gusto!, the fast-casual concept that started in Atlanta’s Brookwood Hills neighborhood, will open its second Atlanta location at 782 Ponce De Leon Ave NE in early summer 2016. In fall 2014, native Georgian and former NFL quarterback Nate Hybl opened gusto! at 1935 Peachtree Road NE. Serving fresh and affordable cuisine, the second spot will be across from Ponce City Market and near the Beltline in the buzzing Poncey-Highland neighborhood, with plans to expand to new markets in coming months.
With a combined focus on taste and speed, ordering takes place at the counter, and a simple three-step menu means each dish is served in no time. Choose a grilled protein (including vegetarian options), a base of mixed greens, brown rice, or flatbread, and “gusto”—bold flavor profiles created daily from the freshest ingredients. Each gusto features three layers of taste and texture, with a house-made sauce, vibrant vegetables and fruits, and garnish. Examples include: Tahini Cucumber Feta (creamy hummus; cucumber, tomato and chickpea salad in a white balsamic vinaigrette; feta with dill) and Apple Curry Peanut (mild curry peanut sauce; Granny Smith apple, purple cabbage, fresh basil, and ginger salad in a soy mustard vinaigrette; roasted peanuts). Each order comes with a free side of gusto!’s signature, house-made sweet potato chips, and for dessert, enjoy seasonal frozen yogurt from Honey Hill Farms.
“We’re grateful to celebrate a successful first year and can’t wait to meet new neighbors in the Poncey-Highland community,” says founder Nate Hybl. “As we begin our transition from a single restaurant to a multi-location brand, our team continues to draw inspiration from our mission to provide an exciting alternative to mainstream fast food.”
Taking cues from the original Brookwood Hills location, the interior of gusto! on Ponce will be sunny and smart. Design features will include exposed brick, concrete floors, and “gusto! gold” yellow accents. The location will offer spacious indoor and outdoor seating.
Fresh. Flavor. Fast. gusto!’s global menu draws inspiration from the restaurant’s name—meaning “enjoyment or vigor in doing something.” Founder Nate Hybl is a food and restaurant enthusiast who first recognized the need for flavorful, convenient, and affordable food while pursuing a healthy lifestyle as an athlete. Nate set about a mission to create a place where quality intersects with speed, and where fresh flavors could be delivered in a quick and innovative yet approachable way. Last year, gusto! was named Best Restaurant in Best Self Atlanta and Top 10 Healthy Restaurants on About.com.
