Big Kahuna, Cali-Mex Cuisine, to Open at SunTrust Plaza

February 8,2012

Big Kahuna, a Cali-Mex and classic American style restaurant, has signed a lease for more than 4,000 square feet at SunTrust Plaza, the prominent 60-story office, retail, restaurant and parking complex in Downtown Atlanta. With plans to open in the spring of 2012, the restaurant will occupy 4,154 square feet, including 3,081 square feet of restaurant space and 1,073 square feet of patio space. Brian Hogg and Krunali Parekh of Portman Management Company represented the landlord in lease negotiations, and Kirk Williams of Cushman & Wakefield represented the tenant. 

Big Kahuna is the of concept Tom Nahas, one of the founders and creators of the burgeoning Twisted Taco brand; his former Twisted Taco partner and long-time retailer Rahim Kaba; and Mahesh Harjani – Atlanta nightlife entrepreneur and owner of The Havana Club.

Nahas says of the new venture, “Kahuna is conceptualized for multiple locations, Downtown Atlanta being the first. We want our patrons to feel like they’re sitting in a friend’s beach house, and even though our space is in a world-class office tower, we found it to be an excellent fit. We like that it has a real big city feel, 2,500 parking spaces and proximity to more than 8,000 business tenants and several convention hotels. After several meetings at SunTrust Plaza with the Portman Management team, we felt we’d found the right partner for developing our Big Kahuna flagship location.”

Big Kahuna will be an innovative and exciting flex casual concept, offering a fast casual lunch and full service dining in the evening. It will feature a 30-foot bar, multiple 50-inch flat screens, and outdoor patio seating.

Brian Hogg, former executive vice president of leasing for Portman Management Company, says, “We have been very selective in adding a fourth sit-down restaurant to join Pacific Rim Bistro, Morton’s The Steakhouse, the World Trade Center Atlanta and other dining options on-site at SunTrust Plaza. We’re pleased to offer our tenants, nearby workers and those visiting downtown Atlanta yet another excellent dining experience. Big Kahuna is a new and exciting concept developed by a proven operator and it will certainly add a new dimension to the extensive amenity package at SunTrust Plaza.”

About Big Kahuna

The Kahuna says live life to the fullest! And by the way the Kahuna holds his “board” meetings outside the office…

Big Kahuna is Newport Beach met with Atlanta flair: serving up Southern California, Cali-Mex and classic American food…inspired by surf, sun and extreme fun. We strive to offer Atlantans a fun, innovative and comfortable, yet high-energy environment where they can enjoy the healthy, always fresh and deliciously satisfying foods (with no trans-fat) that surfers have always enjoyed. Fresh and innovative tacos, artisan sandwiches, fresh salads, and giant organic burgers on homemade buns are part of this innovative menu. Offerings also include sizzling cast iron plates of grilled cage-free chicken, seared grass-fed beef, fresh Ahi tuna and crab legs, all of which were inspired by the ocean breeze and the crashing surf. To complete the true surf style experience, Big Kahuna serves real California style frozen yogurt with tempting toppings, homemade cinnamon sugar donut holes and daily pies to tempt your taste buds. Crafted cocktails, classic martinis and beach drinks are offered as well as 16 draught beers and dozens by the bottle. Private parties, meetings, and catering are all available in this perfectly situated location. Kahuna perfectly blends eating, drinking and fun, making it a way of life. Big Kahuna is designed for steady corporate growth and franchising. For more information visit www.bigkahunaatl.com.