Food & Drink
Pouch Pies Bring Comfort to Peachtree Corners
During this difficult time, when we are all looking for a little comfort for our families and ourselves, we need not look further than our own community. We can find it in the walks we take, the neighbors waving hello to us on the street, but especially in the meals we share with our loved ones.
That comforting feeling can be found in delicious Pouch Pies, made locally in a Roswell facility by an entrepreneurial Peachtree Corners family. Now that the holidays are fast approaching, it’s hard to imagine how we will make this season feel “normal.” Perhaps if we can’t be with the people we love, we can still eat the foods that bring us a sense of nostalgia.
The Pouch Pies’ Malcher family saw the value in bringing families together, when the two daughters, who were living in South Africa at the time, convinced their parents, who were living in Scotland, to move to the United States to be closer to extended relatives.
A taste of home
Once they made the move, they quickly grew homesick for a certain kind of dish that most other countries around the world have their own version of. “Pies,” as they lovingly refer to them, are not the same thing as the sweet, fruit-filled treats we have here in the South. Latin countries have the empanada, India has the samosa and Jamaica has the beef pattie. Even George Washington used to make some version of it; in fact, it was his favorite dish.
But when it comes to this common food, the closest thing the U.S. has would be the pot pie, which isn’t handheld and convenient. “The U.S. had it, then somehow lost it. Now we’re bringing it back,” said Dave Malcher, the ‘father’ of Pouch Pies.
In 2015, the family — they call themselves the “pie”-oneers! — decided to open up a small shop in Athens, Ga., where they lived, and spent six months perfecting their recipes and trying new, exciting combinations. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients, they forged on to handmake each pie from scratch.
It was a hit! Not only did they get a ton of business from the local university students with late-night munchie cravings, they also started to notice something far more touching. Expats from all over the world would drive for hours and hours to their little shop in Athens — just to get a taste of home.
Finding more mouths to feed
Three years ago, they decided to close up the shop in Athens and move into a factory in Roswell, Ga. Once there, they expanded the operation, hiring more chefs and distributing to boutique stores and markets all over the country.
Now they ship all over the nation using cooled containers, while still keeping the tradition of hand-making each pie individually. It eventually caught the eye of some prestigious culinary awards and earned the Flavor of Georgia Award in 2019.
Once the pandemic hit, the Pouch Pies family worried about how their special little company might survive. “We learned not to take anything for granted,” said Dave, speaking about the ability to stay quarantined with his family and still see them every day. “The way I see it, you can either adapt to it, or stop your life right there.”
And adapt they did. In addition to distributing their pies to businesses, Pouch Pies started hipping directly to customers, even providing free local deliveries to members within the community. Now families of Peachtree Corners — and all over the country — can enjoy a homecooked meal on nights when they’re exhausted from virtual learning, housebound kids or COVID-burnout.
“It was local businesses that first kept us going,” Charmaine, one of the sisters, recalled. “Now we love being able to help out the community during this difficult time.”
Familiar flavors
I, myself, was “coerced” into a taste test. (Yes, it’s hard being a writer, sometimes!). After sharing with my family, I asked what they thought.
My mama’s favorite was the Spinach and Feta, and she pointed out that while most American pot pies are mostly gravy, Pouch Pies are full of meat and vegetables. My husband’s first response was that one of the pies — Beef, Bacon and Ale — reminded him of his mother’s fabulous brisket. And that’s what it comes down to, isn’t it?
This holiday season, even though we can’t physically be with our loved ones, we need to do all we can to find the comfort of the many holiday meals we’ve shared with them. Thank you, Pouch Pies for giving us a taste of home this holiday season.
As an exclusive perk for magazine readers, Pouch Pies is offering a 15% discount on their site — just order through their site at pouchpies.com and use the code PTCmag when checking out. You can also call at 470-545-3895. The offer will be valid until January 31, 2021.
Use the discount for the seven- or nine-ounce pies. Pouch Pies also plans to offer mini sausages and sticky toffee pudding, and they’ll roll out a new flavor — Beef Bourgeon — for the holidays.
Our Opening Bites series showcases photo highlights from the newest restaurant launches, menu debuts and culinary happenings around town.
