• Everybody Eats opens in Atlanta

    Everybody Eats Opens Brick-and-Mortar Restaurant in Atlanta

    3 Min Read

    Everybody Eats Grill has a new brick-and-mortar home in Atlanta, and this weekend is a good time to pull up.

    After years as a late-night food truck known for honey-glazed lamb chops and soul-food plates, Everybody Eats Grill settled into a permanent spot at 2345 Flat Shoals Road SE (Atlanta, GA 30316). Soft-opening posts went up in mid-August; the kitchen is now running Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.

    Everybody Eats Opens in Atlanta This Weekend

    That timing lines up with a Friday-to-Sunday window for anyone who has been following Chef B’s truck around Buckhead, West Midtown, and pop-ups. The new address sits on the East Atlanta / Flat Shoals corridor—easy to reach, casual, and built around made-to-order cooking rather than a steam table.

    What’s on the Menu at Everybody Eats

    The menu still leans soul food with a few surprises. Regulars and recent visitors keep pointing to the same hits:

    • Honey-glazed lollipop lamb chops (the item that built the brand)
    • $1 wings every day
    • Steak tacos and loaded nachos
    • Sweet chili and lemon-pepper salmon bites
    • Sides such as mac and cheese, broccoli, and other scratch-made comfort food
    • Fresh lemonade (peach gets frequent mentions)

    Everything is cooked to order. Reviews from people who have already been to the new location describe the seasoning as restaurant-level, not typical takeout-truck fare.

    The story behind the name

    Owner Chef B has described the project in simple terms: soul is the goal, but making sure everybody eats is the mission. The truck started as a late-night operation (Piedmont Road in Buckhead and earlier addresses such as Bishop Street NW). Moving to a daytime-and-early-evening brick-and-mortar on Flat Shoals is the next chapter—same recipes, more consistent hours, a neighborhood storefront instead of a parking lot.

    Practical details for this weekend

    • Address: 2345 Flat Shoals Road SE, Atlanta, GA 30316
    • Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 12 p.m.–8 p.m.
    • Style: Casual, takeout-friendly, made-to-order
    • Expect: Wings specials, lamb chops, tacos/nachos, and lemonade; parking and wait times typical of a new neighborhood spot

    If you liked the truck, the new kitchen is the same food with four walls. If you’ve never been, this weekend is a low-stakes time to try the lamb chops or a tray of $1 wings before the word spreads further. Check their Instagram (@everybodyeatsgrill) for the day’s specials before you go—they’ve been posting daily “we’re open” updates since the move.

    Hopefully this will turn out to be one of the best black restaurants in Atlanta, and there are plenty others. If you like barbecue, see our list of the Best Atlanta BBQ Restaurants.

    As for eateries below I-20, these Southside Atlanta restaurants have developed quite a following.

    The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s  food and drink scene, which has seen a bar explosion in recent years.

    Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our  news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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  • Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic 2026

    Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic Returns Sept. 19 with Tyrese, Luxury Polo

    3 Min Read

    FAIRBURN, Ga. — The Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic is back for its ninth year, mixing competitive polo, fashion and celebrity culture into a fundraiser for youth equestrian access.

    The landmark event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19, from noon to 6 p.m. at Bouckaert Farm, 10045 Cedar Grove Road in Fairburn.

    Atlanta Fashion & Polo Classic returns Sept. 19 with Tyrese, luxury polo and a growing youth pipeline

    Presented by the Miguel Wilson Collection and the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, it is sponsored by Bentley Atlanta, Ben Crump Law and Indigo Road Realty.

    Organizers expect more than 2,000 guests. The weekend opens Friday, Sept. 18, with a ticket-holder welcome party sponsored by Ben Crump Law at The Westin Atlanta Airport Hotel.

    Saturday’s main program features gourmet food, signature cocktails, live music, three party tents and polo matches involving the Atlanta B.E.S.T. Academy Polo Team, the Morehouse Polo Club and a visiting Nigerian polo team.

    Singer, songwriter and actor Tyrese is slated to headline with a live performance. Other announced guests include radio host Frank Ski, radio personality Kenny Burns, producer-songwriter Bryan-Michael Cox, actors Clifton Powell and Rob Riley, rapper Pastor Troy and comedian Red Grant.

    Past attendees have included Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, Pastor Jamal Bryant, Young Jeezy, Nene Leakes, Cynthia Bailey, Sheree Whitfield, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, Q Parker, RL of Next, and Waka Flocka.

    “When we launched this event nine years ago, we couldn’t have envisioned the incredible impact it would have,” founder Miguel Wilson said. “Nearly a decade later, the excitement is unmatched. We’ve been receiving calls since the start of the year, with guests flying in from across the country. I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome everyone for an unforgettable ninth year.”

    All proceeds support the Ride to the Olympics Foundation, a nonprofit that works to give young people in underrepresented communities access to equestrian sports. The Classic has been the foundation’s primary fundraiser for nine years.

