Food & Drink

New Restaurant Makes its ‘Stäge’ Debut with Focus on Fresh and Eclectic Menu

Published

3 years ago

October 28, 2021

John Ruch

The first thing to know about Stäge Kitchen & Bar, a new Peachtree Parkway restaurant, is how to say its name.

It’s not “stage,” as in the place musicians perform (though the restaurant does have one of those on the patio). It’s pronounced “stahj” and it’s a culinary term for the classic way fine restaurants hire a chef — by making them whip up three dishes on the spot with no advance prep as part of the job interview. The name is the restaurant’s way of saying it’s out to prove the quality of its fresh, eclectic menu every day.

“So it’s kind of a play on, we’re always on stäge, [and] we’re always on stage,” says Raquel
Stalcup, the co-owner and director of operations.

Stalcup and Charlie Sunyapong, the executive chef and co-owner, have a local reputation for quality. They also run La Belle Vie Kitchen, a well-reviewed French American restaurant that opened nearly three years ago about 10 miles up the road in Suwanee.

Stäge opened in late July in the former Noble Fin restaurant spot at 5260 Peachtree Parkway, at the Peachtree Corners Circle intersection, in the same shopping center as Lidl. The eclectic menu includes steak, seafood, pasta, “global” tapas and “elevated” sushi.

“The biggest value we bring to the area is that variety in our menu,” said Stalcup during a recent interview at the restaurant. The feedback from customer reviews so far, she said, is that “there’s something for everyone” and the new regulars are eager to return to try the entire menu.

After just six weeks in business with a soft opening, Sunyapong had already changed the menu as part of a commitment to seasonal and fresh ingredients. As with La Belle Vie, he uses as many locally grown and locally made items as possible, such as fresh pasta from a Gwinnett manufacturer. “We just kind of try to support the community, support home-grown [food],” said Stalcup.

Stalcup and Sunyapong previously worked together in the Atlanta restaurant groups Buckhead Life and Here to Serve. Stalcup also worked at the Stoney River steakhouse here in Gwinnett, and Sunyapong at Marriott’s Marquis and Renaissance hotels in the big city. Stalcup says Stäge’s cuisine is a blend of all of those places as well as “just something that we thought was missing — someplace that we would want to go and dine out frequently, and we just did not find that anywhere in the area.”

Why Peachtree Corners? Stalcup says it came onto her radar as a restaurant spot because she lived in Johns Creek for 20 years and traveled through here to work at Gwinnett restaurants. She patronized Noble Fin, and she and Sunyapong know the owners of such area restaurants as Frankie’s and Mojitos.

Stalcup says she “just loved this area. It’s up-and-coming. It’s booming right now.”

Stäge’s makeover of the old Noble Fin space included expanding the bar from about nine seats to 30; adding a full sushi bar; and an expansion of the patio, still underway in mid-September, that will boost it from a few tables to around 80 seats. There are also two private rooms, one that can be fully closed off and the other with interior windows to retain a restaurant-floor vibe. As of mid-September, the patio was hosting live music on Fridays and Saturdays, including jazz and pop with vocalists or DJs, with hopes of expanding that entertainment to daily.

Noble Fin shuttered in June 2020 after a four-year run, citing the business impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Asked if COVID affected how Stäge was set up, Stalcup says, “Yes and no.”

She said La Belle Vie was able to weather the early pandemic with a closure of only about a month, so they knew business could be done. The pandemic’s uncertainty has been a factor; when they signed onto the Stäge space in December 2020, “we weren’t sure how long it was going to continue to affect us… [and] if there were going to be any more shutdowns,” said Stalcup. The pandemic was one reason for expanding the outdoor patio seating.

Another unpredictable factor is the waves of COVID and shifts in customer confidence and feelings of safety. “I’m the same way,” says Stalcup, who was among the first in line for vaccination as a caretaker for her parents. “So I got an early dose and then I felt pretty confident, and then obviously the other strains are getting scary again.”

Today, Stäge has some guests requesting the outdoor seating as a safety measure, and also offers the private rooms for those wanting more distancing and separation indoors. “So we’re still trying to accommodate that as much as we can,” she said.

