03/07/2016
Chow Baby Closes Ponce Location
To Focus On New Airport Concept
The Real Chow Baby has sold its Ponce de Leon location to focus on opening an express location in Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Concourse C.
Chip Joyner, a serial restaurateur and owner of the Asian-fusion stir-fry concept sees the forthcoming airport location as an opportunity to pivot to a concessions business model and hopes to expand the “Chow Baby Express” concept in universities, other airports and institutional spaces.
“We are grateful that guests of The Real Chow Baby have been supportive of our concept for more than 10 years,” said Joyner. “It has been an honor to be part of Atlanta’s culinary environment and we are excited at the opportunity to open a proven brand in the world’s busiest airport.”
Joyner has also partnered with multiple concepts through joint ventures, franchises and license agreements with larger national brands, both in New York and Atlanta, including opening a Golden Corral in Poughkeepsie, New York and with airport concessions giant HMSHost.
Taking over the lease will be gusto! Wood Fire Grill, a build-your-own fast casual concept with their first location in Buckhead. Joyner noted, “We are working with gusto! and other area restaurants to secure employment for our staff.”
“We are excited to expand further into the popular Poncey Highland area and look to the build on the prior success that The Real Chow Baby achieved,” said Nate Hybl founder of gusto! “This city has shown it supports locally owned restaurants and we are proud to be an Atlanta original.”
gusto! expects to open its Ponce de Leon location by late spring/early summer. The Real Chow Baby Express will open in Atlanta’s airport on Concourse C in summer 2016.
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