    The foundation backs the Morehouse Polo Club, which first appeared at the second Classic as the first HBCU polo team and earned U.S. Polo Association certification in 2020. It also supports the Atlanta B.E.S.T. Academy Polo Team, introduced last year as the nation’s first all-Black high school polo team registered with the USPA. That team grew out of a partnership among the foundation, Atlanta B.E.S.T. Academy and 100 Black Men of Atlanta.

    “The heartbeat of this event will always be the impact that we are making with these young riders. They are at the center of all of this,” Wilson said. “Seeing the Morehouse Polo Club and the Atlanta B.E.S.T. Academy team take the field is proof of concept. We’re actively breaking down barriers in equestrian sports. This is about building a legacy and giving our youth access to a world they were previously shut out of.”

    Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.

    Here are more articles from AtlantaFi.com you might like:

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  • Women on the Move Summit

    Women on the MOVE Summit Set To Return To Midtown Atlanta

    3 Min Read

    ATLANTA — Ate you ready to get done game from some of Atlanta’s premier movers and shakers? Business owners, executives and community leaders will gather next week in Midtown for the 13th annual Women on the MOVE Summit, a one-day leadership and business event hosted by Business Women Empowerment Project, Inc. at Microsoft Atlantic Yards at Atlantic Station.

    The summit is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 17. Registration opens at 8 a.m., programming runs from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and networking continues until 3 p.m.

    Women on the MOVE Summit returns to Midtown Atlanta on Sept. 17

    Organizers say the event is designed to help attendees learn, build relationships and adapt to a rapidly changing business climate.

    Entrepreneur, author and producer Dr. Kim McNair created the summit and founded the nonprofit that presents it. She said the focus this year is practical, not ceremonial.

    “The way we do business has changed, and we cannot continue doing business as usual,” McNair said. “We have to come together, share information, build meaningful relationships, and position ourselves for greater opportunities. This Summit is about making sure people leave with something they can use to grow their businesses, their brands and themselves.”

    The agenda includes business education, leadership conversations, panel discussions and live masterclasses covering entrepreneurship, government, corporate leadership, law, public policy, civic engagement, branding and media.

    Programming opens with Session One, “The Business of You: Building Your Brand, Expanding Your Influence & Positioning for Growth.” Session Two, “Leading Through Change: Pivoting with Confidence, Strategy & Purpose,” will bring together C-suite executives and senior leaders.

    Microsoft will host a workshop titled “AI Advantage: Leveraging Copilot, Claude & ChatGPT to Grow Your Business,” followed by “The All-Male Leadership Panel: A Conversation with Leaders Shaping Business, Government & Community.”

    Featured speakers include David Shands, host of the Social Proof Podcast and known as “The Podcast King”; Cloteal Labroi, director of government relations infrastructure at Microsoft; Clayton County Chief Magistrate Judge Keisha Wright Hill; business attorney Joi-Lin Hunt; Greg Clay, deputy chief of staff for the City of Atlanta; Jay Bailey, president and CEO of the H.J. Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs; and Walter Vinson, assistant general manager of business diversity and government affairs at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

    Jon McKenley, senior manager of community affairs for Microsoft, said the company’s involvement aligns with its broader mission.

    “Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more, and partnerships like Women on the MOVE bring that mission to life,” McKenley said. “We’re proud to support a platform that empowers women, expands pathways into technology and leadership, and creates opportunities that strengthen our communities.”

    The summit, first held in 2013, is a signature program of Business Women Empowerment Project, Inc. Organizers say proceeds support the BWEP Leadership Academy for High School Girls. Tickets and details are available at bwepinc.org/womenonthemovesummit2026.

    More from AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse opens in Midtown Atlanta

    Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse to Open Second Georgia Location in Midtown Atlanta This Fall

    3 Min Read

    Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will open a new restaurant this fall at 1331 Spring St. NW in Midtown Atlanta, expanding the upscale chain into the heart of the city with its Australian Wagyu steaks, daily prix fixe menu and wine-focused dining rooms.

    The Midtown location will be Fleming’s second restaurant in Georgia, joining its existing Dunwoody spot. It sits near Ansley Park, Georgia Tech, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Piedmont Park, inside the Midtown Union mixed-use development. The 8,233-square-foot restaurant is planned to serve lunch and dinner daily starting at 11 a.m. once it opens.

    Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse to Open in Midtown Atlanta

    Operating Partner Krista Shoemake and Chef Tim Tillman will lead the restaurant, overseeing hospitality, the culinary program and day-to-day operations.

    “Midtown is a place where neighbors, businesses, and visitors come together to connect, celebrate and enjoy world-class cuisine in a vibrant community,” Shoemake said. “We look forward to caring for our guests and becoming part of the neighborhood.”

    What’s On the Menu at Fleming’s Steakhouse?

    Fleming’s is known for steaks sourced from around the world and an extensive wine list from global producers. The Midtown restaurant will offer a daily prix fixe menu that includes soup or salad plus an entrée such as a 16-ounce dry-aged ribeye with black garlic sauce, grated horseradish and Merlot salt. Guests can also choose a Surf & Turf option pairing the ribeye with a steamed North Atlantic lobster tail.

