UPDATE (January 11, 2019): Tin Drum Asian Kitchen Decatur To Host Grand Opening Feb. 9
Tin Drum Franchisees Altaf and Amisha Popatiya later this year will open a location of the fast-casual eatery in the under-construction North Decatur Square development, at 1555 Church Street.
This is the third Tin Drum franchise for the Popatiyas who own the Sandy Springs and Newnan locations.
The 2,000-square-foot North Decatur Square restaurant could open mid-December, 2018, Steven Chan, Tin Drum’s founder and CEO, told What Now Atlanta in a telephone interview earlier this month.
In the new location, Chan is giving the brand a “thematic refresh” going back to its roots as a “sidewalk cafe.”
“The streets of Asia is the vibe we’re going for at Tin Drum,” Chan said.
“The street is never perfect. It’s a little loud, there’s movement, it’s unexpected, and the function of a street is for the public to enjoy whether you’re poor or rich. That’s the DNA that has been there since the beginning.”
A retail component will also be introduced at the new Tin Drum.
“We’re going to bring in street snacks and cultural items, and put things on the shelf that share the culture of Asia,” Chan said.
Everything from books to Japanese streetwear.
“Maybe we’ll retail pimple patches which are popular in Asia. These items are not necessarily made to generate any income but will be fun to share. It’s an experiment.”
Tin Drum’s menu will also be expanded in the new location with the addition of “healthier items.”
“I’m tempted to say ‘salads’ but it’s not really salads that we’re adding,” Chan said.
“The flavor will be bold and exciting, but on a healthier side.”
Chan and his team are also testing fried chicken which is slated to appear on the menu during the restaurant’s grand opening.
“Whether those items will be permanent menu staples, we don’t know.”
