60-Year-Old Duluth Landmark Warehouse is New Dreamland BBQ

Submitted by City of Duluth

The vacant, 1950’s era, 12,000 square foot dry and cold goods warehouse in downtown Duluth is about to undergo a partial demolition and redevelopment into a corporately owned Dreamland BBQ franchise restaurant.

The rambling concrete block structure is 185 feet long and 70 feet wide and was once the bustling center of distribution for 12 Parson’s grocery, hardware, and retail stores. Goods from all over the United States came to Duluth and were distributed by Parson’s to stores in Buford, Cumming, Covington, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Fairburn, Fayetteville, Lawrenceville, Monroe, Norcross, and Palmetto.

“This building holds many memories for our community” said Mayor Nancy Harris at a recent work session. “We (Duluth City Council) have carefully deliberated and studied for years how best to use this building. Dreamland BBQ will honor the remaining 5,000 square feet and add 1,500.”

Betsy McAtee, CEO, Dreamland Restaurants of Atlanta said “We could not be more thrilled to call downtown Duluth our new home. We weren’t sure what to expect when the city ask us to visit this old warehouse. After few hours we saw what they saw and we know what an honor this is for our company.”

Asbestos abatement began October 15th, with visible demolition beginning the week of October 20th. Dreamland is expected to open operations midyear 2015. More to come on Dreamland soon!

For more information, contact Chris McGahee, Economic Development Manager, at cmcgahee@duluthga.net or770-497-5309.