    A nightly Social Hour will feature bar bites starting at $7 and cocktails and wines for $9. Specialty coursed menus are planned for Sundays and Tuesdays.

    The space is designed for a range of occasions, from an intimate dinner or seat at the bar to private business gatherings, Chef’s Table celebrations and outdoor seating. The main dining room will seat up to 80 guests. Additional areas include bar dining, a private Chef’s Table and four private dining rooms.

    Design details emphasize warm wood tones, custom chandeliers, and textured wall accents in gray and bronze. The goal, according to the company, is an elevated but inviting atmosphere that works for weeknight dinners, business lunches, family celebrations and social hour with friends.

    Fleming’s is part of Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill. A specific opening date has not been announced.

    Interested in dining outside? Here are the best Atlanta restaurants for outdoor eating and here are those with great patios.

    If you want to take your dog to the park, here are the best Atlanta parks for Fido.

    More From AtlantaFi.com:

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  • Bon ton closing down in midtown Atlanta

    Bon Ton To Close its Doors in Midtown Atlanta

    3 Min Read

    .ATLANTA — After nearly a decade as a Midtown fixture, Bon Ton is closing.

    The Viet-Cajun seafood restaurant at 674 Myrtle Street NE will serve its last customers on Sept. 30, owners announced on social media. The spot opened in 2017 in a distinctive pink building near historic Mary Mac’s Tea Room.

    Bon Ton To Close its Doors in Midtown Atlanta

    Co-owner Darren Carr confirmed the shutdown in an email to Rough Draft Atlanta and followed with a public farewell. The team wrote that when they opened, they wanted to “sling serious Viet-Cajun eats, make strong drinks, and build a haven where absolute weirdos feel right at home.” They added: “Thousands of snow crab legs and a few questionable life choices later, you turned our neon-lit fever dream into a Midtown legend.”

    No official reason was given. Owners said they intend to treat the remaining weeks as a “full-blown, month-long victory lap” and urged regulars to come by before the end.

    The Waiting Room, the cocktail lounge above Bon Ton, already closed this week after three years. Carr described that shutdown as the moment when “all good parties must eventually turn the lights on.”

    Bon Ton’s Atlanta chapter was a continuation of a New Orleans story. Vietnamese-born restaurateur Hoa Nguyen ran a restaurant of the same name in Louisiana, blending Creole cooking with Vietnamese flavors. After Nguyen’s death in December 2016, Carr and Eric Simpkins of Big Citizen, along with chef Hieu Pham of Crawfish Shack Seafood, took the concept to Atlanta and opened in the former Top Flr space in early 2017.

    The restaurant became known for house seafood boils, smoked snow crab, po-boys, fried seafood, and a cocktail list that mixed New Orleans classics with tiki-style drinks such as frozen Pimm’s Cups. Reviewers and regulars often cited the casual, neon-lit atmosphere as much as the food.6

    Bon Ton sits at Myrtle Street and Ponce de Leon Avenue in Midtown. Reservations have been recommended, though walk-ins were often possible. Anyone hoping for one last boil or cocktail has until Sept. 30.

    We will miss Bon Ton, one of the best places to eat in Midtown.

    The best restaurants on the Beltline all have excellent customer service and food. What separates them from many of the other spots is that they’re on the urban playground called the Beltline.

    The ATL has other cool eateries as well. If you’re gluten-free, there’s plenty of options. Same goes for keto-friendly restaurants or Asian fare in Atlanta.

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  • What Food Is Atlanta Best Known For?

    What Food Is Atlanta Best Known For?

    6 Min Read

    Atlanta has such a diverse food scene that it’s hard to determine what type of food is its signature. And before you say lemon pepper wings, just know that Georgia’s largest city is way more than that.

    That is a question best answered by consumers who patronize Atlanta’s many restaurants, bars and taverns. What we do know is that there are many restaurants with great dishes that are exclusive to the establishment.

    Here Are 13 Foods Atlanta Is Best Known For

    When you think about the dishes that every Atlantan must try for themselves here is what we have. Check out the food Atlanta is best known for:

    Pork Chops at Malones

    1258 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA 30344  — (404) 762-5577

    Food Atlanta is known for

    Malones Steak & Seafood is part of the dining scene of the Hapeville corridor although it is technically in Atlanta. One thing you do not want to sleep on are the pork chops at Malones.

    Taco Pete: Nachos

    2957 Main St, East Point, GA 30344 | (404) 968-4790

    food Atlanta is known for

    Taco Pete is an East Point institution that has been serving awesome tacos and Mexican food for years. One of the top dishes are the nachos, which are the most delicious on the south side.

    Here are the types of nachos offered by Taco Pete:

    • Cheese Nachos -Tortilla chips covered in cheddar cheese sauce. Served with jalapeño peppers and sour cream.
    • Chili Cheese Nachos -Tortilla chips covered in our homemade chili and cheddar cheese sauce. Served with jalapeño peppers and sour cream.

