1999 South Georgia football recruit makes his return to the Classic City with a new purpose – to fuel students, athletes and the community with fresh, flavorful and healthy bowls and wraps. gusto!, the Atlanta-born brand founded by Nate Hybl, will open its first location in Athens on Thursday, April 28, marking the brand’s tenth shop across Georgia. The new gusto! will feature a putting green, pet-friendly outdoor dining, bright interiors and a drive-thru for bowls and wraps on the go.

A former collegiate and professional athlete, Hybl never felt truly fulfilled – he knew he wanted something more than being on the football field. The one idea he kept coming back to was grilled chicken and the limitless flavor combinations that can be made, yet there wasn’t an option that was high-quality, delicious, versatile and most importantly, fast. Driven by a passion to refresh the expectations around “healthy” and expand people’s taste palettes, Hybl founded gusto! in 2014 and is full speed ahead on disrupting the fast food landscape.

“It’s awesome to come back to Athens after all these years and see the same great town and spirited people, and know that I’m bringing something new and different with me this time,” said Hybl. “I wake up each morning to live out my gusto – my passion – and I am a strong believer that food should add zest and boldness to everyday life. gusto! challenges you to get out of your comfort zone and embrace new flavors and ingredients, and we can’t wait to  introduce it to the classic city. This town has meant a lot to me, my family, and our team and we’re excited that our first true expansion outside of Metro Atlanta is in Athens!”

The face of the brand at each of the shops is the Local Operating Partner (LOP), someone with an owner’s mentality that is a true embodiment of gusto!’s cultural values. A longtime Athens resident and hospitality industry veteran, Andrew Skellie was tapped to run the show at the new location. With managerial experience from Waffle House, Papa’s Pizza, Freddy’s and McAlister’s, Skellie will employ and run a high-performing team that is energetic and ready to serve each other and the community.

“I’ve lived in Athens for over 30 years now and I’ve been a part of a lot of different restaurants, but nothing ever like this,” said Skellie. “It’s a new wave. It’s everything that we say it is – fresh, friendly, fast, flavorful. What Nate has done with the brand is truly special and it’s going to show when we open the doors. I can’t wait to see everyone come together on the patio for a gorgeous spring day or give people a wave and a smile through the drive-thru.”

Located off the bustling intersection of W Broad Street and Alps Road, gusto! Athens will be outfitted with a convenient drive-thru for guests on-the-go and an expansive patio with heaters, cornhole and a putting green for those who want to come in and stay awhile. The new shop features local artwork and incorporates biophilic elements into the space with an abundance of natural light and plants scattered throughout. Additionally, gusto! Athens will be pet-friendly for owners wanting to bring their furry companions along.