Food & Drink
Equality Eats Here — Peachy Corners Café
Tucked away in the Spalding Center complex on Spalding Drive, the charming front patio decked out with string lights welcomes you to Peachy Corners Cafe. The menu features favorites like espresso drinks, drip coffee, tea and pastries, and also includes a variety of bubble tea and smoothies. Mellow music lends the space a relaxed vibe, while a chalk wall covered in doodles and rolling cart stacked high with board games suggests the kid-friendly fun that takes place here.
Owner Long Tran opened Peachy Corners Cafe with his wife Susie Martono-Tran in January of 2020. “My wife has always wanted to open a bubble tea shop since I met her,” explained Long, who was inspired to open a cafe when he struggled to find good local coffee during his sons’ karate lessons across the street. “We decided to merge the two and sell really good coffee and really good bubble tea and thought that could work. There’s something to it because we are still here, despite the pandemic.”
Trial by fire
2020 was quite a challenging time to open a coffee shop. “We had no idea,” said Long, shaking his head at the memory. Peachy Corners Cafe was among the first restaurants in the area to shut their doors as the information they received from their friends and loved ones who live in other countries gave them advance notice as to the severity of COVID-19 and what to expect. From mid-March to early June the doors at the cafe remained closed and their fledgling business could have been in serious trouble. Fortunately, they had an idea that allowed them to stay afloat during those early days of the pandemic.
They began making drinks to donate to healthcare professionals and first responders, and quickly word got out about these charitable acts. The community responded positively, with many regular customers stepping up to donate funds that allowed Peachy Corners Cafe to give back to those on the front line, find a use for their perishables so they would not go to waste and operate in such a way that they did not lose money on the products they already had on hand before the shutdowns. “We didn’t make money off the donations, but it kept us from losing money as well,” explained Long. “I think that was very crucial to us, and it also became a way for us to continue engaging with the community and get our name out there as a new business.”
It was important to Long to take precautionary action in response to COVID-19. Not only did he want to keep his family safe, he also wanted to ensure that he had the necessary supplies like hand sanitizer, plexiglass dividers and upgraded filters for the cafe’s HVAC system which would ensure his staff and customers would also be safe when they eventually reopened
.Their efforts seem to have paid off. None of the staff has gotten sick, and these days the customers have started coming in again. “By the end of July, we saw business slowly return, and now I think we are starting to get a sense for the potential of what this space might be.” Peachy Corners Cafe has a loyal following and Long knows many of the regulars by name. Popular among working professionals during the day, there are also a lot of families and kids that frequent the cafe after school.
No space for hate
Since the beginning of the pandemic, there have been those who have blamed Asian countries for the origin and spread of the COVID-19 virus. When those views were expressed in the media, the idea quickly took hold and Long witnessed a variety of responses from microaggressions and boycotting all the way to outright intimidation and violence.
“Atlanta has got this great community and great sense of community, but recently it seems there has been a rise in resentment,” said Long. “With rhetoric from our elected leaders, regardless of which political side they are on, when you are trying to score political points by going after North Korea or China, you can inadvertently paint targets on the backs of your Asian American citizens.”
Locally, the response to these ideas has been largely passive-aggressive rather than outright aggressive, unlike the hate crimes frequently taking place in cities like San Francisco and New York where Asian Americans are literally being attacked on the streets without provocation.
Throughout the pandemic, and amplified over the last four years, the rise in racism and hate crimes has set the stage for prejudice, hatred and fear. Armed protestors took to the streets of Chinatown in Chamblee last summer, telling Chinese business owners and citizens that they were not welcome.
Businesses on Buford Highway are receiving hateful phone calls or prank calls — and some have even had rocks thrown through their windows. Last spring ‘Wuhan plague’ plaques began popping up on signs and businesses throughout the city that depicted Winnie The Pooh eating a bat. These incidents represent a growing hostility towards Asian people as a whole, and ultimately culminated in the brutal slaying of eight people — six of whom were Asian women — working at historically Asian spas in March.
Long said he has heard reports of an increase in hatred and intimidation toward his Asian customers, especially teenagers and kids who have noted increased bullying at school. “I consider myself very fortunate,” said Long. “I think Peachtree Corners has been amazing and supportive of all of its businesses. I haven’t necessarily experienced anything like that, we haven’t gotten those phone calls to our cafe. But we have had times when a customer walks through the door and walks out, and I have no idea if it’s because of me.”
Making a difference
Not one to simply stand by and witness these upsetting trends and devastating losses, Long has taken an active role in helping the Asian American communities heal and find solidarity in the face of what is often overwhelming fear and worry. Though he does not lead any nonprofits, Long is well connected with a number of the organizations and community leaders that are making a difference. By leveraging those connections, he has helped to engage volunteers, spread information about the efforts of nonprofits he admires, like Stop AAPI Hate, and organize demonstrations such as the Stop Asian Hate rally which drew over 3,000 attendees to the Liberty Plaza in Downtown Atlanta. Long also organized a candlelight vigil for the victims in Dunwoody and a cultural celebration in Decatur which aimed to both educate and celebrate Asian American culture.
