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Kroy “KJ” Biermann Jr., 15, was granted $200,000 bond Friday after a contentious Fulton County Superior Court hearing in which prosecutors disclosed prior juvenile allegations and claimed investigators found videos on his phone of sexual encounters with a family member under age 12.
Judge Melynee Leftridge ordered his release from the Metro Regional Youth Detention Center under strict conditions.
Kroy “KJ” Biermann Jr., 15, granted bond
He must live full-time at his mother Kim Zolciak’s home, attend school virtually, wear an electronic monitoring device with a 24-hour curfew (except for medical or court appearances), surrender his passport, and refrain from using a cellphone or social media except for approved school or counseling purposes.
He is barred from any contact—direct or indirect—with the alleged victim in the current case, her family, or associates. He also cannot have contact with anyone 16 or younger.
That restriction includes his younger siblings: brother Kash, 14, and twins Kaia and Kane, 12. Other children that age are not permitted to stay at or visit the home.
The teenager faces seven felony counts—aggravated child molestation, aggravated sodomy, aggravated sexual battery, false imprisonment, and three counts of sexual battery against a child under 16—stemming from an alleged April 23 incident at a Life Time Fitness in Alpharetta involving a 14-year-old girl. He was arrested Aug. 17 and later indicted.
Prosecutors described documented physical injury to the alleged victim and read a statement in which she expressed fear for her safety if he were released.
During the hearing, Deputy District Attorney Caitlin McGillicuddy told the court that investigators previously discovered videos on KJ’s phone depicting multiple sexual encounters with a female family member under 12, along with what she called “predatory, derogatory” language.
She said he had been under juvenile court supervision since October 2025 in connection with a 2023 matter and that this would mark a second serious sexual offense allegation involving female victims.
Defense attorney Jason Sheffield requested a $65,000 bond, saying detention had been “so traumatizing” for a quiet teenager with strong family and community ties, academic standing, and athletic prospects. He said Zolciak, who is currently at home, would supervise him.
After the hearing, Sheffield said prosecutors’ characterizations of the earlier juvenile matter “grossly misrepresent both the facts and the ultimate resolution,” describing it as “inappropriate, crude behavior involving two middle-schoolers” that did not result in an adjudication for statutory rape or comparable offenses and that was addressed through counseling.
KJ has denied the current gym allegations, submitted to a polygraph that his lawyer said showed no deception on relevant questions, and plans to plead not guilty. His team has also moved to transfer the case to juvenile court.
Zolciak, Kroy Biermann, and older sister Brielle Biermann attended the hearing. The parents, who are in the midst of a contentious divorce, sat separately. Arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 14. The charges remain allegations; KJ is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Keep up with Season 17:
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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 Falcons football is coming home, and Midtown is throwing the first party.
On Friday, Sept. 18, fans are invited to kick off home-opener weekend at Atlantic Station with the Dirty Birds Rally presented by Truist.
Atlanta Falcons Rally Set for Atlantic Station
The free, open-to-the-public celebration starts at 7 p.m. on the Atlantic Green and is built for one thing: getting the city loud before Sunday’s first home game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The lineup leans all the way into Atlanta. Current Falcons players and team Legends are expected to appear, while Soulja Boy, Roscoe Dash, Crime Mob, F.L.Y., and Pastor Troy take the stage. Radio personalities Ryan Cameron and Danie B will emcee. The Falcons Cheerleaders and Freddie Falcon will perform, and organizers are stacking the plaza with giveaways and fan activations, including the Truist Fan Drop T-shirt vending machine.
Shoppers can stay in red and black, too. The Atlantic Station Team Store will carry the Falcons’ new Sundays Collection, giving fans a chance to grab fresh gear before they head to the stadium the next weekend.
If you go
- What: Dirty Birds Rally presented by Truist
- When: Friday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m.
- Where: Atlantic Green at Atlantic Station, 245 18th St. NW, Atlanta, GA 30363
- Cost: Free and open to the public. No tickets required.
Wear the colors, show up early, and treat it like the unofficial first snap of home-opener weekend. Rise Up.
After the rally, it’s time for food. 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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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.
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.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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Fulton County prosecutors will not pursue criminal charges against Atlanta radio personality Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan in a domestic incident case involving his wife.
The Fulton County District Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute Morgan on charges of aggravated battery and third-degree cruelty to children after reviewing the available facts and evidence, according to court documents reported Friday.
Fulton County Chooses Not to Prosecute Big Tigger in Domestic Incident
Morgan, the longtime V-103 host and former BET Rap City presenter, was arrested June 20, 2026, by Sandy Springs police and booked into the Fulton County Jail. He posted a total of $10,000 in surety bonds the same day—$9,000 on the felony aggravated battery count and $1,000 on the misdemeanor child-cruelty count—and was released.
