As restaurants struggle, Poag signs two new concepts at Metro Atlanta property

Last month, Kouzina Christos closed in Marietta, Ga., after 40 years of serving customers. The Tavern at Phipps Plaza shut down permanently following 30 years of brisk business in Buckhead. One of the saddest effects of COVID-19 is seeing much-loved dining spots close. Will new ones take their places?

That appears to be the case in Marietta, where The Avenue West Cobb center will be welcoming two new dining and entertainment concepts created by John Gibney, owner and operator of the award-winning Gibney’s Pub in downtown Atlanta.

Set to open in the fall in a 4,000-sq.-ft. space will be Gibney’s Tavern with an upscale bar & grill menu, an extensive list of beers and wines, and an indoor/outdoor activity area with darts, cornhole, jenga, and lawn checkers. Gibney’s second concept will be CIMA Taqueria, a casual Mexican eatery spotlighting tortillas, margaritas, and an extensive tequila list.

“Growth in Cobb County and the desire to showcase our hospitality learned from nearly 30 years of operating downtown makes this the perfect opportunity to grow our brand,” said Gibney.

Located 15 miles northwest of Atlanta, The Avenue West Cobb, features a mix of retailers and eateries that include Altar’d State, Ted’s Montana Grill, Ann Taylor, Barnes & Noble, and Chico’s. It is operated by Poag Shopping Centers.

“We are very proud to be on the forefront of the industry by introducing new and exciting dining concepts to our lifestyle centers,” said company president and CEO Joshua D. Poag.