Back in April, Long was asked by the Democratic Party of Georgia to introduce President Biden during a drive-in rally at the Infinite Energy Center. During his speech, Long talked about his experience as the son of Vietnamese immigrants, the ways in which COVID-19 has affected the Asian American community and the recent election of two Democratic senators in Georgia. The fact that the rally happened to take place on the 46th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon during the Vietnam War cemented the importance of speaking on these issues for Long.
What can we do?
In addition to donating to causes such as Stop AAPI Hate, Long also has been advocating for local Asian-owned businesses by posting reviews online and encouraging people to frequent those restaurants and shops. He created and distributed Equality Eats Here stickers to display on the doors of eateries that are safe places for all people. Long also recommends talking to your kids about bullying and how to ensure their Asian American classmates don’t feel alone during these trying times.
“On a micro level, within our community, I would encourage people who live in Peachtree Corners to get to know the owners of local small businesses,” said Long. “It means even more when it’s an Asian or a Black-owned business and you get to know the owners by name. There’s a bond that you build, and it becomes harder to let all the hate and fear come into play when you personally know someone.”
Mayor Mike Mason and members of the Peachtree Corners Business Association (PCBA), business professionals, and community well-wishers recently celebrated the opening of U&ME Coffee Bakery Wine, a new establishment in Peachtree Corners.
The event was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by friends, family members of the owners, Paula Gil and Pablo Vicens, who are married, and their dedicated staff.
U&ME Coffee Bakery Wine, a local family-owned business, focuses on creating a welcoming space where families can gather, students can study, and friends can hang out.
This establishment offers free high-speed Wi-Fi, weekly specials and a cozy environment for all.
Paula Gil emphasized the importance of offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that cater to various tastes and needs.
The goal is to deliver the highest quality specialty items at fair prices.
“We are excited to bring our blend of coffee shop, wine bar, bakery, and diner spot to Peachtree Corners,” stated Paula.
U&ME Coffee prides itself on using 100% Colombian Medellin Coffee and ensuring all baking is done on-premises to guarantee freshness and quality.
Further distinguishing themselves, Paula and Pablo have incorporated homemade empanadas, pizzas, and pastries into their menu, all made from scratch to offer a unique taste experience.
In addition to their dine-in services, U&ME Coffee caters to those on the go with their to-go orders and provides catering services for special events.
Mayor Mason, alongside PCBA Board Members Lisa Proctor, Donna Linden, Allison Reinert, Suzanna Martinez, and numerous local business supporters, expressed their delight in welcoming U&ME Coffee Bakery Wine to the city.
“The city council and I are delighted you chose Peachtree Corners for your business location. We are pleased to have this new specialty restaurant available as part of our business-friendly city,” Mayor Mason remarked.
Contact: U&ME Coffee Bakery & Wine
Telephone: 470-359-6972
Facebook: Facebook U&ME Coffee Bakery Wine
Located at 3433 Medlock Bridge Road, Peachtree Corners
New owners of Cheeseburger Bobby’s bring neighborliness along with fresh, well-prepared fare.
After being shuttered for several months, locals seem happy to see that Cheeseburger Bobby’s in Peachtree Corners has reopened under new management.
Keith and Sandra Lowe took over the franchise a few months ago and are working hard to win back customers. They are committed to quality food, consistency, cleanliness and good service.
“My background is in retail operations,” said Keith Lowe. “We had restaurants within the retail cafés that we ran.”
Although his wife is more involved in the day-to-day running of the restaurant, she admittedly doesn’t have experience running a fast-casual eatery.
“It’s something that we’ve always wanted to do. We’ve always wanted to open a business for ourselves. So, this opportunity came back in April. And then we bought it and went through the whole remodel,” Sandra Lowe said.
Bringing a Peachtree Corners staple back to life
The Cheeseburger Bobby’s franchise fits well for the Lowes because of the structure and support from the corporate office.
According to its introduction to franchisees, the business aims to work easily and efficiently for restaurant industry veterans or those just entering the profession.
One thing that stood out for the couple was the fresh, made-from-scratch food and a menu that’s not too complicated.
The fact that there are vegetarian and healthy options like salads, black bean burgers, and turkey burgers was also a plus. Additionally, customers have the option of several toppings for their sandwiches as well as seasoning for fries and an extensive fixings bar.
They knew little about the previous owners or what caused them to give up the franchise, but they vowed to become a fixture in the community and build loyalty with the basics.
An inviting place for the entire community
“Cleanliness is tops for us,” said Sandra Lowe. “That’s number one. … We have a great environment, great customer service and consistent food. We talked about how those three things will win back customers.”
On a recent weekday lunch rush, a mix of office workers, holiday shoppers and construction workers came through.
As Sandra Lowe passed out samples of the signature frozen custard, the chilly late fall weather had no effect on orders for milkshakes and other confections.
The custard recipe is reminiscent of the old-fashioned, hand-churned type many grandmas used to make. Some say it has a richer, creamier texture and a smoother consistency than typical ice cream.
