In addition to our normal news coverage, What Now Atlanta is tracking ways Atlanta’s businesses are adapting to the novel coronavirus and the challenges it brings to brick-and-mortars.
Gusto! is opening its Chastain Park restaurant for the first time Friday, May 8, the company Thursday announced on its Facebook page.
But Owner Nate Hybl won’t be opening the restaurant’s shiny-new dining room, even though the restauranteur is allowed to as ordered by Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp as of April 27.
“Needless to say, this will not be nor feel like a normal grand opening for us,” Hybl said in a prepared statement.
“We’ll be opening the doors of our beautiful new shop, but with a limited-service model of take-away, curbside pickup, and delivery options. We will also refrain from any major marketing campaigns that might encourage a crowd. From our current perspective, this is the safest strategy for our team members and our new neighborhood.”
The fast-growing chain is also “hooking up our first 50 orders through the gusto! app and carry out” with five gift cards per order, each valid for one free entrée.
Those same orders will also include gusto! t-shirts while supplies last.
Gusto! Christian replaces Cheeseburger Bobby’s, at 4365 Roswell Rd, Suite 4371, in the Roswell Wieuca Shopping Center.
Hybl made the decision on April 26 to keep the dining rooms of his six gusto! restaurants closed indefinitely.
“Frankly, the enthusiasm of our newest team members has given us a morale boost,” Hybl said.
“These men and women were eager to get to work…chomping at the bit to lift off this new business and their relationship with us. So cool.”
It will be interesting to see if when the Alpharetta location opens later this year, it will be with or without its dining room.
[Editor’s note: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is rapidly evolving as is its effect on Atlanta, and the City’s businesses and its residents. Click here for What Now Atlanta’s ongoing coverage of the crisis. For guidance and updates on the pandemic, please visit the C.D.C. website.]
8 Responses
Gusto?
Now is the time to support your neighborhood independent retailers.
I hear ya, but don’t forget that franchise model often (certainly not always) means locally owned small business. I tend to avoid chains, but when I go to one I’m often pleasantly surprised at finding that local small business presence.
Gusto on Ponce was a good example. I went once when it was new. Food was surprisingly good, and I had the distinct impression of a “poured my life savings into buying this franchise” type owner.
My household quarantine is so strict that I may also be waxing nostalgic about ANY restaurant experience.
You make some good points there!
Restaurants were our main source of weekend entertainment.
I really miss going out to eat, and it’s making meal planning a little tiring
because neither one of us is very accomplished at cooking.
We’re getting a little more adventurous in the kitchen though.
I’m attempting Shakshuka tonight, and I found a tasty sounding recipe online for Mushroom Stroganoff. Mmm…
Understand it’s a chain, but isn’t it just in Atlanta? I’m not sure what qualifies as independent, but it seems like a pretty small operation.
Also, I just love their food. It was the last place I ate before the quarantine started and might be the first place I go now that it’s lifting.
I’ve never eaten at a gusto! but it looks pretty good. May have to try it out since it’s a local group
Hi guys: This no franchise, it’s an Atlanta-born brand that serves its neighborhoods in meaningful ways. I did “pour my life” into every shop, and I’m glad that’s what was taken away! Again, not a franchise, but an Atlanta creation with a soul.
We hope to serve you soon! Nate Hybl
Great to hear from you Nate, and best of luck in these trying times!
You’re doing great work Nate! Keep it up.