Tuesday, November 9, 2021

[EXCLUSIVE] The Wing Guru and Kilwin's Are Coming to Brookhaven

A restaurant called "The Wing Guru" plans to open next spring at TOWN Brookhaven.  Recent advertisements for the mixed-use development confirm the new restaurant's arrival, but woefully outdated marketing materials do not specify where exactly in the development the wing joint will be.  Given how many restaurants have failed at the development over the years, the new wing joint no doubt had multiple options to consider.  

Billy Richmond Jr. at right enjoys wings at his restaurant - Photo Official  

Former collegiate basketball player Billy Richmond Jr. opened the first The Wing Guru in Memphis in 2016.  Since then, the chain has grown to four locations in the greater Memphis area and a fifth coming soon to the new Silo Square development in nearby Southaven, Mississippi.  Will Smith (not the actor, the Braves closer, or the Dodgers catcher), opened a franchise of The Wing Guru in Southaven in early 2020 but dropped the franchise and reopened a similar concept under the name "You've Been Sauced by Will Smith" banner earlier this summer.  

The Wing Guru’s menu offers 21 flavors of wings including the "World-Famous" Honey Suicide as well as Garlic Sriracha, lemon pepper hot, Nashville hot, dry season and more.  The restaurant also features burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, and fish, among other options.   

Despite a siteplan that inaccurately includes a half dozen former tenants, ToNeTo Atlanta was able to deduce that The Wing Guru has leased the former Tanaka Ramen and Noodle Bar space near the front of the project.  Tanaka closed in their nearly 2,500 square foot space last year.  The second generation space will also provide the restaurant a bar, a feature the chain has been including in newer locations.  A representative from The Wing Guru confirmed the location and indicated that the local franchisee is hoping to open in January or February.  (The advertisement for the development indicating a Spring 2022 opening is more likely given the myriad of hurdles most operators face when trying to open.)

In addition to The Wing Guru, Kilwin's is also coming to TOWN Brookhaven.  The new Kilwin's is expected to open in place of Marble Slab Creamery, which closed in September after nearly ten years in business.  Visible work on the roughly 800 square foot space has yet to commence, but the shop is expected to open "winter 2022." 

Known for their caramel apples, chewy caramels and crunchy brittles, among other offerings, the new shop marks the Petoskey, Michigan-based chain's fifth location in the greater metro Atlanta area.  Kilwin's franchises are currently open in Atlantic Station in Atlanta, Alpharetta City Center and Halcyon in Alpharetta, and Chambers Street in downtown Woodstock.  There are also Kilwin's in Columbus and Dahlonega.  Kilwin's joins fellow dessert shop Crumbl Cookies, which recent opened in the former Which Wich, as sweet treat options in the mixed-use development.  The center was also previously home to a Yogurtland franchise but it closed last year

Are you excited for the addition of a wing eatery to TOWN Brookhaven?  What other types of restaurants would you like to see open in the project?  Did news of Kilwin's opening in TOWN Brookhaven make your day?

Please share your thoughts below.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I feel sorry for these restaurants that keep entering into that graveyard of a center. I wish them well but am not sure about opening a wing place right after the Super Bowl. Seems like opening an ice cream stand in December.

Anonymous said...

Zzz zzz chicken? Boring! Fail! Next please!

Anonymous said...

OMG more chicken?? DAMN!

Anonymous said...

@ anonymous November 9, 2021 at 4:29 PM

I know right! This is not going to do well. They need something totally different like a Bonchon chicken. Something that the area does not have.

Anonymous said...

I just looked at the website menu and it looks awful. I see nothing I can eat. I can't have spicy food and the sauce is nothing special. absolutely nothing special. Expensive. Wings are everywhere ... Even Publix sells wings and they are good! Waiting for it to close to see what is next!

Anonymous said...

I have tried one of this wings place in Memphis, literally since then every wings place I been was never the same. One of the best wings I have ever had. I’m very excited

Anonymous said...

@ November 14, 2021 at 4:41 AM

What makes it better than others? Website menu looks like nothing special.

Anonymous said...

OMG! Fried CHICKEN???? WHY????

Anonymous said...

I am really looking forward to a wing spot with a bar in this location. It is amazing how many are prejudging a restaurant before they try it. So many negative people in Atlanta! I can't wait to try it and I wish much success for this restaurant and all the other establishments in the area!

Anonymous said...

I've had these wings in Memphis before and they are really good. They have their own custom sauces that are different from what you get at really any other wing place in Atlanta. The Triple J is probably my favorite, but all of the Guru Gold flavors are excellent. Don't hate it unless you've had it. This will be my go to wing place when it opens.

Anonymous said...

I live in TB, and that is a terrible location. You just cant see the place, even driving down the main entrance. Its hidden from site by trees, etc. and too close to the main entrance. Once you turn in, youre pretty much past the place. Youd never see it coming in from the Costco entrance. 2 restaurants have previously failed there, and this will be #3, unfortunately. I estimate 18-24 months.

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