The big pandemic impact for the restaurant, and the entire industry, has been staffing shortages. There are varying speculations and studies on the reasons, including restaurant workers not wanting to return due to safety concerns and governmental COVID relief payments, as well as finding higher-paying jobs outside the industry.

For Stäge, the staffing shortage has meant a slowdown on the game plan of operating for lunch and dinner seven days a week. As of mid-September, the restaurant was open for dinner only Wednesday through Sunday, with plans to ramp up to Tuesday nights and brunch hours on Saturdays and Sundays.

For the latest on hours, menus and more, see stagepeachtreecorners.com.

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John Ruch

John Ruch is a journalist with SaportaReport and Buckhead.com in metro Atlanta. His freelance work has appeared in such publications as the Washington Post and the Seattle Times. In his spare time, he writes fantasy novels.

Food & Drink

New dining experience opens at Hilton Hotel

Published

4 hours ago

May 20, 2024

Arlinda Smith Broady

Dahlia’s Restaurant & Porch // Photo by Bruce Johnson

Dahlia’s Restaurant & Porch offers southern-style fare and easy entertainment

Just in time for the summer season, Hilton Atlanta Northeast has launched a new dining option, Dahlia’s Restaurant & Porch.

The casual dining experience brings understated luxury to an easy, breezy setting with comfortable patio furniture on a spacious outdoor deck, a full bar with top-shelf spirits and an impressive wine collection. The cuisine is Southern style and utilizes regionally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients.

Photos courtesy of Dahlia’s Restaurant & Porch

“You really can’t ask for an easier setting or a more comfortable way to unwind,” said Andrew Stegen, executive vice president of operations for FullG Capital, the hotel operator. “In the old days, hotels had restaurants for the travelers, and the locals came occasionally. Now, it’s the other way around. You have to appeal to the people who live here.”

At a press preview on May 15, Dahlia’s Restaurant & Porch was unveiled for the first time.

Dahlia’s plans to offer weekend buffets, sports viewing on the patio and family-friendly cookouts.

“Dahlia’s is a great addition for our hotel guests but also for the local community! We are most excited about our new porch, which is the perfect place for happy hour spritz, outdoor dining and future programming,” said Mike Roling, general manager of Hilton Atlanta Northeast.

The food is led by executive chef Robert Chafflin, who said he likes to bring an approachable yet flavorful take on southern culinary staples. For the preview, guests were wowed with shrimp and grits, braised beef short ribs, mushroom risotto, shrimp po’boys, cheesecake with caramelized peaches and a whole lot more.

The beverages were just as tantalizing – from the signature Black Dahlia to the unexpected Southern Dandie to an array of seasonal spritzes.

“We are excited to bring a newly renovated restaurant space, brand new porch, and refreshed menu to our property,” said Roling. “We welcome the public, both locals and hotel guests alike, to come join us for a dining experience elevated by our southern hospitality.”

Dahlia’s Restaurant & Porch also has a private dining area and a lounge area—perfect for relaxing after a busy day, grabbing a sumptuous meal with the family or meeting friends for lunch or dinner and drinks. Dahlia’s also provides catering for hotel events. For more information, visit dahliasrestaurant.com.

Food & Drink

U&ME Coffee Bakery & Wine Celebrates Grand Opening In Peachtree Corners

Published

2 months ago

March 18, 2024

Peachtree Corners Magazine staff

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.

*Left to right: Paula Gil & Pablo Gil, Owners*

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.

*Family and Friends, Staff, Pablo Gil, Paula Gil, Mayor Mike Mason, Lisa Proctor PCBA Board, Suzanna Martinez PCBA Board, Donna Linden PCBA Board, and Audrey Boyce PCBA Outreach.*

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

Food & Drink

Cheeseburger Bobby’s in Peachtree Corners is Under New Management

Published

3 months ago

March 3, 2024

Arlinda Smith Broady

After being closed for a few months, locals are happy to see that Cheeseburger Bobby’s in Peachtree Corners has reopened under new management.

From left, owner Sandra Lowe and her daughter Isabelle // Photos by George Hunter

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