El Tesoro, a popular Mexican restaurant in Atlanta, has announced plans to open an 8,600-square-foot location at Lee + White, the adaptive reuse development in the West End. The new outpost, set to open in March 2026, will occupy the 1036 Building at the heart of the development, previously home to Best End Brewing. This expansion represents a significant step for the brand, which currently operates within Wild Heaven Brewing's facility at Lee + White and runs another location in Edgewood.
Owner Alan Raines highlighted the strategic move: "We've been very successful in our collaboration with Wild Heaven West End, with so much goodwill from the local residents, and now we are both ready for the next phase." The new space will feature all of El Tesoro's food favorites, a large bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and big-screen TVs for sporting events. Raines noted that the larger footprint allows for future growth, including hosting meetings, activities, and even weddings. "It almost seemed like more space than we need right now, but zooming out into the future, we'll have the flexibility to host a wide range of gatherings," he said.
The El Tesoro expansion is part of broader momentum at Lee + White, a 442,562-square-foot mixed-use development acquired by Ackerman & Co. and MDH Partners in 2019. The development has been transformed from the West End's former Warehouse Row into a vibrant hub with one-half mile of Atlanta BeltLine frontage and four direct entrances to the popular trail. The latest phase added a food hall, creative office space, healthcare providers, trade schools, new retail, and the "Great Lawn" central gathering space.
Leo Wiener, President of Ackerman Retail, commented on the announcement: "El Tesoro has become a go-to stop for authentic Mexican food, and their growth is great news for Lee + White and the West End neighborhood. We're looking forward to their expansion bringing even more energy to Lee + White while giving visitors another option for hanging out, eating great food and enjoying this vibrant district." Marisa Roy and Patrick Green of Ackerman Retail represented the owners in the lease transaction.
El Tesoro's new location aims for a casual but slightly elevated experience, similar to its upcoming South Downtown location at 171 Mitchell Street set to open in spring 2026. Guests can expect family recipe favorites including tacos, burritos, tamales, and mulitas, along with fresh juice margaritas and a deep mezcal program. The Edgewood location at 1374 Arkwright Place serves 175 guests, while the new Lee + White space and the South Downtown venue will increase the brand's footprint to three full-service restaurants in Atlanta.
In related news, Wild Heaven Beer has announced that Eats, a popular meat-and-three restaurant that closed its Ponce de Leon location in October, will replace El Tesoro within the Wild Heaven tap room. Wild Heaven has purchased the Eats brand and targets a March opening as well.
Lee + White is accessible via the nearby West End MARTA rail station and all of Atlanta's interstates, with a planned MARTA station at Murphy Crossing a short walk away via the Atlanta Westside BeltLine. The development currently hosts 16 eateries in its food hall, along with the Strangers in Paradise central bar, and continues to attract diverse tenants including ASW Exchange, Grady Health System, KIPP Atlanta Schools, and Monday Night Garage. One full-service restaurant space of 3,990 square feet and one food stall remain available for lease.