The charges stemmed from an alleged May 9 altercation at the couple’s Sandy Springs home. According to arrest affidavits, Alicia Brown told investigators that an argument over text messages Morgan had exchanged with a female coworker escalated. She alleged he shoved her, causing her to stumble headfirst into an office door and suffer a deep laceration above her left eye that required stitches.
Police said the couple’s 13-year-old son was in the home and heard the confrontation, which formed the basis of the cruelty-to-children charge. Morgan took Brown to urgent care that night.
Morgan has consistently denied the allegations. In a statement after his arrest he wrote that he “unequivocally deny[s] every allegation,” cited his decades of work in community and family life, and said he had “complete confidence in the facts and in the legal process.” He later stepped away from his morning show to focus on family and legal matters.
A Fulton County judge granted Brown a temporary protective order in June that required Morgan to stay 200 yards away and granted her temporary custody of the minor children and exclusive use of the family home. Those civil proceedings are separate from the criminal case the DA has now declined to pursue.
Read: Big Tigger steps away from Atlanta radio show amid allegations
Declining to prosecute means the office will not present the case to a grand jury or seek an indictment. It is not a finding that the alleged events did not occur, nor is it a finding of guilt. Prosecutors typically make such decisions when they conclude the evidence is insufficient to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, when witnesses or other proof present problems, or after weighing all materials submitted by investigators.
The decision closes the criminal chapter that began with the June arrest. Other legal matters involving the couple have continued on separate tracks.
Read: Big Tigger’s wife threatens lawsuit after Fulton warrant
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Labor Day weekend in Atlanta has a familiar soundtrack. On Saturday and Sunday, September 5–6, 2026, the 17th annual Atlanta Hip Hop Day Festival takes over Historic Fourth Ward Park for two free days of live performances, DJ sets, battles, youth showcases, vendors, and community programming.
The park sits in the heart of Old Fourth Ward, steps from the BeltLine and across from Ponce City Market. From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day, the greenspace becomes an open-air stage for the city’s hip-hop past, present, and next wave. Admission is free.
ATL Hip Hop Day: What To Know
A festival built for Atlanta, not just about itATL Hip Hop Day started in 2010 (the inaugural park event is often dated to 2011 at Woodruff Park) when organizers Arall “MC WAR” Charles and Amir James set out to put the culture’s core elements—emceeing, DJing, breaking, and graffiti—on one public stage while giving local Black-owned businesses a place to be seen. Seventeen years later, that mission still drives the weekend.
ajc.comAtlanta did not merely adopt hip-hop. It remade the sound, the business model, and the global image of the genre. The festival treats that fact as community property: legends and independents share the same park, kids get a real stage, and vendors sell next to graffiti walls and cyphers. Organizers describe it as legacy, unity, and the future of the culture in one place.
This year the event grew beyond a two-day park takeover. For the first time, organizers expanded into ATL Hip Hop Week, September 1–6, with showcases, a media mixer, panels, and networking leading into the outdoor festival. Early-week stops included a Taco Tuesday kickoff, an Urban Music Stage at Square Globe Studios, and a Friday media mixer and panels at the same studios. An after-party is slated for Sunday night.
What you’ll find in the park
The weekend is built around the four pillars of hip-hop plus Atlanta’s particular mix of entrepreneurship and family energy.On stage and on the field
- Live sets from national, regional, and emerging artists
- Legendary DJs and open cyphers
- Celebrity Hour, hosted by DJ Nick Slay
- Influencer Hour
- M.C. W.A.R. live rap battles
- B-boy and B-girl battles
- Graffiti walls and live art activations
- Grow Your World Youth Hour, with young rappers, singers, dancers, and spoken-word artists
- Vendor Village: food, fashion, art, and merch
- Community and civic programming, including an Atlanta Hawks on-site activation with giveaways on Saturday
Resident DJ Ace Smith—formerly DJ Ace Boogie—returns for year 17. Organizers have been clear that he is not a last-minute booking. He has been on the decks since the festival’s earliest days, before the television crews and national sponsors arrived.
Celebrity Hour guests announced ahead of the weekend include Trap Beckham (“Birthday Chick”), Spark Dawg, Atlanta-born actor and artist Chris Massey (known for Zoey 101), and Y0$#! / KingYoshiMan. Other announced performers and features include WildMoney Hoodstar, MajaMajor MMB, SMJ during Influencer Hour, the duo NOAD x KDank, and Louisville’s M.B. Lineups at a community festival of this size keep shifting; official channels remain the best source for same-day updates.
