The first location opened in Town Center at Cobb, and the second will go in Mall of Georgia, both of which are in the suburbs and owned by Simon Property Group. Cosi, operator of about 80 restaurants in 11 states mostly in the Northeast and Midwest, also entered Florida earlier this month. That store opened in a Burdine's-Macy's unit.

Deerfield, IL-based Cosi's deal to go into Federated Stores was first announced by officials in March. Cosi plans to open in 10 of the Cincinnati-based company's department stores across the country. Besides Atlanta, the deal will bring the chain into Memphis and Seattle.

During Cosi's third quarter, the company posted a year-on-year, same-store sales increase of 6.9%. The chain, which sells sandwiches, and coffees, closed two restaurants during the quarter.