Category: Development

Celebrity restaurants have become quite a thing in Atlanta, Georgia. The city’s restaurant scene has plenty of room for these high-profile restaurateurs, who have increased in number in recent years.

In this article, we’re going to show you which Atlanta restaurants are owned by famous people.

What Celebrities Own Restaurants In Atlanta?

You never know who owns your favorite Atlanta restaurant. These people have made their living in movies, TV, music and other forms of entertainment, but they’ve all decided to give it a go in the kitchen, food service and hospitality industry.

There are celebrities that own restaurants in Atlanta, and there are celebrity chefs. These are celebs who have bought eateries in the city.

Nobu

3520 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326 | (470) 945-8800

Nobu is owned by Nobuyuki “Nobu” Matsuhisa, a Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur. His eatery at Phipps Plaza in Buckhead is largely known for its bold take on traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian ingredients.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Nobu: “Amazing place if you’re looking for a luxury experience. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is excellent, and the service is great. Knowledgeable and attentive staff. Parking is shared with the mall, so finding a convenient spot can be a bit tricky, but there is ample parking if you’re willing to walk some, and there is valet parking. The food in the restaurant is amazing but be prepared to spend. We went for both dinner and breakfast, and I loved all the options for both. The mixed drinks are unique and delicious, and the tea and coffee is wonderful too.”

Red Room Bistro

255 Trinity Ave. SW Atlanta, Ga 30303

Love & Hip-Hop star Karlie Redd is opening Red Room Bistro, a Caribbean fusion spot in late September. Red Room Bistro marks Redd’s second restaurant venture in the Atlanta area.

Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles

3725 Main Street, College Park, GA 30337

Atlanta celebrities Ne-Yo and wife, Chef Crystal Smith, along with reality TV star Karlie Redd have teamed up to open a new restaurant in College Park: Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles. The eatery opened its doors in December 2020, AtlantaFi.com has learned.

See what’s on the menu at Johny’s Chicken and Waffles.

Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles

• 1500 GA-20 #130, McDonough, GA 30253
• 5600 Roswell Rd, Atlanta, GA 30342

If you like a little “tea” with your tea, celebrity chef and Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) Season 16 cast member Kelli Ferrell has two locations of her Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles, which have some good waffles as well.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Nana’s. “Ate here with my family and the food was AMAZING! Nothing fancy about the establishment & the service is ok but the food makes up for all of it! We had a variety of things the best were the fried green tomatoes, beignets, chicken sausage, creole seafood omelet, the potatoes and the chicken & red velvet w/ pecans waffle. The chicken was the best! The other items were so so the two egg sausage breakfast, the Cajun grits & strawberry waffle. We definitely will be back soon.”

V12

610 Spring St. NW, Atlanta, Ga. 30308 |  (404) 808-2067

Atlanta rapper and businessman Quavo of Migos is a partner behind the V12, a restaurant adjacent to a BP gas station.

Here’s what one customers says about V12. “I had a good experience at V12 on a Saturday evening. We were a party of 7 and they accommodated us all very efficiently. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. Our food was Brussels sprouts, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls and honey cornbread and all of it was delicious. The other guests enjoyed their speciality drinks and their food with one saying the lamb chops were under seasoned. I would advise to park in the parking garage behind the restaurant, it was $14 for 4 hours, it’s a small walk back to the restaurant. However they do offer valet. Overall I enjoyed my experience, the 4 stars are based on parking situation only.”

Trap City Cafe

660 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30318 | (404) 901-5272

Here’s what one reviewer says about Trap City Cafe: “Before you step foot out your vehicle. $20 to park! These businesses will definitely nickel and dime you. Food was good. I think they may take the trap theme too far because eating with plastic utensils in a restaurant is crazy. Couldn’t even eat my pasta. Then they give you baby sippy cups for your non alcoholic for 4.00 which is filled with ice so more like a shot of sprite. Gone in one gulp! I didn’t even get a refill due to lack of service coming over. Also, it took 20 minutes for a server to even come over. Mind you they weren’t busy, it was pretty empty. Wings were smaller than those baby wings from American Deli lol.”

