Peach State Pizza Sweeps East Cobb
“Peachy” brothers, Michael and David Cohen, make up a mighty duo sure to bring them success at Peach State Pizza which serves a lot more than a pie.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
With a flair for business and a good sugo, native Atlantan brothers Michael and David Cohen opened Peach State Pizza in January with vital skills that they bring to the table.
David said, “We were fortunate to find a great location at Avenue East Cobb. As for the name, we wanted it to reflect the local community and highlight locally sourced ingredients for our pizza toppings,” referring to the fresh vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Partnering with Z-Space interior design and RCR Construction, the goal was to create an inviting space accented with Southern charm. Starting the process in 2021, selecting the right location, and navigating COVID slowed the well thought out launch a bit.
Peach State has an open dining room, wood ceilings, a variety of splashy chandeliers, live edge wood tables, peach crates over the full bar, and themed art on the walls. In front of the oven is a large window showcasing the pizza-making process as part of the customer experience. Guests see into the kitchen to watch bakers prepping pies and “working them” in the wood fire oven. The restaurant has space for about 135 guests with 95 in the interior. An inside/outside bar with a retractable window is part of the back patio and sits adjacent to the center’s new courtyard. The courtyard is one of the new upgrades/renovations of the center and features a stage with a large screen for events, a fire pit, a lawn, and plenty of comfortable outdoor seating. On a Saturday night, we saw a swath of families having a convivial time.
Peach State employs about 30 full-time and 10 part-time associates. Their most popular menu items are: Heirloom Tomato Pie (tomato basil fondue, house made fresh mozzarella, smoked mozzarella, fresh basil); Butternut Squash Pie (butternut squash, caramelized onions, fire roasted mushrooms, fontina, with a collard green and pecan pesto); Pimento Cheese Grit Fritters, and freshly made lemonades.
Roasted veggies are a good accompaniment and are also offered as a “sammy” for $12. The poached pear arugula salad ($13) is a good beginning as is the anchovy-less caesar salad ($10) which was light on the dressing, but replete with fresh shaved parmesan. Specialty pizzas are around $16, sized for two people. A build-your-own pie starts at $12.
Peach State has an extensive libation menu. Michael said. “Cocktails reflect our Southern style with drinks like Front Porch Swing (Bustletown Vodka, fresh-pressed hibiscus ginger lemonade, Pimm’s). We also have 16 beers on tap, many locally sourced (Sweetwater, Terrapin, Creature Comforts, New Realm, Wild Leap, a few taps rotate seasonally.” Some of the curated wines include: Pet Nat Ercole – Italy; Orin Swift Blank Stare Sauvignon Blanc – California; and Château d’Oupia Les Hérétiques – France.
David is a pizza restaurant veteran of 15-plus years and held roles of increasing responsibility from entry level to general manager of a high-volume location. Michael has spent his career of 20-plus years at various Atlanta-based corporate headquarters with a specialty in supply chain and transportation. His experience in starting up new operations has helped forge this new concept.
Now at Peach State, David, as the general manager/operator of the restaurant, is able to leverage his operational knowledge from his many years in the restaurant industry. Michael utilizes his project management skills to help the team stay organized through an almost three-year process to develop the concept and bring it to life. Currently, David oversees the management team which consists of the head chef, kitchen manager, bar manager, and service manager and the day-to-day operations. Michael pitches in with operational support, finance, accounting, and IT management.
Michael and David are lifelong members of Ahavath Achim Synagogue, and both attended North Springs High School. Michael completed his bachelors and MBA at Georgia Tech, and David attended Oglethorpe University. David currently resides in East Cobb with wife, Julie, and two children. Michael lives in Sandy Springs with his wife, Avital, and three kids. The brothers play tennis together on their neighborhood ALTA team.
Check out the menu which is well beyond “just another pizza place.” Peach State is at 4475 Roswell Road. Free parking out front. 678-403-8404.
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