A new restaurant concept between Big Citizen and King of Pops is joining Atlanta’s redevelopment wave along the Memorial Drive corridor. Wonderkid opened its doors on Saturday, December 21.

Wonderkid combines the styles of a traditional diner with that of a modern ice cream parlor. Read our Wonderkid review HERE.

Wonderkid: Concept between Big Citizen and King of Pops coming to Atlanta

The principals, including Darren Carr and Eric Simpkins, both co-founders of Big Citizen, spoke to AtlantaFi.com about Wonderkid and how it came about.

Carr said that Big Citizen had been eyeing the surrounding properties for some time after previously working nearby. “Eric and I came over here two years ago and we loved the building and wanted to be back in the neighborhood.”

We already had a dining concept in the back of our minds that we always wanted to do and this felt like the time and place to do it,” Carr said.

The building’s proprietor first offered them 2,500 square feet, but that wasn’t enough space for what they wanted to do. 

“We said, ‘That’s not enough room, there’s not a lot we could do in that space,” Carr said.

“They then said, ‘Well, you’ve got these neighbors, it’s top secret, we’re not allowed to tell you who they are, but they might want to partner with you,” Carr said.

It turned out to be Steven Carse and Nick Carse of King of Pops, who they’ve worked with in the past.

“So it turned out to  be a very easy and natural relationship — these were guys who were our friends already — so we said why don’t we blend the two concepts into a bigger space and have some fun with it,” Carr said.

Simpkins said that the early talks between Big Citizen and Kign of Pops centered on how they could blend the two concepts nto something they both liked.

“When we actually saw their mood board that they had and their pitch document, we both had the same picture of this really great coffee house or ice cream shop and some place that just really had this beautiful bar and diner-esque feel,” Simpkins said.

“We knew that there was obviously some natural overlap with classic soda fountains,” he said. “And we all knew that we didn’t want to do the same greasy spoon diner.”

Simpkins also said they didn’t want to do something that didn’t feel original.

“There’s enough small local independent diners up the street who are run by friends of ours and they are doing some amazing things and are neighborhood staples,” he said. “We didn’t want to do the same thing, but we wanted to be there alongside them and not necessarily directly compete.”

And so that’s how Wonderkid was born. The eatery is also a passion project of sorts.

The new Atlanta restaurant will be an inclusive place for the nieghborhoods nearby from Reynoldstown, Cabbagetown and East Atlanta Village, Simpkins said. “We want this place to be a center where those communities can come for breakfast, lunch and dinner and late night.”

What’s On Wonderkid’s Menu?

Patrons can expect traditional diner food, but with a funky twist.

There will be a frozen drink machine that will use the ice cream process that King of Pops uses. Customers can also expect delicious specialties like frozen chocolate bourbon.

The executive chef is Justin Dixon, who is from Atlanta.

“We wanted to do something different, we knew we had to elevate things a little bit and our goal was to really find a chef that could match that spirit of elevation where it’s still very much a diner, approachable and broad, but understands the roll n’ roll feel we bring to it and have a bit more fun and shake things up a bit,” Simpkins said.

Other key players are:

Don Hart, the general manager, who previously worked at Barcelona Wine Bar.

Taylor Blackgrave, beverage director, who comes from The Lawrence in Midtown Atlanta.

Sarah Hagamaker, pastry chef, who previously worked at Proof Bakery, Bon Ton and the Lawrence.

Where is Wonderkid located in Atlanta?

Wonderkid is located at 777 Memorial Dr. SE, Suite 101A, Atlanta, GA. 30312. Here is a map to help you find it.

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Ready for another restaurant along the Beltline? Rina, the newest concept from Oliva Restaurants, is set to open its doors Monday, January 13, 2020. 

The new Atlanta restaurant is located on the Eastside BeltLine in the Ford Factory Lofts.

Everything You Need to Know Rina, The New Atlanta Restaurant

Rina is an Israeli diner-inspired eatery that will serve classic Middle Eastern dishes, creative cocktails, and boozy milkshakes in a vibrant, casual setting. Think beach-side Tel Aviv.

The people behind Rina are the same ones that has brought Atlanta some culinary staples, including Bellina Alimentari, Aziza, and Falafel Nation).

The eatery is named for restauranteur Tal Baum’s grandmother, who instilled a passion for cooking in Baum. 
 
“I wanted to expose Atlanta to the fun, lively, delicious part of my culture that is not always the focal point,” Baum says. “I want everybody to know what a magical and beautiful place Israel is and share the recipes that were first served at my family’s falafel stand in Israel in the 1950’s.”

What’s On The Menu At Rina?

Rina will serve classic Middle Eastern dishes such as pita sandwiches, skewers, seasonal mezze, hummus, salads, Israeli-inspired milkshakes, and more.

The kitchen will be helmed by Executive Chef Brandon Hughes, who oversees all of Oliva Restaurants’ ventures (Bellina Alimentari, Aziza, Falafel Nation).

“This concept takes more traditional Israeli food offerings, and brings things up a notch, adding in an element of fun and color,” Hughes says.

As for beverages, you’ll get to try any number of frozen drinks, draft cocktails, boozy milkshakes, and house-made sodas. The beverage program will be run by Demario Wallace, who oversees the same at Aziza.

He says to look out for the best of Middle Eastern flavors and authentic ingredients such as harissa, tahini, turmeric and tamarind.

Where Is Rina Located?

The eatery will be tucked into the Ford Factory Lofts, directly across the BeltLine from Ponce City Market. The address is 699 Ponce de Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA. 30308. Here is a map to help you find it.

As for the decor, famed Atlanta designer, Smith Hanes designed the relaxed and family-friendly 2,700 square-foot space which includes an inviting outdoor patio with BeltLine access.

• Where to eat in Atlanta
• The best Cajun-style restaurants in Atlanta
• 40+ best Atlanta restaurants you have to try