Good As Burgers

2903 RN Martin St, East Point, GA 30344

T-Boz of TLC fame is the celebrity co-owner of Good As Burgers, which is currently located at Atlanta Utility Works, 2903 RN Martin St, East Point, GA 30344, serves vegan burgers made with Beyond Meat, featuring the OG burger with GAB sauce and crispy shoestring fries.

Big Oomph Studio Kitchen

510 Fairburn Road, Suite 400, Atlanta | (404) 228-1216

Photo credit: Sylvia McAfee, City of Atlanta, Office of the Mayor

In 1996, Korey “Big Oomp” Roberson co-founded Big Oomp Records along with DJ Jelly and MC Assault. Roberson is the president and co-founder of the label. Now, he’s building a food empire after opening Big Oomph Studio Kitchen in southwest Atlanta.

The eatery has a variety of smashburgers, including the AUC Burger, SWATs Burger and Cascade burger.

Ryan Cameron’s Dough Boy Pizza Atlanta

The Gallery at South DeKalb at 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30034

Renown Atlanta radio personality Ryan Cameron recently opened Dough Boy Pizza in Atlanta, Georgia.  The fast-casual restaurant concept, founded by Chef Erica Barrett, first opened in Birmingham, Alabama. Cameron’s new pizza place opened on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2023.

Read more about Dough Boy Pizza in Atlanta.

Wine And Tapas Lounge

8180 Mall Parkway, Ste. 820, Lithonia, Ga. 30038

R&B singer Jacquees recently opened a new restaurant in South DeKalb County, Georgia just outside Atlanta. The Wine and Tapas Lounge held its grand opening ceremony on January 4, 2023, in the Stonecrest Mall area. Read more about the Wine and Tapas Lounge.Read more about the Wine and Tapas Lounge.

Smokey Stallion BBQ

309 Nelson St., NE Atlanta Ga, 30313 | 404-254-1012

Smokey Stallion opened in late June 2022 in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood just south of downtown Atlanta. if you love smoked meats, this is the place. Check it out.

Chicken+Beer

Concourse D, Gate D5, Atlanta, GA 30337

Serving Options: Dine-In and Takeout

Travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport love them some Chicken+Beer. Co-owned by Jackmont Hospitality and rapper, actor and businessman Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Chicken+Beer is helmed by Executive Chef Josh Lee with help from Culinary Director Chef Todd Richards.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Chicken + Beer. “So I finally got a flight during hours of operation to stop by here and all I can say is I’m mad that there are no locations outside of the airport! On my departing flight I stopped in and got hotlanta style chicken sandwich, This is by far my favorite chicken sandwich now! Creamy coleslaw that is not too sweet, pickles and the hotlanta sauce is everything.!! Sloppy but oh so good.”

Esco Restaurant & Tapas

327 Peters St. SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 404-941-7907

Serving Options: Dine-In, Takeout & Delivery

Escobar Restaurant & Tapas Bar is owned by rapper and entrepreneur 2 Chainz. The 3,000-square foot space situated in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood near downtown Atlanta is helmed by Executive Chef DePhon Robinson. Decadent dishes such like lobster and jumbo shrimp dot the menu.

Pizza Verdura Sincera

377 Moreland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30307 | (404) 343-2132

Here’s what one customer says about Pizza Verdura Sincera, which is co-owned by entrepreneur Paul Jones, 2 Chainz and David Smith (El Super Pan, SmoQ’n Hot Grill, and Dos Burros, and chief investment officer at Trowbridge Partners).

Here’s what one customer says about Pizza Verdura Sincera: “My first vegan pizzeria experience. Staff was awesome and friendly. Very good quality ingredients/toppings. The cheese takes some getting used to…texture is different. The dough is good, has a nice chew, good crisp on edges, a bit dry, but overall solid. Isn’t made fresh on-site but from a good quality source. It’s really all about the vegan toppings – unique plant based options. A good change up if you’re looking for something different or have food allergies.”