Sheesh Mediterranean
Open since January, Sheesh Mediterranean in Peachtree Corners is another fresh, chef-driven concept tucked into the Politan Row food hall at The Forum. Embracing healthy Mediterranean cooking with big, vibrant flavors, the menu features a colorful mix of mezze, sharable plates, fresh salads and signature meats.
Mezze offerings include classic dips such as hummus, smoky baba ghanoush and spicy muhammara (which can be ordered together as a trio). Highlights from the small plates menu are the loaded Sheesh fries (topped with cheese, onions, tzatziki and your choice of meats) and the popular shawarma eggrolls. And on the mains menu, diners have their choice of wraps, bowls, plates and platters — all customized with your picks of protein, toppings and sauces.
Meat-lovers will want to try the chicken shawarma or savory beef kofta entree — each prepared with aromatic spices and served alongside rice, vegetables or salads that highlight the essence of the region; while vegetarians will not be disappointed with the deliciously crispy, flash-fried falafel. Add harissa or green zhoug sauce for a spicy kick or keep it cool with the lemon and herb tahini or creamy tzatziki.
Ideal for communal dining in the stylish Politan Row setting, and perfect for fresh summer meals, Sheesh provides a delicious journey through authentic Mediterranean cuisine without leaving Peachtree Corners.
Food photos courtesy of Sheesh Mediterranean
Sheesh Mediterranean
5155 Peachtree Pkwy., Suite 455, Peachtree Corners, 30092 | sheeshatl.com
This Opening Bites restaurant spotlight can be found in the July/August issue of Peachtree Corners Magazine.
Opening Bites newsletter
Our Opening Bites newsletter premieres July 1, bringing the latest restaurant launches, menu debuts and beverage trends in and around our north metro Atlanta neighborhoods straight to your inbox.
From news and reviews to a look at food-focused events and must-try spots for cocktails, casual bites or memorable evenings, we’ll cover the places where your friends and neighbors are gathering next. Sign up here.
Explore Gwinnett celebrates a decade of culinary creativity with $10 chef-crafted burgers at 23 locally owned restaurants
Explore Gwinnett, the official tourism organization of Gwinnett County, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its popular Gwinnett Burger Week. Making its anticipated return March 17–23, 2025, the event invites burger lovers to enjoy exclusive, chef-crafted creations for just $10 at 23 locally owned restaurants across the county.
“We are proud to celebrate a decade of Gwinnett Burger Week and the incredible talent of some of our very best local chefs,” said Lisa Anders, chief operating officer of Explore Gwinnett.
“What started as a way to highlight locally owned eateries has grown into a beloved tradition, and we cannot wait for the community to see what we have in store for them this year!”
Throughout the week, each of 23 participating restaurants will feature an exclusive, off-menu burger.
Peachtree Corners highlights include:
- “The Alma” at Marlow’s Tavern — a perfectly seasoned and grilled burger with salsa verde, pepper jack, fried jalapenos, avocado, tortilla strips, lettuce, tomato and onion on a buttered sesame brioche bun.
- “The Blue Flame” at LOL Burger Bar — a 5 oz. premium beef patty topped with homemade macaroni and cheese, pulled pork, blue cheese crumbles and the restaurant’s secret sauce to add a bit of spice.
- “Fired Up Burger” at Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — a wood-grilled burger, lettuce, tomato, pepper jack cheese, jalapeno bacon jam, fried onions and tangy mayo topped with fried pickles garnish.
- “K-BBQ Burger” at Stäge — an Angus beef smash burger with Korean BBQ glaze, roasted cheese corn, house-pickled veggies and gochujang mayo on a sesame brioche bun.
Gwinnett Burger Week digital pass
Back for its second year, the Gwinnett Burger Week Digital Pass encourages diners to check in at participating restaurants and earn points throughout the week, which are redeemable for prizes.
Each check-in is worth one point. Points can be redeemed for exclusive Gwinnett Burger Week merchandise from Explore Gwinnett, including restaurant gift cards, t-shirts, totes, sicker packs and a special edition 10th anniversary burger sticker designed by Lawrenceville-based artist Max Eve in celebration of this milestone.
Diners can also vote for their favorite burger by uploading an image of their receipt to the Gwinnett Burger Week website.
The Wall of Fame
Participants who track their dining experience at 10 or more restaurants throughout the week will be inducted into the Gwinnett Burger Week Wall of Fame with their photo published on Explore Gwinnett’s website.
