Forsyth is getting a new restaurant on the square featuring Japanese food and sushi.
The former home of the French Market on the southwest corner of the courthouse square will soon be home to Bonzo, a Japanese steak house and sushi restaurant. Restaurant owner Stephen Liu has signed a long-term lease with building owner Otis Ingram. Ingram said Liu plans to spend 3 months making the restaurant look like a Japanese steakhouse before opening in the fall.
Liu already owns a similar restaurant on Bill Gardner Parkway in Locust Grove called Koji. Ingram said he went and ate there and came away very impressed, and knew that Liu would be successful in Forsyth.
Liu is confident as well. He plans to spend every day on site the first 6 months to make sure it succeeds, and has a large family to help staff it.
Along with being open daily for lunch and supper, Bonzo will also offer catering and its meeting room for larger parties.
Ingram said Liu, who lives in upscale Johns Creek, is so excited that he wanted to sign an even longer lease than Ingram offered.
Previous restaurants in that location have included the Farmhouse, Royal Palm, Prime Palate, and most recently, the French Market, which also had a Locust Grove location.
Ingram said once the restaurant opens he plans to finish loft apartments upstairs to rent as well.