Little Dipper owners launching new downtown Sylvania restaurant with BBQ, steaks, burgers

Miguel Legoas, Augusta Chronicle
·2 min read
The new 1023 Grill restaurant is opening in the former Soda Shop Gallery downtown Sylvania, Ga.
The new 1023 Grill restaurant is opening in the former Soda Shop Gallery downtown Sylvania, Ga.

The owners of one of Sylvania's favorite coffee and ice cream providers are opening a new restaurant next door.

Little Dipper Coffee and Ice Cream owner Grace Waits recently announced the name of the new eatery, 1023 Grill. Both names stem from her partnership, in life and business, to husband, Brad. The Little Dipper constellation was in the sky the night they decided to get married, and they were wed on Oct. 23, 1999. Grace and Brad are running both businesses together.

"I couldn't do it without him and he couldn't do it without me," Grace said. "We definitely depend on each other."

"My wife is the brains and I'm the brawn," Brad said. "She's kind of got the good ideas and I kind of execute her idea."

The new restaurant on North Main Street will be open Thursday through Saturday, with barbecue for lunch and steaks for dinner. There will be an inside door connecting 1023 Grill to Little Dipper. Grace said she believes the two establishments will blend together, with customers able to enjoy a coffee while they wait for their table or enjoy some ice cream after finishing a meal.

While other area restaurants have barbecue featured on their menu, 1023 Grill will be the only restaurant that is largely dedicated to barbecue. They intend to use some ingredients from local farmers and vendors, and the chef is planning out unique recipes in order to feature two specialty gourmet hamburgers every month.

Grace and Brad Waits show off the sign for their new restaurant, 1023 Grill, that was announced during the Screven County Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Extravaganza in Sylvania on Dec. 11.
Grace and Brad Waits show off the sign for their new restaurant, 1023 Grill, that was announced during the Screven County Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Extravaganza in Sylvania on Dec. 11.

Grace, who is also president of the Screven County Chamber of Commerce, said they have been trying to recruit investors to open a barbecue restaurant in town, but there has been little confidence in the market. However, the feedback seems to already be positive, with the Waits reporting a ton of good responses personally and dozens of excited comments on Facebook.

"People are excited about something new, and it doesn't happen a lot here," Brad said. "So, just seeing excitement of people and just being able to actually provide a service for people that people want is exciting for everyone."

The Waits said they plan to open 1023 Grill between the end of January and the early part of February.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Little Dipper owners launching new downtown Sylvania restaurant