FROM TO TRADITION TABLE

When it comes to flavor, if you can’t find it in Atlanta, chances are you can find it in Duluth. Like any Gwinnett County city, Duluth is a melting pot of customs, cultures and cuisines, and the best way to experience the diversity is to taste it.

As the heart of Gwinnett’s Asian community and home to members of many other ethnicities, including Venezuelan, Mediterranean, German and more, cultural influence permeates Duluth’s dining scene. The growing mecca of crave-worthy restaurants and international menus is even known to draw Atlantans out of the perimeter to indulge.

Many of Duluth’s current restaurant owners recall the vision of a vibrant, welcoming downtown community taking off about 10 years ago. The City’s enthusiasm for shopping local and willingness to accommodate vendors gained the interest of dozens of small business owners and hasn’t stopped since. Today, Duluth is home to 1,500 businesses founded in the City, while restaurants comprise 10% of those.

However, none ended up here on a whim. With location being the biggest driving factor of a restaurant’s success, these restaurateurs will be the first to admit opening up shop in Duluth was no accident.

In December 2017, George Yu opened Noona, a fine dining destination with a coastal concept. The name George chose pays homage to the inspirational women in his life.

Growing up in Gwinnett, George had confidence his restaurant would thrive, and his coastal cuisine filled a need in Duluth. As he worked to open Noona, the City guided him through obstacles like renovating a century-old building and withstanding the pandemic.

George believes there’s no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen when it comes to creating a diverse dining experience. “More restaurants and diversity give more guests a reason to come to downtown Duluth,” he explains.

Good Word Brewing has served their community farm fresh flavors, handcrafted cocktails and incredible beers for six years. Todd DiMatteo attributes his decision to plant Good Word in Duluth solely to the city staff. To him, the City took on the role of a business partner to accommodate the restaurant’s every need.

“The City of Duluth was literally and figuratively involved every step of the way. They know that our successes are linked and they take that seriously,” Todd states.

Now, the brewery and restaurant prides itself on sharing the “Good Word” with the community: a message of gathering, welcoming, spending time together and enjoying good food and drink. Todd is honored to have a place in the rich culture of downtown Duluth and hopes to continue the fusion of personalities, ideas and beliefs within the four walls of Good Word Brewing.

With a cherished cultural background of his own, Simon Ho finds Sweet Octopus’s home in Duluth a fitting environment for himself, his staff and the ensemble of Asian dishes on the restaurant’s menu.

Three restaurants—Thai and Sushi EAV, Poke Burri and Lifting Noodles Ramen—share a kitchen on the first floor, which serves three different versions of Asian cuisine. Upstairs, Empanada House serves Asian empanadas, boba tea and Sake cocktails. But Sweet Octopus isn’t just notable for its unique layout; it also offers menu items that can’t be found anywhere else (ever had a sushi donut or sushi pizza?)

Simon Ho also supports the City’s mission of diverse dining. “The people that come in inspire me to look at what other cultures are doing and reflect that in our menu however we can.” spring

Farmers & Artisan Market

Spring Arts Festival

GWB Presents Little Beer summer

Farmers & Artisan Market

Flicks on the Bricks

Fridays-N-Duluth

Bubblepalooza

Art Month

Viva Las Duluth fall

Farmers & Artisan Market

By the time Falling Rabbit hit the scene in November 2020, Duluth was ablaze with dozens of unique restaurants. But Barbara and Chuck Woods had no problem developing a fascinating concept unlike any other for their dream restaurant.

Falling Rabbit offers casual, fine dining, creatively presenting quality ingredients in plates resembling artworks. With endless opportunities as a part of Parson’s Alley and the continued support of residents, Chuck and Barbara are more confident in Falling Rabbit than ever.

“Duluth offers a hometown, neighborhood vibe that flows into the restaurant and compliments our concept of fine casual dining,” they say, explaining that the way of life downtown is a product of the City’s loyalty to residents and businesses.

Howl on the Green

Night at the Red Clay

Duluth on Tap winter

Farmers & Artisan Market

Deck the Hall

Cookies & Cocoa with Santa Night at the Red Clay

The residents of Grayson have fostered the ‘all-in-this-together’ spirit the community is known for today for generations. The names of the farmers and landowners that helped establish the City are still relevant today; on street signs, in residents’ last names and on schools and government buildings. The City’s pride in its small-town atmosphere with lots of character has resulted in an undying commitment to stay true to Grayson’s communal environment.

Grayson is known as the community that cares. And community is one of the biggest things Grayson cares about. The City views itself as more than a bedroom community. There’s always an event, social or benefit concert to look forward to, and everyone is always invited. The City’s centerpiece, Grayson City Park, is the site of all the action, serving as a gathering space for events throughout the year. More than just an opportunity for rest and relaxation, these events bring the Grayson community together.

Recent accolades include:

Live, Work, Play City Award, Georgia Municipal Association