Partners listed around the 2026 edition include the Atlanta Hawks, BeatBox Beverages, Durban Dames, Grow Your World, Rocklan One, IMPPact Georgia, Makin’ It, and Elegantly Elevated.
Why Fourth Ward works
Historic Fourth Ward Park is more than a convenient lawn. The neighborhood is one of Atlanta’s most layered: civil rights history, new development, the BeltLine, and a long-running creative scene sit within a few blocks. Families use the playground and fountain while sets run. People bring blankets and lawn chairs. Food trucks and vendor booths fill the gaps between stages. Past editions have felt as much like a neighborhood block party as a music festival—kids on swings, dogs on leashes, and a cypher a few yards away.
Address: 680 Dallas Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30308. (Some listings still use the older Angier Avenue park reference; Dallas Street is the address organizers and Eventbrite are using.)
Practical notes for the weekend
- When: Saturday, Sept. 5 and Sunday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Cost: Free and open to the public
- Vibe: Family-friendly outdoor festival; hip-hop’s elements plus vendors and youth programming
- RSVP: Organizers ask people to register on Eventbrite for lineup and schedule updates
- Nearby: Ponce City Market, the Eastside BeltLine, and several hotels within a short walk
Labor Day weekend in Atlanta is crowded by design—Black Pride, house-music weekenders, amphitheater concerts, and park festivals all overlap. Hip Hop Day’s advantage is simplicity: no ticket, no gate time more complicated than “be in the park,” and a program that still treats independent artists as the point rather than the undercard.
Seventeen years in, the pitch has not changed much. Atlanta made this music matter on a global scale. For one weekend, the city puts that story back outside, in a park, where anyone can walk up and hear it.
If you like to have a good time on the dance floor or while listening to music, Atlanta has something for everyone. Check out the top live music venues around the city as well as best comedy clubs.
If you’re into spoken word, you’ll love these poetry spots in Atlanta. Don’t forget to hit up the top clubs in Atlanta throughout the week end weekend.
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ATLANTA — The college football season officially begins in Atlanta Saturday when Auburn and Baylor meet in the Aflac Kickoff Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The matchup completes a home-and-home series that started last season, when Auburn defeated Baylor 38-24 in Waco. The all-time series is tied 2-2-1, dating to 1954. Auburn won the only previous neutral-site meeting, a 33-13 victory in the 1954 Gator Bowl.
Auburn and Baylor: How To Watch
- Game: Auburn Tigers vs. Baylor Bears
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET (2:30 p.m. CT)
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Network: ABC
This year’s contest was originally scheduled for Jordan-Hare Stadium but was moved to Atlanta last October. The change created a first-of-its-kind NIL opportunity for Auburn players tied to ticket sales, promotions and surrounding events. Reports indicate the Tigers’ players will share roughly $6 million. Auburn received a 20,645-ticket allotment as the designated home team; Baylor received the standard visiting allotment of 3,000.
The game marks the debut of Auburn head coach Alex Golesh, who arrived from South Florida after Hugh Freeze’s firing. Golesh brought quarterback Byrum Brown with him. Brown passed for 3,158 yards and 28 touchdowns and rushed for 1,008 yards and 14 scores last season. Auburn also added former Baylor running back Bryson Washington via the transfer portal to complement returning back Jeremiah Cobb.
Baylor, in its seventh season under Dave Aranda, will start Florida transfer DJ Lagway at quarterback. Lagway is a Baylor legacy—his father played running back for the Bears from 1997 to 2001. New defensive coordinator Joe Klanderman is overseeing a rebuilt unit. Both teams finished 5-7 in 2025.
Heisman Trophy winners Cam Newton (Auburn, 2010) and Robert Griffin III (Baylor, 2011) will serve as honorary captains and participate in the coin toss. Auburn is making its fourth appearance in the Kickoff Game (2-1 record). Baylor is appearing for the first time and playing in Atlanta for the first time since 1993.
Auburn enters seeking its 10th consecutive season-opening victory. The Tigers will play a nine-game SEC schedule in 2026, their first under the expanded conference format. Baylor opens its 125th season looking to avenge last year’s loss and start Aranda’s campaign on a strong note.
Gates at Mercedes-Benz Stadium open at 1:30 p.m. ET. The stadium is cashless and enforces a clear-bag policy. Tickets must be accessed via mobile device. The Aflac Kickoff Game, organized by Peach Bowl Inc., remains the nation’s longest-running neutral-site season opener.
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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
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 $185Friday, 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 $205Saturday, 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 $205Saturday, 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 $155Saturday, 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 $169Sunday, 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 $185Sunday, 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 $155Tickets 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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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.
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?
