Pochino Italy Opens in Kennesaw and More Metro Atlanta Restaurant News of the Week

“We felt like there was a real gap in the U.S. market for a quick Italian meal that truly represented the authentic ingredients the country is known for, and didn’t sacrifice quality,” said Giuseppe Barbera, who co-founded the concept with Jennifer Erdman. The restaurant team also includes two partners based in Italy.

The 1,700-square-foot space offers seating for 44 guests, including an outdoor patio. Hours of operation are as follows: The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

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Pellet factory, owned by the team behind Buford Highway restaurant Northern China Eatery, is set to open July 5 in the Westside Paper development at 950 W. Marietta St. NW. Learn more about the restaurant here.

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Local Three, located at 3290 Northside Parkway NW in Atlanta, will close from June 29 to August 29. 4 for kitchen improvements.

Local Three is part of Unsukay Restaurants, which also owns Roshambo in Buckhead and Muss & Turner’s, Eleanor’s and MTH Pizza in Smyrna.

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Credit: Courtesy of Mojave

Credit: Courtesy of Mojave

Latin American Restaurant Mojavethat Miguel and Rachel Ayoub opened five years ago at 6450 Powers Ferry Road NW in Sandy Springs, has been sold to Rainer Shaw and his wife, Lana Yakovleva.

Shaw previously served as regional operations manager for Le Bilboquet in Buckhead and area manager for AG Entertainment, managing operations for nightlife concepts such as Compound, Republic, Onyx and Gold Room.

Yakovleva, who is chief operating officer of First Fidelity Financial Group in Atlanta, also has extensive experience in the hospitality industry.

Christian Evans, who was previously executive chef at the now-closed Dorian Gray restaurant, will serve as executive chef at Mojave. He also worked in the kitchens of the Ritz Carlton Buckhead and the Intercontinental Buckhead as well as Nine Mile Station at Ponce City Market.

The 6,800-square-foot restaurant will make changes “designed to enhance the overall dining experience while maintaining the unique atmosphere our guests love,” according to a press release. Mojave will relaunch in late August.

The Ayoubs also own the neighboring R&C Kitchen and Rose & Crown Tavern.

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Credit: Courtesy of Tuan Huynh

Credit: Courtesy of Tuan Huynh

Adrian Villarreal was announced as culinary director of Real tacos, the restaurant he founded in Atlanta nearly a decade ago. Villarreal, who sold Rreal Tacos to Damian Otero and Miguel Hernandez in 2021, most recently served as culinary director of Rye restaurants, which include The General Muir and West Egg Cafe.

Over the coming months, Villarreal will begin introducing seasonal or regional menu specialties at each of the seven Rreal Tacos locations in the metro Atlanta area.

The company has locations in Sandy Springs, Midtown, West Midtown, Sugar Hill, Cumming, Chamblee and Buckhead, and plans to expand outside of Georgia.

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Credit: Courtesy of 103 West

Credit: Courtesy of 103 West

Buckhead Event Space 103 Westowned by Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, will reopen this summer under the management of Novara Events.

Owned and operated by Myrna Antar, Novare Events manages events at several Atlanta venues, including the Biltmore Ballrooms, The Foundry at Puritan Mill and Summerour Studio.

Located at 103 West Paces Ferry Road, 103 West is one of Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s many concepts, including Atlanta Fish Market, Bistro Niko, Buckhead Bread Company and Corner Café, Chops Lobster Bar, The Club at Chops, Kyma and Pricci .

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Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant Takorea is closing its doors this weekend after 10 years in the Georgetown Mall at 4474 Chamblee Dunwoody Road in Dunwoody, Tomorrow’s News Today reports. A Midtown location closed in 2019. Founder Tomas Lee also owns Hankook Taqueria, which remains open on Collier Road in northwest Atlanta.

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Florida-based bakery chain Rosette Bakery is set to open in the Two Buckhead Plaza development at 3050 Peachtree Road NW, What Now Atlanta reports. The menu includes focaccia, sandwiches, pastries and coffee. In addition to Florida, Rosetta also has locations in New Jersey and New York.

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Chinese restaurant Chief Wang is set to close after service on July 14, a year after replacing Doc Chey’s at 563 Memorial Drive in Grant Park, Tomorrow’s News Today reports.

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Ramyun Gallery is set to open on the second floor of the Duluth International Village shopping center at 2645 N. Berkeley Lake Road NW in Duluth, What Now Atlanta reports. Ramyun is a Korean version of the Japanese noodle dish ramen, with topping options including egg and kimchi.

More restaurant news

Gene’s opens in East Lake in July for smoked meats and Jell-O shots

Brick and Mortar Chef Residency Program Replacing Daily and Sides at Pullman Yards

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