Tommy Allegood

A Message From the

As we usher in the holiday spirit throughout oour city, we’re reminded of what a blessed year Acworth has had in 2022. We began this year celebrating all the good things to come, and now we’re welcoming a season of joy and thanksgiving.

There’s so much about the holidays that makes things feel really special. Whether it’s the cooler weather coming in or the joy among neighbors in the hustle and bustle of the season, there’s a magic in the air that seems to reiterate everything wonderful about our city. We hope you enjoy the holidays here in Acworth this year. With lots of events and festivities planned for the city, we look forward to your family making unforgettable memories.

With 2023 swiftly approaching, our next generation of leaders on the city team is excited to keep moving forward, creating and sustaining a great quality of life for our residents. This year, we updated the structure of our leadership by implementing multiple deputy city managers to create more efficient levels of support for our team.

Deputy City Manager Brandon Douglas remains the decision-maker in the absence of the city manager, but he’ll also have the development team, buildings team and city clerk’s office reporting to him. Deputy City Manager Diana DeSanto will remain the city treasurer and will be responsible for Finance and customer service as well as Information Technology and Human Resources. Deputy City Manager Angie Luna will continue to serve as director of Power and Public Works but also will supervise the Parks, Recreation and Community Resource Department.

Further, the chief of police also will be a deputy city manager and will continue to oversee the city’s Public Safety Department. As our friend and colleague, Chief Wayne Dennard, moves into retirement in the new year, we are looking forward to introducing Acworth to its new chief of police, Jesse Evans.

With these new roles for our deputy city managers, our next generation of leaders will be able to create a streamlined level of support for our departments and allow our entire city team to do its job more effectively, which will serve our residents even better than before.

As you and your family enjoy the warmth and wonder of the holidays, the city team and I would like to wish you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

As always, for the latest information on any of our events and projects, you can visit www.acworth.org, sign up for our e-news blasts on our home page, “like” Visit Acworth on Facebook or follow us on Instagram at @visitacworth.

May God bless you and your families. — Tommy

Tommy Allegood was elected to Acworth’s city council in 2000 and has served as mayor since 2002. He is a community builder who is purposed to make it count!

Sushi chef Paul.

Customer Service

A TOP PRIORITY AT WASABI

Ying Jiang (Jenny) and her husband, Wenqing Weng (Leo), opened Wasabi Sushi and Steak earlier this year as an investment in their family’s future and a desire to serve the community they call home. It didn’t take them long to fall in love with Acworth after moving here in 2017 from New York. “The atmosphere is great, the people are friendly, and it's a great place to raise a family,” Jenny said. Opening a restaurant was a natural step for Jenny and her family, including brothers and sisters who have worked in the industry for many years. “Our team has more than 10 years experience in the restaurant industry,” she said. “I’ve worked for more than a decade as wait staff, so I truly understand customer service.” Catering to the customers’ needs is a top priority at Wasabi. Extra effort is taken to meet customers’ dietary requirements, with options for people with food allergies to seafood or those who require gluten-free alternatives. Food is prepared without MSG.

Concerns about health and safety, since the restaurant opened during the pandemic, led to a spacious interior design that also is wheelchair accessible, so customers can enjoy the ambiance and feel at ease.

Specialty cocktails. The extensive menu ranges from hibachi to sushi and ramen to udon, so there’s something for everyone. Other important facts to note:

• Wasabi has a liquor license and a full bar, offering classic drinks as well as special cocktails and Japanese spirits.

• Sushi chefs each have 10 or more years of experience.

• All ingredients are fresh and high quality.

• Lunch specials are offered daily.

PHOTOS BY RED BARYL PORTRAITS

From left, edamame, hibachi steak, lobster, and shrimp, gyoza and spicy twins rolls are among available dishes.

A CELEBRATION DESTINATION

Jenny recounts a recent birthday celebration Wasabi hosted for a Kennesaw State University student. Staff members took photos provided by the celebrants and projected them on the wall of the party room. “They seemed incredibly happy,” she said.

During this first year, Jenny said they are focused on customer feedback and learning what the community likes as they continue to fine-tune their restaurant to satisfy customers and grow their business.

“Come in for a meal, and we hope you will have a memorable experience. The atmosphere is very unique; you have to see it to believe it!” Jenny said.

Wasabi Sushi and Steak

SCAN TO ORDER