are 1) disapointing and 2) struggle to compete with the slop houses that serve more food than the average human can eat. Good places are empty and "Hasta La Pasta" out in the burbs is packed every night (the name paints an accurate picture of this place).

I think if Chef Boyardee opened a restaurant in an Overland Park strip mall, and served spaghetti and ravioli in gallon buckets, every other Italian place in the area would be in serious trouble.

Chingon, you need to relax, I was making a joke.

even Olive Garden?

I'm pretty sure Olive Garden has all you can eat pasta, so the value proposition is there. You could eat more than a gallon, if you're so inclined. Also, don't forget they have a culinary institute in Tuscany!