Maepole Plans First Drive-Thru Location in Cumming

Maepole will open its first restaurant with a drive-thru pickup lane in Cumming, Georgia, in late 2026. The Athens-born fast-casual brand, known for its modern Southern comfort food, is developing the location as a prototype for future company and franchise expansion.

Backed by principal investor Tony Townley, co-founder of Zaxby's, the move represents a major step in Maepole's plans for growth across Georgia and the Southeast. The new restaurant will be located at the intersection of Bethelview Road and Castleberry Road.

A Purpose-Built Prototype

The Cumming location will introduce a new Maepole restaurant format. It will feature a full dining room, an outdoor patio, and the brand's first dedicated drive-thru lane for order pickup. This prototype is designed to serve as a model for future locations as the company expands.

Chef Peter Dale, Maepole's founder and Culinary Director, explained the choice of Cumming. He said the area has the combination the brand seeks. "Cumming has the combination we look for in a Maepole community- growing families, active lifestyles and people who want better everyday food without sacrificing convenience," Dale stated.

The Chef-Driven Menu

Maepole's menu offers a fresh take on Southern specialties. The chef-driven concept allows guests to build their own bowls from scratch-made bases, vegetables, proteins, and sauces. All ingredients are never frozen.

The company believes food can be both craveable and wholesome. "Healthy food shouldn't taste like a compromise," said Dale. "We start with flavor and real cooking."

The menu is designed to be accessible. It offers extensive gluten-free, vegan, and keto-friendly choices. The restaurant uses hormone- and antibiotic-free meats and operates a kitchen completely free of peanuts and tree nuts.

Expansion and Accessibility

The Cumming opening will mark Maepole's fourth location in Georgia. It will join two existing restaurants in Athens and one in Atlanta's Summerhill neighborhood. The company is actively developing additional sites within the state.

This new format evolves how customers can use the restaurant. In addition to dine-in service, the drive-thru pickup lane will cater to customers ordering ahead. The aim is to provide convenience for workday lunches, post-workout meals, and weeknight family dinners.

Maepole's expansion strategy focuses on building a repeatable standalone restaurant model. This model is intended to support future growth both through company-owned locations and potential franchise development throughout the Southeast region.