    Busy Bee: Fried Chicken

    810 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 | (404) 525-9212

    best fried chicken in Atlanta, Busy Bee

    Here’s what one Google reviewer says about the fried chicken at Busy Bee: “This time the wait wasn’t too long. The fried chicken and iced tea, were on point, as usual. I can never tire of the excellent service, personable staff and exquisite soul food. YESSSSSS!”

    Loca Luna

    550 Amsterdam Ave NE C, Atlanta, GA 30306 | (404) 875-4494

    Foods Atlanta is known for - Loca Luna tapas

    Loca Luna has some of the best tapas in Atlanta. From the Empanada de Pollo to the Lamb Chops, Barilla de Pollo and Gambas Fritas.

    Gus’s: Hot Chicken

    231 Peachtree St. NW A-05 The Mall at, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 996-2837

    best hot chicken in Atlanta

    Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is the longest-running chain serving hot chicken. After expanding in the Atlanta market a few years ago with a restaurant downtown, Gus’s has big plans to open up several more locations in metro Atlanta.

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken: “I’m from out of town and wanted to have some fried chicken in Atlanta and ended up here on a whim. Extremely glad I did. Honestly, best fried chicken I’ve ever had. The skin is delightfully crispy, not too heavily spiced. The meat was amazingly tender and juicy. Service was great and homey, I felt like I was treated like a regular even though it was my first time there.”

    Holeman & Finch: Burger

    675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

    Foods Atlanta is known for - H&F burger

    Holeman & Finch Public House has some great beer and IPAs but it holds distinction as having one of the best burgers in Atlanta. They only make a limited number of them per day. Try the double patty H&F Burger and see if you agree.

    Read about the best burgers in Atlanta.

    South City Kitchen: Chicken & Waffles

     1144 Crescent Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 | (404) 873-7358

    best chicken and waffles in Atlanta

    One of the best restaurants in Midtown Atlanta is South City Kitchen. So it’s no wonder that their chicken and waffles are in the upper echelon!

    Read more: The best chicken & waffles restaurants in Atlanta

    Louisiana Bistreaux: Beignets

    Atlanta Locations:

    • 1375 Virginia Ave, East Point, GA 30344 | (404) 574-6210
    • 1496 Church St, Decatur, GA 30030 |  (404) 963-1463
    • 3312 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 941-9545
    foods Atlanta is known for

    No, this is not New Orleans or anywhere close to it, but the beignets at Louisiana Bistreaux are very Cafe DuMonde-ish. And if you don’t know, that’s the gold standard.

    The Varsity: Chili Dog

     61 North Avenue NW Atlanta Ga 30308 | (404) 881-1706 

    Foods Atlanta is known for - The Varsity, chili dog

    What’ll you have? At the Varsity, the Chili Dog is the top dog at one of Atlanta’s most renown food institutions.

    Jamrock’s Jerk Chicken

    Metro Atlanta Locations:

    • 1232 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 |  (678) 973-2532
    • 111 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30303 | (404) 577-4622
    • 6523 GA-85, Riverdale, GA 30274 | (470) 278-2848
    best jerk chicken in Atlanta
    Photo credit: Pexels

    This Jamaican restaurant encompasses everything we love about Caribbean cuisine: flavorful dishes, warm and inviting hospitality along with authentic Jamrock roots, mon! The counter-serve restaurant is small on dining space, but you can still get you a carryout of Jamaican jerk chicken, curry goat & other favorites.

    Owing to its popularity, Jamrock Jamaican restaurant has three Atlanta locations: 111 M.L.K. Jr Dr SW, 381 Moreland Ave SE and 1232 Metropolitan Pkwy SW, Atlanta, GA 30310.

    Lickety Split: Fried Chicken

    1155 Virginia Ave Suite F, Hapeville, GA 30354

    Lickety Split dessert - southside restaurants

    Here’s what one reviewer says about Lickety Split: “Slowly but surely becoming one of my favorite dining establishments. The staff are nice and the food is slamming. I am stuck on the fried chicken which is definitely some of the best that the city has to offer. I like that they allow you to pick your 3 pieces, so if you wanted 3 breasts or 3 wings, it’s your call. The sides are excellent and I feel like I eating my mother’s cooking.”

    Q Time Restaurant: Turkey Legs

    1120 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30310

    Q Time Restaurant - The Best Soul Food Restaurants In Atlanta

    Among the best of the Styrofoam plate eateries, Q Time Restaurant continues to impress. This West End gem sits in a strip mall a short distance from Willie Watkins Funeral Home, The Wrens Nest and even the Atlanta University Center. Q Time is known for its succulent turkey wings, collard greens and meatloaf.

    Bone’s Restaurant: Steak

    3130 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 | (404) 237-2663

    best steakhouses in Atlanta - Atlanta Restaurant Makes OpenTable's 100 Best Restaurants for Wine Lovers in America

    If you come for the king, you best not miss. This Buckhead institution is the defacto king of the city. With its succulent prime beef and seafood, it’s hard to beat. But you’d better get a reservation.

