The wait will soon be over for Cumming residents who have been excitedly eyeing the future home of YAVA Kitchen and Brewhouse at 3001 Market Place Blvd. as the 8,000-square-foot space nears completion. Set to debut in early 2026, the latest concept from Blue Orbit Restaurant Consulting, Atlanta’s premier hospitality consulting group, promises to be “rooted in community, grounded in craft and built for those who appreciate the simple joy of gathering around a good meal.” Known for guiding the success of concepts such as Nine Mile Station, Skyline Park and Bottles and Bones, the Blue Orbit team is partnering with the owners of YAVA, who have lived in Cumming for 15 years, to bring this new experience to life.
YAVA Kitchen and Brewhouse, which will be part of the Westshore community, delivers the food-forward dining experience Cumming residents have long awaited—complete with quality, locally crafted beer. Designed by ai3, the expansive space features seating for over 300 guests, warm woods, abundant natural light, cozy booths, soaring ceilings and a welcoming fireplace, creating an inviting setting for families, local professionals and visitors heading to nearby Lake Lanier. Guests can join the restaurant’s Founder’s Club, which offers exclusive experiences, discounts and special perks for founding members.
The centerpiece of YAVA’s kitchen will be a wood-fired grill that will serve elevated classics to guests via a menu overseen by consulting chef Kevin Maxey, the chef/owner of acclaimed Sandy Springs restaurant Pendolino. Maxey has previously worked with Tom Colicchio at Craft and served as vice president of culinary for Ford Fry’s Rocket Farm Restaurants. Joe Alessandroni, an industry veteran who has created award-winning cocktail programs from San Francisco to Singapore, is overseeing YAVA’s craft cocktail program…