Kool Running Brings A Little Island Flavor to the Area

When it comes to dining spots, Peachtree Corners has some fairly wide choices - and now diners looking for dishes with a hint of island spice are in luck.

A new Jamaican restaurant, Kool Running, has set up shop in the city by the river. The family owned-and-operated business opened the Tuesday after Memorial Day and is located in the Peachtree Parkway Plaza shopping center on the corner of Spalding Drive and S.R. 141.

On the menu are a number of traditional island dishes including Jerk Chicken, Brown Stew Chicken, Ox Tails, Red Snapper and Curried Shrimp. But that's just a start, there's Chinese dishes that come with a Jamaican flair like Pork and Ham Choi and Chicken Chop Suey. Prices range from $8 - $15.

"The Jamaican-Chinese dishes are vastly different from traditional Chinese food," said Ed Hines, who along with his family, run the eatery.

Hines and his family had been operating Kool Running in Stone Mountain for 19 years but decided earlier this year to make the move across town where he said there was "better prospects for growth."

The move, he said, hasn't hurt business. He sees many of the same customers at the new location he said.

"We've very encouraged," said Hines of the number of diners who have found their way to Kool Running's new spot. "It's all been word of mouth."

Along with lunch and dinner, the restaurant serves brunch on Sundays. "We serve traditional breakfast items," said Hines. But for those interested in some island flair for breakfast, there's Ackee and Saltfish, Mackerel Rundown, Liver and Callaloo (which is similar to spinach). It's all you can eat for $14.99.

Desserts include an assortment of pastries, beverage choices include Iris Moss, Sorrel, Peanut Punch and Carrot Juice. Hines said they will add beer and wine to the menu soon.

When you step inside the tropical-themed interior and colorful painted walls will make you feel you've stepped onto the Caribbean island. On the back wall is a sign that reads "One Love." Hines explained that it's a Jamaican expression that means one people created by one God."

The restaurant is open daily at 11 a.m. and stays open till 10 p.m. Monday-Thursdays and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday hours are 11 - 9 p.m.

The shopping center, which in recent years has lost a number of tenants is seeing a bit of a come-back. Along with Hines' business, a new health club is renovating space next to The Peachtree Growler which opened last year.

"It was a leap of faith coming into a half empty shopping center," said Hines.

Kevin Mahan, who works a few doors down at the Peachtree Growler is glad he took that leap of faith.

"I love the grab and go beef patties," said Mahan. "They are inexpensive, tasty and fill you up. And the fried plantains are awesome."

Hines said he hopes to have the Kool Running sign on the shopping center's pylon sign soon. 

Kool Running Restaurant
5450 Peachtree Parkway
Peachtree Corners, GA 30092
Telephone: 770-441-0207