City center

DUNWOODY

A new city center for Dunwoody

BY SAMMIE PURCELL

David Abes didn’t always plan to be in the restaurant business.

In fact, the mind behind the new, upcoming entertainment complex in Dunwoody Village started out in a very different, much less flashy lane – accounting.

“I worked in an accounting firm, and I was so bored,” Abes, who now owns Dash Hospitality Group, said.

Following that slight detour, the Dunwoody native swerved into the restaurant and hospitality business, where he’s remained for about 30 years. He served as the general manager of the Atlanta Fish Market during the 1996 Olympic Games and served as the director of operations for Here to Serve Restaurants for 14 years. He then held the role of COO for Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, but in 2018, Abes decided to go his own way and started Dash.

“I just love the energy about the restaurant business,” Abes said.

That energy is partly why he got the idea to create an entertainment complex in the center of Dunwoody Village, a shopping and retail center at 1317 Dunwoody Village Parkway. The complex will be located at an open courtyard in the village.

Abes said he was inspired by a project he consulted on in Florida, The Hub 30a in Watersound Beach.

“You look at downtown Roswell, Woodstock, Alpharetta – everybody has their city centers, and Dunwoody just didn’t have that entertainment center,” Abes said.

About two and half years ago, he presented the idea to the real estate investment company Regency Centers, which owns Dunwoody Village. When Regency reacted positively, he brought the idea to the city.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States in early 2020, Abes put the project on pause. But more than a year later, construction is already underway for the first phase of the project. The plan calls for a total transformation of the space, including four new restaurants, a bar, an outdoor stage, and enough seating and space to host concerts, festivals and the like. Abes said the first part of his vision – Bar(n), a rustic community bar serving wine, craft beer, and whiskey – is expected to be completed this October. The food menu will include light bites, like charcuterie, and on weekends, Bar(n) will also serve coffee and pastries.

“We’re excited that [Abes] is moving forward with his first restaurant,” said Dunwoody Economic Development Director Michael Starling. “The groundbreaking for Bar(n) is a big first step. We look forward to future developments – not only in the courtyard, but in other areas of the Village.”

Read the full story online at reporternewspapers.net.

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A rendering of Bar(n), a rustic community bar.

Dunwoody mayor’s Top 5 things to do

Lynn Deutsch was elected Mayor of Dunwoody in 2019, and has spent most of her term dealing with the ongoing pandemic.

But Dunwoody is once again bustling with activity. Outdoor celebrations are planned, such as the Kosher BBQ Festival coming up Oct. 17, and the Atlanta Chili Cook Off slated for Oct. 23.

Deutsch took a few moments out of her schedule to share with us what she personally enjoys getting out and doing when she has some free time.

Here are Lynn Deutsch’s Top 5 favorite things to do in Dunwoody.

1. #letsdolunch: Dunwoody has so many great places to meet for lunch, and I adore our painted picnic tables. It is important to eat and shop locally, and stay in touch with our small businesses.

2. Dunwoody Farmers Market: Just about every Saturday morning, you’ll find me at Brook Run Park at the Dunwoody Farmers Market, which is hosted by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association. It’s a special place where we can pick up fresh, local food and visit with our neighbors.

3. Malachi’s Storehouse: On Tuesday afternoons, you’ll find me at Malachi’s Storehouse collecting donations from residents for families in need. This began during the early days of the pandemic, and we never stopped. I love seeing the community come together to support one another.

4. Spruill Gallery: The talent on display inside this beautiful, historic home can take your breath away. Their gallery store is a great place to find unique and unexpected items. 5. Live music: City-sponsored concerts have begun at the new Brook Run Park Amphitheater this summer, and the experience is even better than I imagined. It’s a beautiful setting with great acoustics and room to roam. I also enjoy the live music at Dunwoody Food Truck Thursday, the Farmers Market, and at our local restaurants.

Pictured left to right: MaryJane LeCroy, CFP®, Bill Kring, CFP®, and Phillip Hamman, CFA, CFP®

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