[EXCLUSIVE] Chef Mimmo to Launch Chico Cantina in Brookhaven

A new Mexican eatery is coming to Brookhaven.  Chico Cantina from Chef Mimmo will soon open in place of the former Red Pepper Taqueria in TOWN Brookhaven.  The new restaurant will be similar but target a more family feel than Chef Mimmo's existing restaurant, Botica, in Brookwood Hills.  

Born in Lebanon, Chef Mimmo grew up in Spain and Italy before moving to Georgia.  He has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry having created nearly a half dozen restaurants over the past ten years.  Mimmo, the original culinary force behind Red Pepper, has been gone from the once multi-unit chain since early 2020 after which he opened Botica in the old Watershed space in Brookwood Hills as of January 1, 2021.  

Chef Mimmo had reportedly been looking for a second Botica location for several years—a location previously planned for Phipps Plaza was wisely abandoned—but when the TOWN Brookhaven space became available, he was quick to engage the landlord.  Given the differences in the area and his familiarity with the neighborhood, he opted to introduce a new concept to Brookhaven. 

In recent weeks, Mimmo and his crew have worked to renovate the 4,200 square foot restaurant space and its 1,200 square foot patio to prepare it for the new concept.  Before Red Pepper, the space was home to Jefe's Tacos & Tequila and before that, Noche.    

If all goes well, Mimmo hopes to open Chico Cantina in the spring, potentially as soon as April 19. 

Are you excited for the return of a casual Mexican eatery to TOWN Brookhaven?  Have you been to Botica?  What is your favorite Brookhaven area restaurant?

Please share your thoughts below.