A recipe for success
As a homemaker and the queen of her castle, Sandra Lowe didn’t hesitate at the chance to get back into the work world. Her 15-year-old twins are old enough to be more self-sufficient, so she and her husband decided it was time to try something new.
“It works out perfectly,” she said. “I come to work in the mornings, stay until 3 p.m., and then I’m back with my kids in the evening.”
“Because my background was operations in food, sanitation and all those things, this was an easy decision,” said Keith Lowe.
Additionally, they surrounded themselves with knowledgeable, professional staff.
“We hit a home run with Kenneth, our general manager,” he said. “He has over a decade of experience running restaurants. And Archie, our shift manager, has been at this restaurant for the entire 12 years that has been open.”
A mix of experience with new energy
“We think we have a very welcoming environment,” said Sandra Lowe. “Great customer service, consistent, fresh food served with a smile and a clean environment are our focus.”
Another significant factor is the focus on community.
Although the restaurant hasn’t been open for long, the Lowes have joined the Southwest Gwinnett Chamber and have reached out to Norcross High and Wesleyan schools for partnerships.
“Being engaged with the committee is important to us,” they said almost in unison.
Making Cheeseburger Bobby’s a true family business is also essential.
“The [kids] come to work here every weekend,” said Sandra Lowe.
“We’ve seen that the kids are more social. It gets them away from the phone. It gets him interacting,” said Keith Lowe.
“We’ve talked to them about the importance of eye contact and helping the customer have a great experience. We’ve even seen them really grow in such a short time.”
Cheeseburger Bobby’s
Located in the Peachtree Square Shopping Center
6050 Peachtree Pkwy #140
cheeseburgerbobbys.com
770-696-1337
International Restaurants: Find Cuisines from Across the Globe Just Down the Road
In the heart of Peachtree Corners, a culinary gem is weaving rich Persian flavors into the fabric of the community. The epicenter of ancient Persia was located in what is now modern-day southwest Iran, and its cuisine is known for unique spice blends, savory meats, and herbaceous vegetables.
Kamel Fadavi is originally from the Middle East and moved to the Peachtree Corners area in 2014. When moving to the area, Fadavi wanted to make sure he brought some of Persia with him.
Fadavi attempted to open his first restaurant in 2014 but had a few setbacks during production.
“It was very difficult at first, trying to find a space,” Fadavi said about finding the perfect location for his restaurant. He also faced difficulties trying to get a license and permit to open his restaurant.
Yet, Fadavi persevered and was able to pursue his dream. His first restaurant opened in September of 2015. Originally named Taaj Market and Restaurant, this eatery offered both shopping and dining experiences, allowing customers to experience Persia inside and outside their homes.
Despite the success of Taaj Market in marrying the market and restaurant experience, Fadavi felt inspired to elevate the concept further.
Brand new look, same great food
In 2023, Fadavi decided to redesign the restaurant and offer customers a more elegant and exciting experience. Thus, DiBar Grill was launched.
Fadavi hired a new manager, Larry Larose, to help him with this process.
Larose has been in the service industry for several years but was looking for a change when he came across Taaj Market.
After hearing about Fadavi‘s new ideas for the restaurant, Larose stepped up to help bring them to life.
To really elevate the experience, DiBar Grill added a full bar and designed the space with a more eye-appealing look.
Revamping an established brand was a new experience for Fadavi and Larose, but together, they created and executed a beautiful vision for DiBar Grill.
Persian cuisine 101
Persian cuisine is a diverse culinary tradition that reflects the region’s long history and varied climate. It’s characterized by its bold and distinct flavors, including hardy meats, filling starches and savory sides.
Spices, including saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, dried lime, cardamom and rose petals, are staples in Persian cuisine. Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill and mint are also frequently used.
“Expect a lot of red meat in many dishes, ” Kamel said. Lamb is one of the most popular meats in Persia, so when dining at a Persian restaurant, you can expect to see many different lamb preparations.
Lamb shanks and kebabs are two classic dishes that foodies can relish. While these lamb dishes are Persian must-haves, customers can also enjoy a variety of chicken, beef and seafood dishes.
The full Persian experience
DiBar Grill offers flavorful spreads and appetizers, such as hummus, labneh and roasted red peppers, along with its variety of lamb dishes. These small appetizer plates are also entirely vegan on their own. You can expect these spreads to be served with a warm sangak, a whole wheat leavened flatbread.
Cheese is another favorite in Persian dishes, but labneh is a distinctive dish patrons must try. Yogurt strained in cheesecloth for two to three days produces a smooth, creamy spread with a tangy flavor.
Whether you are in for a full meal or a palatable snack, DiBar Grill gives customers the perfect Persian dishes.
DiBar Grill offers delivery for its entire menu, which you can order from its website. Whether you’re celebrating a Sunday night at home or a special occasion at a location of your choice, DiBar Grill has you covered.
DiBar Grill
6385 Spalding Dr Suite B
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
www.dibargrill.com
770-559-8799
Find two dozen more international restaurants in Peachtree Corners here!
Photos by Kendyl Clarke
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