TUCKER, GA — It has been two weeks since gusto! made its Tucker debut, and owner Nate Hybl told Patch his healthy-food chain is on a mission to disrupt the fast food scene.
Tucker is the latest in a bundle of cities to host a gusto! The healthy eating restaurant has locations in Athens, Alpharetta, Buford, Chamblee, Atlanta, Decatur, East Cobb and West Midtown, according to its website.
gusto! opened its 12th location at 4650 Hugh Howell Road, Building 400.
At the restaurant, customers are first tasked with choosing their “gusto,” from various options such as chipotle mango avocado, chile sesame bbq, ginger lime peanut and tzatziki lemon artichoke. Next, customers can choose their protein. Grilled chicken, grilled shrimp, umami tofu and spicy grilled chicken are available. Lastly, a vessel must be chosen. A mixed green salad, brown rice – or a mixture of the two – and a flatbread wrap are options.
“Tucker is a dynamic community with a huge amount of potential. We saw an opportunity to bring delicious, healthful food to an area that was lacking these options,” Hybl said.
“As an Atlanta-born brand, we take pride in making a real impact in our local neighborhoods, and we will now be an active member in the Tucker community. Being located in a Publix-anchored shopping center like Hugh Howell Marketplace is hugely valuable to us.”
Hybl founded the first gusto! shop in 2014 at Peachtree Road in Atlanta’s Brookwood Village. Breaking down the sense of the word, “gusto,” was key in establishing the business name.
“Gusto translates to passion – it’s a sense of enjoyment, zeal and excitement for what’s ahead,” Hybl said. “Our brand aims to infuse passion into every aspect of its business, from the food to the team members to the overall guest experience. Living life with gusto means chasing your passions and dreams relentlessly and living each day with intention.”
The Tucker location is led by Local Operating Partner Alex McGlashan and Associated Operator Erin Williams.
McGlashan has been with gusto! Chamblee since October 2022 as its local operating partner while Williams joined the Chastain (Atlanta) and East Cobb teams in May 2021 as an associate operator.
“From the second I interviewed with the team, I could tell it was a place I wanted to be,” McGlashan said. “They really listened to my story and I felt heard. The main selling point for me was the opportunity for growth. The brand takes care of its people and prioritizes career growth within the company.”
Hybl called both McGlashan and Williams powerhouses and said the pair defines what it means to work at gusto! He said the duo is innovative, kind and business savvy and embraces a people-first mentality.
The staff at gusto! are working to construct what McGlashan says is a new fast-food ordering model.
At the Tucker site, customers will receive a number after ordering. A team member will then deliver food to the customers at their tables, “placing emphasis on high-quality guest services,” she said.
Hybl said the staff has created a model to serve dishes in 30 seconds or less.
“We’ve also invested heavily in brand, design and culture in hopes team members at all levels will embody the shared mission and purpose of gusto,” he said.
Spirit nights that support local nonprofits, Local Love Months and Local Love Nights are planned, as well as discounts for nurses, teachers and students.
Hours of operation for the Tucker location are 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. daily.
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