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Georgia's Gusto hoping to add more passion to fast casual fare

February 28, 2018

Dining doesn't usually include a call to action, but at Gusto, a two-unit concept based in Georiga, lunch and dinner are an opportunity for self-expression, founder Nate Hybl, said in a company press release.

"What began as intrigue and curiosity blossomed into a surprising new personal mission," said the former athlete, who spent many years tinkering in the kitchen to combine the international flavors he discovered in his travels with a fast casual concept that features both quality and speed of service.

True to its name, which is derived from the Latin word, gustus — meaning "an individual taste or liking" — the restaurant employees greet guests by asking "What's your gusto?" Hybl said.

"It's a call to action to not only decide what flavors you want to enjoy that day, but also to uncover what catches your eye and drives your passion for food as well as life," he said.
 
Gusto offers a simple menu of grilled proteins combined with blends of ingredients that add a distinct flavor profile and texture to each entrée, Hybl said. Inspired by both international cuisine and familiar American flavors, these gustos – like sweet soy sriracha, apple curry peanut or tahini cucumber feta – can be hot, bright, earthy or sweet. They all bring the food to life with freshness and flavor, not fat, he said.

How it works
Customers first choose a style —  mixed greens, Jasmine brown rice, half greens and half rice or a flatbread wrap —  and add a protein (chicken, shrimp or portabella mushroom). Guests also have the option to add fresh avocado to any order,and each entree ($8.95-$10.95) comes with house-made sweet potato chips. The menu, according to the press release, features all-natural, antibiotic-free chicken, wild-caught shrimp and, whenever possible, local and organic ingredients.
 
"Society's demand for convenience is only increasing," Hybl said. "We put tons of energy into delivering worldwide flavors with balance in every entrée, so our guests can experience the chef-driven creations of a full-service restaurant with the speed of fast food." 
 
The restaurant also serves desserts ($2.25) such as lemon butter and Mexican chocolate chunk cookies and custom High Road ice cream sandwiches in addition to a kid's menu ($6.50-$8.50) with rice bowls and quesadillas. The beverage selection features fountain drinks, Spindrift sparkling water, limeade and craft beers and wine.
 
Corporate functions and other private events of 20 or more guests in need of gusto can order a customizable "BYOG" (build your own gusto) buffet. The restaurant's catering options allow for a wide variety of worldly flavors from Japanese to Mexican to Mediterranean and accommodate vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dietary restrictions, according to the release.
 
The look
Each location displays a gray and bright yellow color palette and modern industrial style that is both bright and welcoming, Hybl said. The spaces feature stainless steel tables, concrete floors, exposed brick walls, gooseneck lighting, an abundance of windows and pops of signature gold fabric. 

Unique artwork, such as the bold interior and exterior murals painted by local artists Barry Lee and Lee Arnett, convey the personality of the surrounding neighborhood and give each restaurant its own unique character. Upbeat music selections ranging from Motown to modern pop hits bring good energy to the dining experience.  It seats 60 guests inside and an additional 25 guests on the dog-friendly outdoor patios.
 
Hybl and his team expect to open three additional stores in 2018.