The celebrity owners of Bankhead Seafood have given the public a fresh update on when the famed eatery is opening its doors.
The restaurant is set to open again after a long hiatus on Atlanta’s west side. The new Atlanta restaurant is being revived by rappers, entrepreneurs and now restaurateurs Killer Mike and T.I.
The two businessmen purchased the eatery in 2019 after it had closed down.
When Is Bankhead Seafood Re-Opening?
Bankhead Seafood has plans to open in early 2021, according to Michael “Killer Mike” Render, who is doing extensive press about the eatery.
The seafood restaurant closed abruptly in 2018 after 50 years in operation when longtime owner Helen Harden admitted that she just didn’t have the stamina to run the business like she used to.
“I felt like I wasn’t giving my customers a good service when they had to wait a little longer than they usually had to,” she told 11Alive.
Here is what we know about the re-opening of Bankhead Seafood:
- The restaurant grand opening is still a ways away, but a Bankhead Seafood food truck is in the works, according to WABE.
- The new Bankhead Seafood has plans to expand the 4,200 square foot building and even add a rooftop.
- Renderings for the new restaurant have been released.
Why Are T.I. And Killer Mike Opening Bankhead Seafood?
The Atlanta rappers and businessmen both grew up in underprivileged areas of Atlanta. Bankhead Seafood has long been an institution on the city’s west side.
The two entrepreneurs saw an opportunity to re-invest in their communities and give back.
“I partnered with [Atlanta rapper] Killer Mike and other developers to purchase the Bankhead Seafood building,” Tip told INC. magazine. “There is a corner where I have an assemblage of lots that I acquired with another partner. There’s another, bigger lot that I am acquiring on my own. I’ve gone in on six buildings and spent more than $2 million. I don’t have private equity financing or anything like that. It’s my personal finances and sweat equity.”
Talking to APSTV, Killer Mike said the Grove Park restaurant is very important to the city.
“Bankhead Seafood is a product of this community. And T.I. and I buying it shows that this community has produced good stock,” he said. “We’re not waiting on other people to save us. We’re not waiting for some grand fund to come.”
“We’re taking money we’ve went out and earned through hard work and bringing it back in this community bringing jobs and opportunity.”
Where Is Bankhead Seafood Located?
Bankhead Seafood is located at 1651 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway SW Atlanta, Ga. 30318. Here’s a map to help you find it.
Final Word
“It’s been a part of my life as long as I’ve been on earth,” Render told WSBTV. “If you’re writing a show or a book about Michael Render and his family, (Bankhead Seafood) would definitely be one of the characters.”
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?