    What Should You Eat In Atlanta?

    If you’re struggling with what to eat in Atlanta. Perhaps, it’s best to break it down by the type of restaurant you like or the food you like.

    Here are some of the best Atlanta foods to try:

    Final Bite

    Atlanta is a city of many culinary tastes, from the chili dogs at The Varsity to the nachos at Taco Pete’s, there are many great dishes. But what food is Atlanta best known for?

    The city has some good restaurants in each quadrant of the city: East, West, North, South. All you need to do is think about what you have a taste for. Italian? Soul food? Tex-Mex? Atlanta has it all.

    Read more: 15+ essential soul food spots in Atlanta

    For the latest in metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, stay with Atlantafi.com.

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  • Juici Patties opens in Decatur

    Juici Patties Opens in Decatur

    4 Min Read

    Jamaica’s largest quick-service restaurant brand is undergoing a rapid U.S. push into Georgia, with the opening of a new location in Decatur.

    Juici Patties, known for flaky golden pastry wrapped around curried beef, spicy chicken, and vegetarian fillings, already opened its first Georgia store in Atlanta in June 2026 and followed quickly with a Snellville location.

    Juici Patties Opens in Decatur as Jamaica’s Biggest Patty Chain Expands Across Metro Atlanta

    The Decatur site, located at 5402 A Covington Highway, is part of a broader metro rollout that also includes Conyers, Kennesaw, and Stonecrest.

    The restaurant jumped on my radar last year and quickly became one of the top spots for Caribbean food in metro Atlanta.

    From a family recipe in Jamaica to a U.S. franchise wave

    Juici Patties started in Jamaica in 1980, when founder Jukie Chin began selling beef patties made from his mother’s recipe. The brand grew into the island’s dominant patty chain, with dozens of locations, before expanding into the United States through franchising.

    U.S. growth has been aggressive. After early Florida and New York stores, the company entered Georgia in 2026. The first Georgia shop opened June 1 at 860 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway in Atlanta, operated by franchisees Kevin and Murine, a husband-and-wife team. Murine is Jamaican-born; Kevin, originally from the Netherlands, became a fan of the brand through trips to the island.They have lived in Atlanta for more than two decades.

    A Snellville location at 1699 Scenic Highway N followed later in June. Official listings now show two open Georgia restaurants, with several more in the pipeline.

    Company statements have framed Atlanta as the first of multiple Georgia stores, citing the region’s large Caribbean community and appetite for international fast-casual food.

    What Decatur customers can expect

    The menu is intentionally short and built for speed. Core items typically include:

    • Mild beef patty
    • Spicy beef patty
    • Spicy curry chicken patty
    • Vegetarian/spinach (sometimes listed as vegan) patty
    • Warm coco bread
    • Combos such as patty and coco bread, double patties, and dozen deals
    • Tropical drinks, bottled sodas such as Bigga, and add-ons like cheese or avocado

    Patties are baked, not fried. The pastry is the signature: thin, buttery, and flaky, with a savory filling seasoned in the Jamaican style. Reviews of the Atlanta shop have praised the spicy beef in particular and noted that service moves quickly even when lines form.

    That grab-and-go format is a large part of the concept. Franchisees have said they look for easy-access sites where customers can pull in, order, and leave with hot food in minutes.

    The Decatur address sits on Covington Highway in the 30034 ZIP code, a commercial corridor that could put the shop within easy reach of south DeKalb and nearby neighborhoods.

    Why Georgia, and why now

    Metro Atlanta has a sizable Jamaican and broader Caribbean population, plus a food culture that already embraces patties from independent bakeries and Caribbean restaurants. Juici Patties is trying to occupy a different lane: a recognizable national brand with a tight menu, consistent pastry, and franchise scale.

    The Atlanta opening drew community leaders and local police to welcome the business, and early traffic was strong enough that the company treated the store as proof of concept for more Georgia units.

    Snellville’s opening a few weeks later showed the brand was not waiting. Decatur, Conyers, Kennesaw, and Stonecrest would extend that footprint from the west side of Atlanta into DeKalb, Rockdale, Cobb, and south Gwinnett/south DeKalb.

    The bottom line for Decatur

    With the Covington Highway store open, Decatur gets a nationally known Jamaican patty counter rather than another full-service Caribbean restaurant. That is the point of the brand: hot pastry, a few fillings, coco bread, and out the door.

    For a city that already loves Caribbean food, the question is less whether people will try it and more how quickly the line will form once the ovens are on.

    Until then, the closest open Juici Patties shops are in Atlanta on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway and in Snellville on Scenic Highway.

    Patrons typically order off a menu board like they would at a burger joint, but the convenience of sitting down to leisurely enjoy their food has made the segment a popular one with the restaurant industry. The craze hasn’t escaped metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene, which has seen a fast-caz explosion in recent years.

