Courtesy of JARS by Fabio Viviani
Fabio Viviani, a 2005 and 2008 Top Chef alum from Italy, is bringing his sweets to Smyrna. On May 30, his first Georgia outpost of Jars, a dessert shop that reimagines America’s favorite treats layered in jars, will open at 4500 West Village Parkway. Those who register in advance can sample a free jar between 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
The storefront is modern, with neutral tones, digital kiosks, and a few outdoor tables for guests to linger. But the real showstopper are the desserts, finished to order and built in-house using premium ingredients from bakery partners.
“We noticed a gap in the dessert quick serve space—everything was cupcakes or cookies,” says Viviani, whose hospitality portfolio includes Bar Siena in Chicago, Adelina in Detroit, Portico in Seneca County, New York, and Taverna Costale in St. Petersburg, Florida, among others. “We wanted to make something that’s easy to share and fun for everyone.”
Courtesy of JARS by Fabio Viviani
At Jars, there’s no need to choose between a cupcake, slice of pie, or sundae. Each jar layers the best parts of iconic American desserts, such as cake, custard, frosting, fruit, crunch, and/or whipped cream—into one shareable, spoonable treat. Favorites like tiramisu, red velvet cheesecake, and cookies and cream are always on the menu, with others rotating based on season or celebration. Expect eight to 12 flavors at a time, pulled from a bank of more than 150 recipes. “Dulce de leche is my weakness,” Viviani admits. “But I’ll always go for banana cream pie too—it’s undeniable.”
Courtesy of JARS by Fabio Viviani
Standard jars clock in at six to eight ounces (perfect for splitting), while mini jars offer just a few decadent bites. Other offerings include frozen cake bars—flat cake pops on sticks—and a lineup of indulgent beverages like cookies and cream hot chocolate, fruity summer spritzes, and even lemonades spiked with a shot of Red Bull, available seasonally.
Viviani, who moved to the U.S. in 2005 and now lives in Chicago, launched Jars less than two years ago. He has locations in Illinois, Missouri, and California, with a shop in Arizona in the works. A franchise, the Smyrna shop is the only Jars planned for Georgia.
As for Top Chef’s influence on Jars? “Top Chef gave me good exposure. I ended up doing good business with good people,” Viviani explains.
Courtesy of JARS by Fabio Viviani
