The fast-casual chain MOD Pizza has been closing a number of restaurants across the country in recent months, and recently that included its location at Sandy Plains Marketplace (3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 250).
The Seattle-based chain closed 26 locations in the first quarter of 2024, according to Restaurant Business Magazine, and earlier this month the company was purchased by Elite Restaurant Group as financial pressures mounted.
That report indicated that 44 closures have taken place following reports of possible bankruptcy. 
MOD stands for “Made on Demand” and is the focal concept of a build-your-0wn pizza product. Nation’s Restaurant News says MOD has more than 500 restaurants remaining as it reorganizes under new ownership.
Five MOD Pizza restaurants operate in metro Atlanta, including on Cobb Parkway in Kennesaw and in Sandy Springs.
MOD was one of several nation and regional chain restaurants that opened at the then-new Sandy Plains Marketplace—on the site of the former Mountain View Elementary School—right before the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.
The others are still open: First Watch; Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar; Jim ‘N N ick’s BBQ; Panda Express and Clean Juice.
The major vacancy at the 72,689-square-foot retail center is the former GreenWise Market space. The Publix-operated organic foods grocery store closed in late 2021, after less than a year and a half in business.
WZ Tavern goes indie
After nearly nine years in business, the WZ Tavern located nearby at 3052 Shallowford Road has changed its name.
The “WZ” stood for Wing Zone, a Las Vegas-based chain which had an agreement with the East Cobb owners that has ended.
It’s now called Home Tavern, and it promises the same ambience with some menu changes. “Our new menu will include many of our long-standing favorites, along with new items that continue our Chef inspired commitment to delicious food!”
The situation is similar to another local wing institution, The Wing Cafe & Tap House, which broke away from the Wild Wing Cafe chain several years ago and has been at the same space at East Lake Shopping Center for more than 20 years.
Related:
- Food scores: Green Coyote; Mezza Luna; Bad Daddy’s; more
- Food scores: Reunion Kitchen; Cafe Rivkah; Katana Sushi; more
- Food scores: My Friend’s Place; Moxie Burger; Nana Thai; more
- Food scores: Tasty China; J. Christopher’s; Wing Cafe; more
- Food scores: Seed; Stem; Peach State Pizza; more
- Food scores: Five Guys; Howlin’ Willy’s; Chili’s; more
- Round Trip Brewing Co. opens at Avenue East Cobb
- Food scores: Suburban Tap; Johnny’s Parkaire; more
- Seed Kitchen and Bar reopens remodeled patio
Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
