Restaurant news: Van Leeuwen expands, The Chai Box opens
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Van Leeuwen Ice Cream will open its third Georgia shop at the Park Place development in Dunwoody. Photo: Courtesy of Lindsay Levin
Another week is in the books, and it's been a busy one for Atlanta's food and drink scene.
Here's a brief roundup of the latest:
What's happening: Black Restaurant Week, which began Sunday, runs through Sunday, Aug. 16, and encourages diners to explore Black-owned eateries and bakeries across metro Atlanta.
Catch up quick: Black Restaurant Week was founded by Warren Luckett, Falayn Ferrell and Derek Robinson in 2016 to expose African, Black American and Caribbean cuisines to a wider audience.
The Chai Box Cafe opens in Buckhead
The space that's been vacant since 2024, when Doughnut Dollies opted not to renew its lease, has a new tenant. The Chai Box Cafe is now serving customers at 1963 Howell Mill Road.
- According to its website, founder and CEO Monica Sunny said her Chais are inspired by a blend of her mother's recipes and different regions in India.
What's next: A grand opening celebration begins at 9am Sunday. Hours of operation are 7am to 3pm Tuesday through Friday, 8am to 3pm Saturday and 9am to 3pm Sunday.
Cheers to Manuel's Tavern
Manuel's Tavern turned 70 on Thursday. To celebrate, the restaurant offered a double cheeseburger and fries special for $8.56, served up a special brew named Seven Decades Down by Three Taverns Brewery and showcased a commemorative T-shirt designed by R.Land.
You can never have too many ice cream shops
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, which debuted in New York City, will open its third Georgia location in Dunwoody.
Details: The shop, which offers traditional and vegan options, opens Thursday, Aug. 13 at 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road.
- Its other locations are at Ponce City Market in Atlanta and at the Forum in Peachtree Corners.
What they're saying: Co-founder and CEO Ben Van Leeuwen said the company is excited to expand its footprint in metro Atlanta.
- "Every new shop is an opportunity to become part of a neighborhood, and that's what we're looking forward to in Dunwoody," he said.
Go: The ice cream shop's hours are 11am to 10pm Monday-Friday and 11am to 11pm Saturday-Sunday.
Speaking of expansions...
Sankranti Indian Kitchen, which has a restaurant near Georgia Tech, announced it will open two new locations of its fast-casual cuisine in the region.
- Its news release did not elaborate on where exactly they'll be, but its website shows locations are coming soon to Downtown and Buckhead.