Marietta's dining landscape is shifting with several new restaurants opening in early 2026 while others close permanently. Local favorites and chains alike are adapting to changing demands, from Mexican eateries to coffee shops expanding. This wave of changes highlights the city's vibrant food culture.
Marietta's restaurant scene continues to evolve, marked by a mix of closures and anticipated openings in late 2025 and early 2026. The Wendy's at 1312 Johnson Ferry Road abruptly closed on February 19, 2026, aligning with the chain's national plan to shutter 5% to 6% of its nearly 6,000 U.S. locations in the first half of that year. This follows the earlier closure of another nearby Wendy's, redeveloped into Piedmont Urgent Care.
New arrivals include Tacos La Villa, which opened at 3545 Canton Road on January 21, 2026, offering tacos, birria, and Mexican street-food staples. A Tacos La Villa Cantina followed on February 3, 2026, near Marietta Square. Asher & Rose Grocers, led by Chef Greg Lipman and Betty Bahl, hosted a grand opening on January 26, 2026, in the former Piastra space, with a full reopening scheduled for February after an initial launch on January 19.
Taqueria El Güero debuted in January 2026 at 2200 Roswell Road, featuring customizable tacos, burritos, and birria options. However, Ted’s Montana Grill canceled its planned Marietta Square location on January 8, 2026, citing negative social media feedback, despite historic approval in 2025. West Park Sports Club is set to occupy the former Red Hare Brewing space at 29 West Park Square, promising upscale sports bar fare like bulgogi cheesesteak sliders.
Smalls Sliders initiated construction with a January 7, 2026, event at 2355 Windy Hill Road, focusing on cheeseburger sliders and waffle fries. Tuesday Coffee + Shoppe is expanding into the adjacent unit at 137 Church Street, adding indoor seating and new food offerings after Lush Cakery's closure. Earlier in 2025, closures included The Frozen Goose on November 29, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina and Tin Pin Game Bar on December 31, and Battle & Brew at The Battery on December 22. These shifts reflect ongoing adjustments in Marietta's competitive dining market.