David Abes, the visionary behind Funwoody, shares his journey in creating vibrant spaces that will soon include Good Vibes Ice Cream. We talk about his experience as our Parade Grand Marshal, and how he’s redefining community through events like Cinco de Hanukkah and Green Eggs and Kegs, while fostering local connections in the Village. From innovative dining to family-friendly activities, David’s passion for making Dunwoody a destination shines.
Good Vibes, Great Food, and the Rise of Funwoody: David Abes' Vision for Village Dunwoody
Who is David Abes and What is Funwoody?
What happens when a seasoned Atlanta restaurateur sets his sights on transforming a suburban village into a social and culinary destination? You get David Abes and his game-changing creation: Funwoody. In this episode of the What’s Up Dunwoody podcast, host Matt Weber sits down with David to explore how he's reshaping Village Dunwoody with energy, imagination, and yes—ice cream.
David Abes is the mastermind behind several well-known dining concepts throughout the Atlanta metro area, but his passion project lies right here in the heart of Dunwoody. Through a mix of hospitality expertise, event planning, and a strong connection to the community, David has turned Village Dunwoody into what he calls “Funwoody”—a place where locals gather not just to eat, but to connect.
Good Vibes Ice Cream Shop is Coming to the Village
Get ready for the ultimate dessert destination: Good Vibes Ice Cream Shop and Soda Pop is David's latest addition to the Village Dunwoody scene. Set to serve 24 flavors of premium ice cream alongside non-dairy options and in-house baked gourmet brownies, this spot is designed to be more than just a sweet treat.
The highlight? A clever new beverage concept called “Fizzies”—custom soda drinks that blend playful flavors with nostalgic charm. It’s the perfect stop for families after a soccer game at Brook Run Park or a casual hangout on a summer night.
Good Vibes promises to reflect the same sense of fun and community that defines the rest of David’s projects. With quirky aesthetics and a menu that caters to kids and adults alike, it’s bound to become one of the best restaurants in Dunwoody for dessert lovers.
How Events Are Transforming Life in Dunwoody
If you’ve been to a lantern parade, a tree lighting, or even an event called “Cinco de Hanukkah,” you’ve seen David Abes’ vision in action. His team has hosted dozens of community-centric events designed to foster connection and inject energy into Village Dunwoody.
Upcoming highlights include the annual Green Eggs and Kegs fundraiser, benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Scheduled for April 26th, this adult-focused event aims to draw over 3,000 attendees with its mix of food, beer, and live music. These gatherings are more than just a good time—they create a sense of place for people living in Dunwoody and those considering relocating to Dunwoody.
From The Barn to The Village: David's Restaurant Empire
David's foray into Dunwoody began with The Barn, a rustic-chic concept that set the tone for what would become a growing portfolio of restaurants. Now, his footprint includes multiple dining establishments within Village Dunwoody, each with its own flavor and style but unified by the goal of community gathering.
He’s curated these spaces to be more than just eateries. With indoor/outdoor seating, live music stages, and event-friendly layouts, these venues are built to encourage neighbors to linger, chat, and feel at home. For families in Dunwoody North and Redfield, these spots have become staples of daily life.
The Vision Behind Funwoody: Creating a Cultural Hub
At its core, Funwoody is a branding movement as much as it is a physical place. David Abes wants people to think of Village Dunwoody as a fun, engaging, and vibrant cultural hub. That means working closely with local organizations like Discover Dunwoody and Create Dunwoody, as well as collaborating with small businesses to keep the local economy strong.
This collaborative approach has led to a revitalization of previously underutilized spaces, now buzzing with foot traffic and photo ops. Whether it’s a patio packed with families or a concert under the stars, the vibe of Funwoody is unmistakable: it’s where Dunwoody comes to play.
Facing Challenges Head-On in Dunwoody
Of course, no entrepreneurial journey is without its bumps. David opens up to podcast host Matt Weber about navigating online criticism in community forums, staffing challenges, and the day-to-day hurdles of running multiple restaurants.
His solution? Stay focused on hospitality. For David, quality service and consistent customer experience are non-negotiables. He believes that by staying true to those principles and listening to the community, businesses can thrive, even in tough times.
Why Living in Dunwoody is Better Than Ever
With vibrant community spaces, family-friendly events, and a growing list of delicious eateries, it’s no wonder so many people are moving to Dunwoody. David’s contributions are a major part of why this city is becoming more livable and more lovable every day.
Whether you’re walking your dog past murals in Village Dunwoody, sipping a Fizzie at Good Vibes, or enjoying live music under the lights, you’re experiencing the new Dunwoody—one that’s rich with culture and connectedness.
And for anyone considering relocating to Dunwoody, know this: the sense of belonging starts the moment you step into a David Abes concept. It's that welcoming, neighborly vibe that helps make this city feel like home.
Get Involved with Dunwoody Events and David’s Vision
Step One: Visit Village Dunwoody and see the transformation for yourself. Whether it’s dinner at one of David’s restaurants or dessert at Good Vibes, there’s something for everyone.
Step Two: Attend one of the many events, from Cinco de Hanukkah to Green Eggs and Kegs. These gatherings offer a great way to meet neighbors and explore local culture.
Step Three: Stay connected with What’s Up Dunwoody and follow the Funwoody journey as it continues to reshape the city.
