Wednesday, July 17, 2024

[EXCLUSIVE] Local Restaurateur Looking to "Flip" Former First Watch into "Steak & Grace"

A man who has over the years opened fancy burger joints, gourmet hot dog eateries, and most recently, a fresh seafood restaurant, is now looking to open a new establishment in Dunwoody.  

Barry Mills, who previously partnered with "Top Chef" Richard Blais to launch FLIP Burger Boutique and later HD1, and currently runs Big B's Fish Joint in Sandy Springs, has signed a lease to open a new full-service restaurant in Dunwoody Village. 

The new restaurant is opening in the Fresh Market-anchored Dunwoody Village shopping center (1317 Dunwoody Village Parkway).  Specifically, Steak & Grace (Mills tells us the name and menu are still being finalized) will occupy the roughly 3,600 square foot space left vacant last May when First Watch closed in favor of its newer location at Perimeter Marketplace near Perimeter Mall.   

After exiting FLIP in 2018, Mills took over a former Verde Taqueria at Chastain Market (fka The Gateway Chastain) in 2019 and opened Big B's Fish Joint, an approachable, neighborhood-focused seafood restaurant. 

ToNeTo Atlanta spoke with Mills last week at which time he indicated there was little to share yet as his plans are very much still being finalized.  Mills stopped short of calling the restaurant a "steakhouse" but did confirm that there will definitely be several steaks on the menu.  By taking over an existing full-service restaurant, Mills is likely hoping to save both time and money in the conversion process with the goal of opening before the end of the year.  

In Dunwoody Village, Mills joins existing locations of Marlow's Tavern and Royal Spice as well as #Funwoody restaurants from David Abes: Bar{n} booze {n} bites, Message In A Bottle, Morty's Meat & Supply and Mediterranean eatery Yoffi, among others.  

Are you excited for the opening of a new restaurant in Dunwoody?  What is your current favorite Dunwoody area restaurant?  What type of restaurant do you think Dunwoody needs most?  

Please share your thoughts below.   

16 comments:

Disneypal said...

A few months ago, I was in the area and was looking for the First Watch and didn't realize it had closed, so I was a bit disappointed to see the place sitting empty.
It sounds like Steak & Grace will be a great addition to the area.

Anonymous said...

"Approachable"? WTF does that mean?

Anonymous said...

It means not to esoteric and a price point that many people can afford.

Anonymous said...

I think "approachable" in that context means that the food is pretty mainstream and will appeal to a large percentage of diners. The opposie would be a vegan BBQ joint that ceters to a small percentage of people, or an Omakase where the chef decides what you're eating. Expense is also tied in - I wouldn't call Bones very "approachable."

Anonymous said...

approachable, these days in atlanta, means free and easy parking near the restaurant

Anonymous said...

Dunwoody's favorites, all of which are within yards of this planned space, are: Novo Cucina, Carbonera, Chupito's, Message in a Bottle, marlow's, Mellow Mushroom, and the two burger spots Village Burger and NFA.
Mills should open a chinese restaurant, which is what the area is missing.

Anonymous said...

@Anon 5:51

Spot on. Although I would add Vintage Pizza to that short list.

Anonymous said...

I would like.to see Golden Corral

Steve Barton @skbarton13 said...

Aw gee, your abbreviated cursing in these comments struck me as unpleasant this morning. Please ask your questions less…um, emphatically. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

They should open “Will & Fish” next

Anonymous said...

there are enough steakhouses in dunwoody

Anonymous said...

Don't forget Royal Spice !

Anonymous said...

Don't forget Royal Spice!

Anonymous said...

Open some mushroom houses instead

Anonymous said...

A nice affordable steak house would be great!

Anonymous said...

Bring back Sizzler to ATL!

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