By John Breech / Staff

Medellin, Colombia isn’t exactly a proving ground for entrepreneurs. The most famous person that the city has produced is Pablo Escobar, who made his billions in the international drug cartel.

However, it’s another Medellin native who is making some local news. She’s Ubie Angeles, a current Gwinnett resident who recently decided to open Gorda Luna, her new Latin American grill, in Roswell. The restaurant officially opened its doors in late December, but didn’t celebrate its Grand Opening until Friday.

And a grand opening it was: Roswell Mayor Jere Wood, City Council members Nancy Diamond and Jerry Orlans and State Sen. John Albers all made their way to the cozy restaurant at Ga. 9 and Holcomb Bridge Road to join the celebration.

Wood was thrilled to be a part of the festivities. “Attracting businesses and creating jobs is the most important thing we can do as a government in today’s economy,” the mayor said as he munched on complimentary samplings that Gorda Luna offered all guests during the Grand Opening.

Angeles is excited about Gorda Luna’s prospects. “I like a lot of things about Roswell,” the native Colombian said. “There’s a market over here. There are so many Mexican restaurants, but I’m introducing something different.”

Rather than focus on Mexico, Angeles will give her customers a taste of Latin America. Gorda Luna will serve traditional Latin cuisine with “a dash of Cuba, a sprinkle of Puerto Rico and the requisite sabor of Colombia.”

Gorda Luna, at 10495 Alpharetta St., is open from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays.