New restaurant comes to Atascadero

By Reporter Margaux Sky

California cuisine opening at West Front Village

–Jeff Marston’s success with Marston’s Bar & Grill in San Luis Obispo has initiated an expansion of his culinary expertise, and Atascadero is the town of choice for this newest eatery called Marston’s 101. The new restaurant will be open later this month, according to owner Jeff Marston.

“Marston’s 101 will have a simple but more upscale menu than Marston’s Bar & Grill in SLO, and the interior will be different, too,” said owner Jeff Marston. “We’ll have craft cocktails, craft beers, and most of the beers and wine will be local. We’ll have a full bar, too.”

Marston pointed out that this new restaurant will be a real family restaurant, much more family oriented than the SLO eatery. “We’re serving fresh made lemonade, iced tea, and soda, too.”

Marston said the eatery’s atmosphere is a bit more elegant than the original Marston’s Bar & Grill, which is a sport bar, but Marston’s 101 will still offer some of the great-tasting meals people have come to expect of Marston’s signature SLO style, such as the famous pizza and awesome flatbreads.

He stressed that the aromatic wood-fired oven is important to effectively preparing great-tasting food. Marston’s 101 will be offering trademark staples of six to eight varied appetizers, and five different flavored flatbreads will also appear on the menu. These items will accompany six to eight mouth-watering entrees, recipes all unique to Marston’s 101.

The restaurant can accommodate up to 130 patrons, including the outdoor patio and the main restaurant. The space occupies 2,000 square feet. It is situated next door to the Holiday Inn Express & Suites at the West Front Village, just a short drive from downtown Atascadero.

According to reports, Holiday Inn Express & Suites operators Amar and Jessica Sohi were looking for a great addition to their business. A meeting with restaurateur Marston proved beneficial for the business owners.

Marston and his two managing partners, John Cantrell and Tyler Phillips, as well as head chef Michael Wood, are working hard to open the restaurant by late July or early August. “We’re moving along.”

The public will reap the benefits of comfortable California cuisine and a homey atmosphere at this convenient location that will be offering brunch on Sunday, “But we’re going to offer brunch on Saturdays, too, in time,” said Marston. There will be a children’s menu with lower costs; however, Marston specified he’s keeping the costs down for everybody.

As well as offering an original menu, Marston’s 101 will be happy to provide catering for special events such as business meetings, parties, or private affairs. A full bar along with beer and wine is conveniently at hand whether dining, catering, or hosting a special event. A spacious meeting area is accessible for private occasions and can accommodate up to 130 people.

Marston’s 101 hours of operation are: Mon. – Thur. 11 a.m. – 10 p.m Fri. – Sat. 11 a.m. – Midnight Sunday Brunch will begin at 9 a.m. Marston’s 101 will be opened until 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Located at 9006 West Front Rd. in Atascadero, Marston’s 101 is easy to find. Call (805) 544-3668 for additional information.