Fast-casual eatery Recess, which operates a food stall in Krog Street Market, Tuesday announced plans to expand to Buckhead later this year. It will open adjacent to the landmark Buckhead Theatre in Buckhead Village’s Hanover Building.
“Recess will introduce a new, re-imagined version of its fast-casual food stall at Krog Street Market,” according to the announcement. “Recess Buckhead will open as the first of future Recess locations specially designed for a more streamlined and advanced approach to guest convenience. The Krog Street Market favorite will reopen its food stall outpost early this fall with refreshed vibes and a first look at the brand’s expanded offerings.”
In addition to its grains, whole proteins, and seasonal vegetables, as Recess expands, so will its menu. Guests can expect more “robust” options including sandwiches, salad, and grain bowl creations, and family meals. Recess will also offer the ability to “build your own meal.”
The brainchild of Castellucci Hospitality Group CEO Fred Castellucci, co-founder of hospitality software venture Gather, Nick Miller, and local tech veteran Erik Göranson, who now serves as CEO of Recess, the flagship Buckhead location will introduce a new restaurant model with a design that “reimagines everyday dining & solves the complex problems restaurants have been facing behind the scenes due to the pandemic.”
“With the mission to thoughtfully merge convenience and hospitality, Recess Buckhead’s focalized approach will introduce convenient ordering methods, reimagined floor plans, contactless pick-up options, and delivery capabilities,” according to the announcement. “The new brand will integrate off-premise operations & delivery, an advanced mobile ordering experience, utilize kitchens optimized for curbside pick-up and delivery with dedicated parking spaces and food runners.”
Erik Göranson will lead the new venture.
“The pandemic accelerated a number of dining changes that are here to stay,” Göranson said. “During my time at Gather, I learned first-hand how to identify & integrate the best restaurant technology systems to reduce employee friction and create a better guest experience. With Fred’s vast understanding of incredible customer service, delicious food, branding & marketing, we have succeeded in cultivating a radically new restaurant concept with home-grown technology and a high-growth mindset built into its DNA.”
With plans to continue the brand’s growth throughout Atlanta and the Southeast, each new Recess, designed by Martin Rickles Studio, will be “thoughtfully selected to accommodate this level of flexible dining & specific needs within each respective market as the hospitality industry continues to navigate systems and services to accommodate a post-COVID world.”
Recess Buckhead will open later this year for lunch and dinner, at 3150 Roswell Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30305, which is owned and operated by The Loudermilk Companies.