“Our 10th anniversary milestone reflects the passion and creativity of Gwinnett County’s culinary community and the enthusiasm of all those who make this event a success year after year,” said Anders. “We can’t wait to indulge in the exclusive $10 burger creations ourselves, as we toast to 10 years of one of our favorite events!”
More details
To sign up for the Gwinnett Burger Week Pass, visit ExploreGwinnett.org/Gwinnett-Burger-Week/Burger-Week-Prize-Pass and provide the participant’s name, e-mail address and mobile phone number. A link will be sent to the participant’s phone, allowing them to access the pass and add the pass icon to their home screen.
For a full list of participating restaurants and limited-time burger offerings, visit exploregwinnett.org/gwinnett-burger-week.
Stay up-to-date on the latest Explore Gwinnett news by following @ExploreGwinnett on Instagram or ExploreGwinnett on Facebook. Diners are encouraged to share their experience on social media by using the hashtag #GwinnettBurgerWeek.
The South African fast-casual favorite expands in Georgia, bringing its signature flame-grilled spice and art-filled interiors to Peachtree Corners
Less than six months after opening its flagship Atlanta-area location at Perimeter’s High Street, world-famous South African restaurant brand Nando’s PERi-PERi opened its second Georgia restaurant to the public — for lunch and dinner service — on Tuesday, February 25.
Located within the premier mixed-used development and outdoor lifestyle center The Forum Peachtree Corners, Nando’s PERi-PERi is ready to offer its beloved flame-grilled chicken dishes, signature hot sauces and more to Atlanta-area locals and visitors alike.
“Atlanta has shown us so much love with the opening of our first location at High Street, so we couldn’t be more thrilled to expand our footprint in Georgia by bringing Nando’s to The Forum Peachtree Corners,” said Sepanta Bagherpour, chief brand officer at Nando’s PERi-PERi. “As a brand so rooted in community, we are excited to be a part of this lively hub where food, fun and connection unite.”
PERi-PERi flavor
Nando’s is known around the world for their flavorful flame-grilled chicken, and the concept’s popularity can be traced to PERi-PERi — or African Bird’s Eye Chili — the heart and soul of the Nando’s experience.
“We marinate our chicken in PERi-PERi for at least 24-hours, so the flavor goes right through to the bone,” Bagherpour explained. “Then we grill it over an open flame and baste it with PERi-PERi sauce to the customer’s preferred spice level. That’s what makes our chicken so addictive.”
Nando’s sources its PERi-PERi in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and South Africa via a network of 1,400 local farmers who are empowered with upfront access to funds, equipment and seedlings. And before the growing season even starts, they are guaranteed a fair price purchase commitment.
Warm space and friendly service
Nando’s intensely loyal following has not only been driven by its high-quality food, but also by its friendly service presented in a relaxed atmosphere that elevates the typical fine-fast casual experience.
Every Nando’s location is uniquely designed with earthy textures and vibrant colors that reflect its sunny African heritage while retaining a sense of place in which it lives and breathes.
The restaurant’s location in Peachtree Corners is no exception.
Designed by Fusion, Nando’s at The Forum is packed with custom lighting, furniture and authentic art imported from South Africa, showcasing the strong ties to its cultural heritage.
On a prominent corner within the newly refurbished open-air development, the new Nando’s visibility is boosted by its large, canopy-covered outdoor seating area. Inside the restaurant, guests will feel warm and welcome with design elements that balance the contrast of raw, textural finishes and saturated hits of color and pattern.
A great fit for The Forum
“As we continue energizing The Forum with new experiences for guests, Nando’s PERi-PERi stood out as an international favorite that would excite the community,” said Adam Schewgman, director and head of retail leasing at Jamestown. “From the inventive menu options to the meticulously selected design elements, we’re looking forward to giving visitors a taste of South Africa right here in Peachtree Corners.”
About Nando’s PERi-PERi
Since making its 1987 debut in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nando’s has spread its flame to legions of fans in 24 countries on five continents. The company entered the US market in 2008 with the opening of its first location in Washington, D.C., and now operates nearly 50 restaurants in and around Virginia, Maryland, Washington, Chicago, Texas and now Georgia.
For more information visit nandosperiperi.com or follow @nandosusa on Instagram.
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