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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  • AFWF 2026

    Atlanta Food & Wine Festival 2026 Announces Chefs, Talent

    4 Min Read

    ATLANTA — The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by Invesco QQQ will mark its 16th year Sept. 10–13 at The Home Depot Backyard with a four-day lineup of tasting events, celebrity hosts and partner activations built around the theme “The City is the Story.”

    Organizers say nearly 100 Atlanta chefs, restaurants, beverage partners and culinary personalities will take part. Tickets are on sale at atlfoodandwinefestival.com.

    AFWF Announces Chefs, Talent

    Host talent includes Atlanta Journal-Constitution food and dining editor Monti Carlo; “Bizarre Foods” host Andrew Zimmern; chef and caterer Shawn Osbey; restaurateur Ford Fry; Food Network star Kardea Brown; and “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star, restaurateur and cookbook author Kelli Potter.

    Featured chefs include James Beard Award semifinalist Tana Bhamaraniyama of Tyde Tate Kitchen; cookbook author Renee Blackman; Food Network “Chopped” champion Gary Caldwell of Marcus Bar & Grille; Anthony Dudley of MICHELIN-recognized Hattie B’s; James Beard Award semifinalists Monique and Paul Feybesse of Tarts de Feybesse; James Beard Award nominee Ronald Hsu of MICHELIN-recognized Lazy Betty; Billy Kramer of NFA Burger; James Beard Award nominee Duane Nutter of Southern National; Gee Smalls of Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar; Biff “MrBBQ” Smith of Mobile Chef of Atlanta; and James Beard Award semifinalist Deborah VanTrece of VanTrece Hospitality Group. The full talent list is at atlfoodandwinefestival.com/talent.

    READ up on the 2026 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival.

    Invesco QQQ returns as presenting partner. Goya Foods is presenting partner of the Tasting Tents and official Hispanic foods partner, with Executive Chef Fernando Desa at a dedicated station. Mike’s Amazing is presenting partner of Stacked: The Burger Social and official mayo and mustard partner, serving a different burger each day from its Airstream trailer.

    Other partner experiences include Publix cake samples and chef demonstrations on the Publix Culinary Demonstration Stage; wines and spirits from Pernod Ricard; Caymus Vineyards wine from Princess Cruise Lines paired with grilled New York strip; two Coca-Cola signature cocktails created for the festival, the Dirty South Coke and Edgewood Express; Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon at a Pony Trailer cocktail experience; and hospitality from official host hotel Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park. Organizers also cited partner giveaways and discounted rideshare.

    “The strength of the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival comes from the incredible partners who share our passion for showcasing the South’s culinary community,” said Brett Friedman, founder and CEO of a21. “Their collaboration helps transform the festival into a one-of-a-kind experience guests can explore and enjoy in so many different ways.”

    AFWF Event schedule

    Thursday, Sept. 10 — The Atlanta Standard, hosted by Monti Carlo
    Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods
    VIP 6:30–10 p.m.; general admission 7:30–10 p.m.
    Chef-driven bites from Deborah VanTrece, Simon Warren of Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park, Anthony Dudley and others, plus cocktails, wine, a saxophonist and live music.
    GA $135; VIP $185

    Friday, Sept. 11 — Flavors of Atlanta, hosted by Andrew Zimmern
    Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods
    VIP 6:30–10 p.m.; general admission 7:30–10 p.m.
    Walk-around tasting highlighting Latin, Asian, Caribbean and other influences. Featured chefs include Monique and Paul Feybesse and Tana Bhamaraniyama. Caribbean dancers and a steel pannist perform.
    GA $155; VIP $205

    Saturday, Sept. 12 — The Southern Spread, hosted by Shawn Osbey
    Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods
    VIP noon–3:30 p.m.; general admission 1–3:30 p.m.
    Southern classics and modern interpretations. Featured chefs include Biff “MrBBQ” Smith, Gee Smalls, Gary Caldwell, Renee Blackman and Duane Nutter.
    GA $155; VIP $205

    Saturday, Sept. 12 — Stacked: The Burger Social, hosted by Ford Fry, presented by Mike’s Amazing
    VIP 6:30–9:30 p.m.; general admission 7:15–9:30 p.m.
    Burger tasting with participating chefs including Billy Kramer and Eleazar Fuerte of Mike’s Amazing. Guests vote for the Mike’s Amazing People’s Choice Burger Award.
    GA $125; VIP $155

    Saturday, Sept. 12 — Whiskey & Fire Atlanta
    Guardian Works, 775 Echo St. NW
    VIP 5–8:30 p.m.; general admission 5:45–8:30 p.m.
    Second-year collaboration between Heritage Fire and Whiskies of the World, with open-fire cooking by chefs including Black Girls Grilling and Biff “MrBBQ” Smith and hundreds of whiskies.
    GA $129; early access $169

    Sunday, Sept. 13 — The Homecoming, hosted by Kardea Brown
    Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods
    VIP and general admission noon–3:30 p.m.
    Grill-focused tasting with a live marching band. Featured chefs include Simon Warren.
    GA $135; VIP $185

    Sunday, Sept. 13 — Southern Fried: A Fried Chicken Affair, hosted by Kelli Potter
    VIP 4:30–7:30 p.m.; general admission 5:15–7:30 p.m.
    Walk-around fried chicken tasting from Southern and global styles. Chefs include Ronald Hsu and Anthony Dudley.
    GA $125; VIP $155

    Tickets and the complete calendar are available at atlfoodandwinefestival.com.

    Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

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  • Demetrius Brown to open Heritage in Atlanta's Summerhill neighborhood.

    Heritage: Acclaimed Supper Club Sets Opening Date in Summerhill

    6 Min Read

    In a neighborhood oozing with culinary vibes, Summerhill is poised to welcome a new chapter in Atlanta’s vibrant food story.

    Chef Demetrius Brown, the visionary behind the intimate Heritage Supper Club and co-owner of Inman Park’s beloved Bread & Butterfly, is poised to open Heritage, a brick-and-mortar food concept, next year, according to a news release.

    When Will Heritage Open in Atlanta?

    Heritage, which will be dedicated to the rich tapestry of African, Caribbean, and Afro-American cuisine, is set to open Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 63 Georgia Avenue SE — right in the heart of Summerhill’s thriving Georgia Avenue corridor.

    For Brown, whose Trinidadian and Jamaican roots infuse every dish, this move represents more than just a new address. It’s a homecoming of sorts.

    Born into a family of storytellers around the kitchen table, Brown launched Heritage Supper Club in 2021 as a pandemic-era pop-up, hosting intimate seven-course tasting menus that blended personal memory with global heritage.

    Kelewele on the menu at Heritage.

    Photo credit: Star Chefs

    Drawing from his great-grandmother’s recipes and years of fine-dining experience — including stints at Serenbe’s The Hill and Decatur’s The Pinewood — the series quickly earned accolades, from Atlanta Magazine’s “Best Food Pop-Up” in 2021 to features on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped.

    Now, with Heritage’s fixed location, Brown aims to make these elevated explorations accessible year-round, fostering deeper connections to the African diaspora’s underrepresented narratives on Atlanta’s plate.

    The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Summerhill, Atlanta’s original post-Civil War enclave that’s undergone a remarkable revival just a short walk away from Georgia State Parc Stadium (formerly Turner Field).

    Once a quiet stretch shadowed by interstates and empty lots, Georgia Avenue has emerged as the epicenter of the city’s most eclectic food scene.

    Here, barbecue pits smoke alongside Thai-fusion curries and wood-fired pizzas, creating a microcosm of Atlanta’s multicultural soul.

    Several spots have even snagged Michelin Bib Gourmand nods for their quality and value, underscoring the neighborhood’s leap from overlooked to must-visit.

    Brown’s Heritage will slot seamlessly into this mosaic, promising dishes like jerk-spiced prawns with plantain emulsion or collard green gnudi in coconut curry — thoughtful riffs that honor tradition while nodding to French influences from his Bread & Butterfly playbook.

    While details on the full menu and opening timeline remain under wraps, early teasers suggest a cozy, space with an open kitchen, seasonal farm-sourced ingredients, and occasional supper club-style events to keep the pop-up spirit alive.

    A Feast for Every Palate: Summerhill’s Expanding Table

    Heritage’s arrival amplifies an already diverse lineup that’s drawing food lovers from across the metro area.

    Summerhill’s restaurants aren’t just spots to grab a bite; they’re cultural hubs where hyperlocal ingredients meet bold global twists, often under eye-catching murals and in adaptive-reuse buildings.

    Read: Where To Eat in Summerhill

    From casual counters to refined lounges, here’s a taste of what makes this neighborhood a dining dynamo:

    Southern National (611 North Avenue): Chef Duane Nutter’s 2023 arrival solidified Summerhill’s star status. This loft-like gem fuses Lowcountry soul with international flair — think Berber-spiced fried chicken, mussels simmered in collard green broth, and pimento cheese that’s pure Georgia poetry. It’s the go-to for date nights or pre-game gatherings, with garage doors that open to the street for that effortless Atlanta vibe.

    Talat Market (112 Ormond Street): Tucked on a residential block, this Thai-Southern hybrid from chef Parnass Savang is a color-splashed love letter to family roots. Green curry with Georgia catfish and turnips or hamachi crudo kissed by peach and fish sauce? It’s the kind of inventive comfort that earned it a cult following. Bonus: Seasonal events like Songkran water festivals keep things lively.

    Little Bear (51 Georgia Avenue): The quintessential neighborhood nook, helmed by Jarrett Stieber, who marries his Jewish-Atlanta heritage with Southern staples. Dive into chicken meatballs over congee with a Manischewitz glaze or turnip-green soup spiked with kimchi and matzo. Craft cocktails add a playful edge, making it ideal for brunch or a low-key happy hour.

