Fuego Mundo Revamps Menu & Renovates Interior

Fuego Mundo, the long-standing, AKC-certified meat restaurant in Sandy Springs just inside I-285, has been taken over by youthful exuberance and a heartfelt commitment to not only keep the operation humming, but also step it up a notch in ambiance while making meaningful menu adjustments. The original Fuego Mundo was known for its Latin American wood-fire grill menu and catering business.

New owner, Bez Avtzon, said, “Our goal was to re-launch Fuego Mundo with more affordable price points, in a more fun atmosphere, not just ‘the only kosher meat place in town,’ but a destination for couples and families.”

Ever humble, Avtzon noted that much of his motivation was “rescuing Fuego Mundo from closing under the previous ownership and as a service to the Jewish community.”

Marketing consultant, Shmaya Friedman, added, “Bez’s goal really was based in philanthropy in keeping Fuego Mundo operational by providing financial and moral support.” Note also that community stalwarts, Jeff Stein and Ian Ratner, are silent partners.

On Oct. 27, the newly modernized, spiffy décor by local designer Candice Keilin opened with the new menu. They kept the same mashgiach and used the next few weeks to get their bearings, study data analytics, and get a footing on good service so as not to have customers waiting in line, all before reaching out with a social media campaign.

Avtzon stated, “One of the more creative things we did was redesign our packaging, paper goods, and take out components.”

They even curated the music playlist to appeal to couples on date nights, business meetings, and families all with a fun vibe. Avtzon explained, “The packaging was indeed elevated as we do a good bit of business on Grubhub and DoorDash. In store, the fries and burger containers also have that ‘fun feel.’”

Avtzon, who also runs a healthcare business and is the son of the Chabad Rabbi of Hong Kong, remarked, “We even rearranged the wine and beer menu with varieties from Israel, California, and France … and there were certainly no kosher restaurants growing up in Hong Kong!”

Avtzon reports that the most popular menu items are the Popcorn Chicken Bites ($13) in sauce as “insanely good,” Loaded Potato Skins ($15), along with wings, burgers, onion ring tower, crispy fried pickles, black bean chili, chicken and waffles, wraps, sandwiches (BBQ brisket as fav), Grilled Fish Sandwich, Philly Steak and Pepper Sandwich, Chicken Ceasar Wrap, Grilled Portabella Sandwich, and sides like roasted veggies, sweet potato fries, garlic truffle fries, black eyed pea salad, and honey dill roasted carrots. Desserts are peach cobbler, challah bread pudding, warm brownies, peanut chocolate chip cookies, deep fried Oreos, and blueberry apple crumble, ranging from $8 to $12. There’s a full kids menu including hot dogs and scrambled eggs.

The updated interior has new lighting, lamps, tables, chairs, wallpaper, and lattice work. Designing team Candice Keilin and sister, architect Narissa Bonnet, quickly got to work and elaborated, “Our initial stage was finding a mural that would work for the space. We moved away from a typical style logo design into something that was more unique, working with this being a meat restaurant, so keeping with leathers, wood texture, and the fabrics bringing in the flame of the logo as a subtle nod to it. We wanted multiple layers that would stand out and showcase a restaurant that Sandy Springs as a whole can be proud of and support because it’s both delicious and has a great social vibe. We eat with our eyes.”

“So, in 3 1/2 weeks, yes, weeks, we sourced materials and shopped for furniture that was all in stock. We went straight to ordering before the holidays and prayed everything would arrive on time … a few hiccups along the way. Otherwise, everything was manageable by working with the incredible Zalmy Kafka from ZK Builders.”

The new interior seats around 55. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday. On Friday, they close at 3 p.m. and are closed on Saturday. 470-264-9430.