Rootstock Restaurant & Bar, once a cornerstone of Downtown Woodstock’s dining scene, has changed hands in a deal that marks significant shifts for the local food landscape.
The popular Main Street establishment has been purchased by Rreal Tacos, an authentic Mexican street food concept looking to expand its footprint. The sale was brokered by Steve Josovitz of The Shumacher Group., marking the sixth deal between Josovitz and Rreal Tacos owner Damian Otero.
Rootstock had established itself as “the premier place in Downtown Woodstock for locally sourced gourmet dishes, global wines, select whiskies and the ultimate Weekend Brunch” at its 8558 Main Street location in the historic downtown district.
What’s Changing Hands
The impressive 5,600-square-foot property includes:
- Multiple bars throughout the venue
- Seating for nearly 200 guests
- Rooftop and additional outdoor dining spaces
- Fully equipped kitchen
The previous owners reportedly invested $3 million to open the restaurant. The current lease includes four years remaining with a 10-year renewal option at $16,123 per month.
Fresh Start After Recent Challenges
The sale comes just months after Rootstock faced significant challenges. In March, the restaurant failed a health inspection with a score of 46, with violations including moldy food items, improper food handling, and temperature control issues.
Following the inspection, owners Sean and Anna Daily issued a public apology, stating they were “genuinely and deeply embarrassed” and committed to correcting all issues. The couple had operated the business for eight years and lived in the community for nearly 26 years.
What’s Next for the Space
Rreal Tacos has built its reputation on “the best authentic Mexican street food in Atlanta,” with chefs who “strive to recreate the characteristics of tacos from various regions of Mexico using the freshest cuts of meat and cooking with ingredients sourced only from there.
The restaurant is known for its “delicious tacos, cheesy quesadillas” and “beautifully hand-crafted margaritas” across its existing locations.
B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.
