Tacos And Massages: 6 Business Openings, Expansions To Know In GA

GEORGIA — Not only are new restaurants popping up around town, existing businesses are spreading their footprints across metro Atlanta.

Some are opening their first location in the region while others are expanding, adding to the economic landscape in the local communities.

Here are six openings to know about:

Duluth is now host to The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett.

A grand opening for the new 348-room hotel was held Thursday in the Gas South District, according to a news release. It is located at 6450 Sugarloaf Pkwy.

Owned by Concord Hospitality, the chain hotel has at least 27,000 square feet and has 16 event facilities. A presidential suite featuring a private terrace, two hospitality suites with outdoor terraces and four executive level and six standard suites are available, according to the release.

“Concord Hospitality recognized the Gas South District as an ideal market for our newest hotel because of its endless synergies and our opportunity to grow within Gwinnett County, the second-most populous county in Georgia,” Mark Castriota, Westin Atlanta Gwinnett’s general manager, said in the release.

“Opening our doors in the heart of this 118-acre campus is a major draw with unmatched convenience for our guests to enjoy an exceptional array of nearby sports, entertainment, shopping and dining experiences. We look forward to making it a must-visit destination for travelers and residents of Georgia and the Southeast.”

The Westin showcases a rooftop bar, Sunday jazz brunch, outdoor fire pits, water displayers and other amenities. It also operates its signature restaurant, SweetSong Kitchen and Bar, and its WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio.

Call 770-709-6322 for reservations.

Relax. Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa is now in Stonecrest.

The husband and wife-owned franchise opened on March 10 at Privi in The Mall of Stonecrest, 8020 Mall Pkwy., Suite C1070, according to a news release.

Franchise owners Vaughn and Cassandra Irons were drawn to Hand and Stone's health and wellness offerings and spa services, leading them to open their first spa in the Hand and Stone system, the release said.

“Recognizing Stonecrest's proximity to Atlanta, we are steadfast in our conviction that this community rightfully deserves more opportunities for growth and development," the Irons said in the release. "We are confident Hand and Stone will be an excellent addition to the Stonecrest business community. We are here to provide a haven for relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care, and we can't wait to be a part of this vibrant community's journey towards a healthier and more balanced lifestyle."

The new spa offers a plethora of massage services, including: Swedish, Himalayan salt, sports, deep tissue, oncology and prenatal massages.

Hot stone massages, advanced skincare services and facial and hair removal treatments are provided at the spa.

Hours of operation: 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

Georgia's first CHEF'STORE is opening soon in Sandy Springs.

No membership is required at the new store, opening at 6337 Roswell Road NE, according to a news release.

A grand opening date is unknown though the company said it plans to open the US Foods-owned business later this year.

The Sandy Springs location is one of five slated to open. CHEF'STORE is planning new stores in Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon and North Carolina.

A self-proclaimed one-stop shop, CHEF'STORE caters to restaurant operators and other food industry professionals. It also services community groups and at-home chefs who need to quickly stock up or replenish ingredients and supplies by the case and in individual quantities, the release said.

“We are thrilled to enhance our store footprint into new areas of the country where we can serve existing and new customers with exceptional value and service, and a vast selection of competitively priced restaurant-quality products and supplies,” CHEF'STORE President Irfan Badibanga said in the release.

“Our continued growth plans support our commitment to serving independent restaurant owners, food service operators and community members with the products they need, exactly when they need them.”

Fresh produce, meat, dairy, beverages, restaurant equipment, catering items and janitorial supplies will be sold at CHEF'STORE.

The store will be open daily, according to the release.

Midtown will be the new home of Emilio's Tacos and Tequila Bar this year.

With a Southwest Mexican influence, Emilio's will open at 1105 West Peachtree, according to a news release. An official opening date was not immediately available, but the release said a target date is in the summer.

Emilio's will sit on the ground floor, near 13th Street and Peachtree Walk, according to the release.

The new restaurant marks the eighth concept by owners Scott McCray and Scott Kerns, who co-own Let's Eat and Drink Hospitality Group. The pair also owns McCray's Tavern, Hamp and Harry's and Carolyn's Cafe in metro Atlanta, according to the release.

“We are thrilled to bring the vibrant flavors of Mexico to Midtown Atlanta with the opening of Emilio’s this year,” McCray said in the release. “Midtown is a dynamic community in the heart of the city, and has been craving the authentic taste of Mexican cuisine in an eclectic setting. We are eager to fill that gap and create a culinary haven that delights and satisfies guests no matter their taste palette.”

Menu items will include homestyle and street-style tacos, burritos, enchiladas, quesadillas and house specialties.

Hours of operation are unknown, and an official company website was not immediately available.

Wake up, Dunwoody! Snooze, an A.M. Eatery has opened near Perimeter Mall.

In continuing its run of new restaurants across metro Atlanta, Snooze opened on March 13 at 4585 Ashford Dunwoody Road.

The new location now makes seven Snooze operations in the metro Atlanta area.

“We’re excited to continue to grow our Snooze community in Georgia with our seventh location in the Atlanta area” David Birzon, Snooze chief executive officer, said in a news release. “Our beautiful new location is conveniently located near Perimeter Mall for guests to enjoy our fresh take on breakfast in a laid-back and fun atmosphere.”

Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, promises to serve "breakfast but different," according to its website.

Dine-in, carry out, delivery and catering orders are accepted. A seasonal spring menu is offered at the establishment.

The restaurant offers an array of breakfast meals, ranging from the kale and avocado quinoa bowl to the blueberry danish pancakes to Juan's breakfast tacos. Huevos tostadas, the double bacon sandwich, maple and black pepper glazed bacon and the smashed avocado benny are also on the menu.

Hours of operation: 6:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. weekdays and 6:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Kennesaw, Caribou Coffee is now pouring java in your town.

But, don't worry Loganville. Caribou is planning to open in this city, as well.

Caribou, 3280 Barrett Lakes Blvd., officially opened Wednesday in Kennesaw. A grand opening celebration is slated to continue through March 31, according to a company news release.

The coffee shop has seven locations in Atlanta.

On its menu, Caribou offers the tastes of the following: Northern Lite latte, the white chocolate espresso shaker, caramel high rise, the lumberjack breakfast sandwich, a maple waffle sandwich, chicken chorizo burrito, oatmeal, bagels and lemonades and teas. Gluten free options are available.

Indoor and outdoor seating is available, as well as drive-thru ordering, at the Kennesaw Caribou.

Per its website, Caribou will open its Loganville location at 4360 Atlanta Hwy. The site says the restaurant is "opening soon." According to the release, the Loganville drive-thru is set to open in late March.

Hours of operation: 5 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday and 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.