Downtown Duluth A Buzz With New Businesses

DULUTH, GA – A new restaurant is under construction, and four more businesses are filling up vacant storefront space in Duluth.

This N That and the Work Spot are open for business with Pure Taqueria, The Boiler Room, and Planet Icy in development. “It feels like we have a sudden surge,” said Duluth Economic Development Manager Chris McGahee, “but we have been working on some of these projects for two years.”  

Pure Taqueria broke ground last Monday (Feb. 7) at Main Street and Ga. Hwy. 120. Excavation work started Tuesday. Franchisees Rich Dennis, Bill Weaver and Randy Ensch are building the 2,700-square-foot restaurant next to the Red Clay Theatre. Pure Taqueria is slated to open in early May.

Rayann Larsen opened the Work Spot, a co-worker environment, on Main Street in the Mathias/Street Smarts building. An open house is planned for Feb. 25. The Work Spot offers work space for traveling professionals in sales, real estate and other fields. Part-time or 24/7 access is available.

Planet Icy is scheduled to open in April on the corner of West Lawrenceville and Main streets. Proprietor Darlene Collins plans to serve shaved ice in 57 flavors and Nathan’s brand hot dogs 

Matt Silva, who creates costumes and sets for the film and TV industry, set up a shop next to Boudreax’s Cajun Market. Some of his credits include skeletal remains for the feature film “The Book of Eli.” He also collects quirky items for sale.  

Larry and Jeanne Hall opened This N That, a collectibles shop. The Halls travel all over Northeast Georgia collecting items to bring back to their 130-year-old Main Street location. This N That is open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.