    Wood’s Chapel BBQ (85 Georgia Avenue): A nod to Summerhill’s church supper legacy, this wood-fired haven slings whole-hog wonders, prime brisket, and smoked salmon. Sides like Mexican street corn and creamy beans round out platters perfect for tailgates or family feasts — all in a space adorned with Atlanta political memorabilia.

    Grits & Eggs (565 Hank Aaron Drive): The newest soul food sibling in a mini-empire spanning Buckhead to Vinings, it opened late last year with brunch heavy-hitters like lobster tail and grits, coconut pancakes, and lamb chops. It’s a hearty anchor for weekend warriors hitting the BeltLine nearby.

    Rusty Taco (Summerhill Station): Fresh off its 2024 Georgia debut, this Texas import brings street-style tacos — think birria or veggie-loaded options — to the Publix-anchored plaza. Pair with a margarita flight for a quick, flavorful escape.

    Halfway Crooks Beer Co. (60 Georgia Avenue): Not strictly a restaurant, but its bierhaus bites (beer brats, currywurst, massive pretzels) and rooftop perch make it a Summerhill staple. The balanced brews — from lagers to radlers — pair perfectly with neighborhood hopping.

    Hero Doughnuts & Buns (Multiple Georgia Avenue spots): For sweets with swagger, these fluffy, flavor-bomb doughnuts (try the cinnamon roll hybrid) and pillowy buns are a post-meal must. They’re expanding fast, with a side of frozen Greek yogurt at sister spot Psito next door.

    How Crispy (71B Georgia Avenue): The fried chicken sandwich contender that crashed the fast-food debate with saucy, creative twists. Limited seating means it’s mostly takeout, but lines form for a reason — grab one en route to Heritage for the ultimate combo.

    Psito (Adjacent to Hero): This March 2025 newcomer from Birmingham’s Pihakis Group channels Greece via fast-casual: Fresh-baked pitas stuffed with grilled meats, vibrant salads, and creamy frozen Greek yogurt. It’s a light, shareable contrast to the heavier hitters.

    From Jamaican patties at pop-ups to vegan greenhouses in the works at Nourish Botanica, Summerhill’s scene thrives on inclusivity and innovation.

    For reservations at Bread & Butterfly or updates on Heritage, visit breadandbutterfly.com. Stay tuned to Atlanta Local Eats for more on Summerhill’s simmering spots.

    Final Word

    Chefs here source from Georgia farms, experiment fearlessly (kimchi in collards, anyone?), and build community — much like Brown plans to do.

    As Heritage gears up for its 2026 debut, it joins a wave of anticipation in a neighborhood that’s proving Atlanta’s food future is as rooted in history as it is forward-looking.

    Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

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  • Pizzeria Mister 01 opens Atlanta

    Michelin-Recommended Pizzeria Mister O1 Opens in Inman Park

    3 Min Read

    ATLANTA — Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza, the Miami-born concept known for star-shaped pies and slow-fermented dough, has opened its third Georgia location at Inman Quarter, expanding a fast-growing Atlanta foothold into one of the city’s busiest dining neighborhoods.

    The new restaurant is at 299 N. Highland Ave. NE, Suite S, next to cocktail bar Little Spirit. It occupies a roughly 1,440-square-foot dining room with about 1,000 square feet of patio space, replacing the former Char Korean barbecue.

    Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

    The brand was founded in 2014 by Italian chef Renato Viola, who came to Miami Beach on an O-1 visa granted for extraordinary artistic ability. What began as a hard-to-find South Beach shop has grown into a national chain recognized for thin, naturally fermented crust, imported Italian and local ingredients, and playful specialty pizzas. Mister O1 already operates in Sandy Springs and Buckhead.

    “We’re honored to join the Inman Quarter community and bring our artisan approach to a neighborhood that values both quality and creativity,” Viola said. “Inman Park is exactly the kind of place where people come together, and that’s at the heart of everything we do.”

    Georgia operations are led by partners Miguel Blatt, Daniel Scala and Brandon Weitz. Blatt previously said the Inman Quarter site fit the company’s focus on neighborhood dining. Dough is made with Italian “00” flour and fermented for 72 to 96 hours. Pizzas come in 8-inch and 13-inch sizes.

    Signature items include the Star Luca, a star-shaped pie with ricotta-filled points, tomato sauce, mozzarella, spicy Calabrese salami and basil; the Coffee Paolo, with tomato sauce, mozzarella, gorgonzola, honey, coffee and spicy salami; and the Mimmo, topped with spicy salami, Italian sausage, honey, basil, ranch and spicy black truffle seasoning. Classics such as cheese and pepperoni remain on the menu, along with calzones, salads, burrata with rosemary focaccia and desserts.

    The opening continues Mister O1’s push beyond Florida and Texas into intown Atlanta after suburban and Buckhead debuts in 2025. For Inman Park diners, it adds another high-profile pizza option to a stretch already known for walkable restaurants and patios.

    Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?

    Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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