Main Street in Tucker is buzzing with the news over Local 7, a chef-driven sidewalk restaurant and bar opening sometime in August.

The tavern will be providing burgers and sandwiches, entrees and daily specials created by international Chef Mikiel Arnold, a graduate of the Cordon Bleu who interned in Peru with the country’s most famous culinary visionary Chef Gaston Curio.

“We are focusing on families and with Chef Mikiel, our restaurant will be a step up from an average bar,” says owner James Haggard. Their goal is to be the neighborhood favorite. “We definitely want to tune in to the neighborhood to satisfy their dining preferences.”

Prices will be kept at a moderate level with hamburgers and sandwiches around $8 and entrees from $12 to $15.

The Local #7 partners James Haggard and Jason Hylton have two other successful Matador Cantina restaurants on the Eastside of Atlanta; one in Oakhurst and the other in Glenwood Park. Like Tucker’s other new merchants and investors, they believe the area is in the midst of a real estate revival.

Located on the corner closest to the railroad, the partners named the café after Tucker’s CSX seventh railroad stop. "The number seven has been significant for Tucker," Haggard said. "According to the history book, it originally had seven schools, seven churches and is seven miles from the other municipalities. It seemed like the perfect name.”           

Typical of the atmosphere in many historically friendly taverns, Local #7 will have a long bar, an exposed brick wall with wooden railroad ties and booths. The decor will include historical pictures of Tucker and other nostalgic items.

“We are speaking to some of the other merchants like the Cofers to collect various Tucker collectables,” Haggard said. The plan is to have live music one night a week and there will be games such as Trivia to encourage locals to stop in for a relaxing evening of play.

The renovation is still in progress with the main entrance opening on Main Street; the covered outdoor cafe will face the railroad providing customers the opportunity to sit outside.

Laurie Morrison from the Main Street Art School across the street and Linda Karr from the new Garden Enthusiast a few doors away both say they are delighted to have the new restaurant on their block and are looking forward to the opening.          

The idea that there will be a new outdoor cafe providing a charming atmosphere and walking clientele for the whole neighborhood is unanimously welcomed by local merchants. With the renovation of new sidewalks, park benches, plants and other plans for the downtown area, excitement for the prospect of new people discovering Tucker’s new businesses and historic facelift is mounting.