El Tesoro, a popular Mexican food brand, has announced plans to open an 8,600-square-foot restaurant at the Lee + White development in Atlanta's West End. The new location, set to open in March 2026, will occupy the 1036 Building, previously home to Best End Brewing. This expansion marks El Tesoro's third full-service restaurant in Atlanta, joining its original Edgewood location and a forthcoming 3,640-square-foot outpost in South Downtown, expected to open in spring 2026.
Alan Raines, owner of El Tesoro, expressed enthusiasm about the move, stating, "We've been very successful in our collaboration with Wild Heaven West End, with so much goodwill from the local residents, and now we are both ready for the next phase." Raines highlighted the potential for growth, noting that the larger space will allow the restaurant to host meetings, activities, and weddings, serving as a gathering place for the neighborhood and sports events.
The new El Tesoro will feature all its food favorites, a large bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and big-screen TVs for sporting events. Guests can expect the same family recipe favorites, including tacos, burritos, tamales, and mulitas, along with the famous fresh juice margaritas and a deep mezcal program. The concept aims for a casual but slightly elevated experience, expanding beyond the standard taqueria.
Leo Wiener, President of Ackerman Retail, which represented the owners in the lease transaction, commented, "El Tesoro has become a go-to stop for authentic Mexican food, and their growth is great news for Lee + White and the West End neighborhood." Marisa Roy and Patrick Green of Ackerman Retail facilitated the lease on behalf of owners Ackerman & Co. and MDH Partners.
In related news, Wild Heaven Beer announced that Eats, a popular meat-and-three restaurant, will replace El Tesoro within the Wild Heaven tap room. Wild Heaven has purchased the Eats brand and is targeting a March opening as well.
Lee + White, a 442,562-square-foot adaptive reuse development acquired by Ackerman & Co. and MDH Partners in 2019, continues to evolve. The development features one-half mile of Atlanta BeltLine frontage and four direct entrances to the trail. The latest phase includes a food hall, creative office space, healthcare providers, trade schools, new retail, and the "Great Lawn" central gathering space. The development is accessible via the West End MARTA rail station and a planned station at Murphy Crossing.
The food hall at Lee + White currently hosts 16 eateries along with the Strangers in Paradise central bar, including Cielito Lindo, Costa Coffee, Crème de la Crepe, Dough Boy Pizza, GoodAzz Burgers, Gekko Hibachi & Sushi, gusto!, Honeysuckle Gelato, One Korean Bistro, The Original Hot Dog Factory, Sakura Sake Bar & Bottles, Sweet Red Peach, Vietvana, West Side Deli, and World Chicken. One full-service restaurant space of 3,990 square feet and one food stall remain available for lease.
For more information about Lee + White, visit www.leeandwhiteatl.com. Details about MDH Partners can be found at www.mdhpartners.com, and about Ackerman & Co. at www.ackermanco.com.
