The commercial rebirth of a tired, suburban courtyard space and subsequent success could serve as a template for restaurant-anchored, retail revivals around metro Atlanta, according to the entrepreneur behind it. 

In case ITP adherents aren’t familiar, the small but lively Funwoody retail district at 5521 Chamblee Dunwoody Road will celebrate its five-year anniversary next month, having grown from a big idea to what’s now described as the “Heart of Dunwoody” and one of the north-suburban city’s favorite gathering spaces, per project leaders. 

Just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Atlanta restauranteur David Abes, founder of DASH Hospitality, saw potential in the aging, underused courtyard in the middle of Dunwoody Village: a place for game-day crowds, family gatherings, live music, festivals, and other neighborhood celebrations in a growing suburb. Something different than another mixed-use build or flashy retail store. 

The idea was to build four restaurants and a side ice-cream concept around the courtyard, transforming it into a centralized gathering place, and Abes set to work with Regency Centers and support from City of Dunwoody officials. 

The formerly dated shopping cove, prior to renovations. Courtesy of DASH Hospitality

Plaza space prior to the Funwoody overhaul. Courtesy of DASH Hospitality

The first concept—Bar{n} booze {n} bites—opened in October 2021 as neighborhood watering hole and restaurant. It was followed by Morty’s Meat & Supply, seafood concept Message in a Bottle, {S}table Comfort Food {n} Cocktails, and Good Vibes Ice Cream Shop & Soda Pop around the central courtyard. 

Each option, according to Abes, contributes to a larger experience that invites people to linger and chill out. 

Key changes around the courtyard included expanded retail patios, a live performance stage, a custom 12-by-6-foot LED screen, outdoor seating galore, and decorative tree lighting for warm vibes, per reps with Abes’ Funwoody Restaurants. 

“In many ways, the restaurants have become the infrastructure for a community that didn't previously have a central gathering place,” said Abes, in a five-year anniversary announcement.

“We were trying to create a place where people could come together in an approachable way with their kids and enjoy socializing again,” Abes continued. “But what has happened since my original thought has been bigger than myself and my team could have ever imagined. The restaurants are notable, but the real success is seeing the community make this place its own.”

The Bar(n) project in progress. Courtesy of DASH Hospitality

The Funwoody courtyard stage today. Courtesy of DASH Hospitality

A Halloween-themed, five-year anniversary party is planned for 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30 at Funwoody, with live music, a “courtyard-wide party,” and prizes for top costumes. 

Find a closer look and plenty of before-after Funwoody context in the gallery above. 

North OTP location of the Funwoody district (in red), in relation to Central Perimeter landmarks. Google Maps

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