Fuku

Star restaurateur and podcaster David Chang’s Momofuku restaurant group launched Fuku in Atlanta in August 2021. Fuku Chicken, which offers all varieties of fried chicken and is run out of a digital kitchen backed by Reef Technologies, allows you to order your food online. 

Fellaship

110 Centennial Olympic Park Dr. Suite 102-104, Atlanta, GA 30313 |  (404) 254-4970

NFL quarterback Cam Newton, an Atlanta native, along with brother CJ opened Fellaship back in early 2019 when the Super Bowl came to town. Now, the upscale cigar bar and restaurant serves gourmet dishes and offers a relaxing and sophisticated atmosphere.

The Castleberry Hill eatery has a hearty menu that serves such favorites as Toot’s Seafood Pasta, Grilled Lobster Tail and “Ponzu” Glazed Scottish Salmon.

Frost Bistro

281 Peters St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 963-5495

Serving Options: Dine-In & Takeout

“Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” stars Kirk and Rasheeda Frost opened their namesake restaurant in the Castleberry Hill area of Atlanta in 2019.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Frost Bistro. “Exceeded my expectations. I’ve ran across places like this (celebrity style restaurants) and usually not pleased. I can honestly say, everything was great. So the big guy at the door…very respectful. Explained waiting, getting your ID out and staying warm by heater while checking bags. Making it a smooth entrance even down to watch your step. Very much appreciated. Due to Covid, of course all staff was masked up and they take your temperature upon entrance. The waitresses are cute and polite. Aaliyah, our server was very sweet and helpful. The drinks were awesome and the food was bombbb. They actually cooked my lamb to medium temp as I requested. Obviously somebody’s grandma back there making that macaroni and cheese. The servings are plentiful.”

Gocha’s Breakfast Bar

Atlanta Locations:

• 834 Glynn St S suite 248, Fayetteville, GA 30214 | (770) 629-7443
• 695 Cascade Rd SW STE 440 Atlanta, GA 30331| (678) 927-9166

Serving Options: Dine-In, Takeout, Delivery & Curbside Pickup

Leave it to a celebrity hairstylist to serve up exactly what the masses need. Gocha Hawkins, known for styling the coifs of mega-personalities like Beyonce, Nicki Minaj and other stars, opened Gocha’s Breakfast Bar in January 2019 in the Cascade area of Atlanta.

She opened a second location in mid-January 2021 in Fayetteville, Georgia. See the address above and stop by!

Gocha’s Breakfast Bar’s operating hours are Monday – Friday  7 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday  7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Menu faves are Gocha’s Impossible Burger With Parmesan Truffle Fries. There’s also Gocha’s Krunch-Tastic French Toast, and “Better Than Yo Momma” Buttermilk Pancakes.

Old Lady Gang Southern Cuisine

Atlanta Locations:

• 177 Peters St SW, Atlanta, GA 30313 | (404) 748-9689 (closed)
• 3650 Marketplace Blvd Suite 950, East Point, GA 30344

With two standalone locations and a third inside Mercedes Benz Stadium, Old Lady Gang Southern Cuisine is Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker’s original foray into the restaurant business.

Here’s what one reviewer says about Old Lady Gang. “Atmosphere is very warming w/guest greeting. Server was very polite an made sure we had the best experience. Southern Food was good. Definitely will visit again!”

Dancin Crepe

Entrepreneurs Yandy and Mendeecees Harris, best known for their stints on the VH1 franchise Love and Hip-Hop, opened Dancin Crepe in May  2022 in downtown Atlanta.

Bankhead Seafood

 1651 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, Atlanta, GA 3031 | (404) 254-1047

Atlanta rappers and entrepreneurs Killer Mike and T.I. have teamed up to buy the legendary southeast Atlanta restaurant Bankhead Seafood.

The eatery, which opened in 2024 in Grove Park, has one again become a neighborhood favorite.

Where Do Celebrities Eat In Atlanta?

Celebrities eat at their own restaurants, but you’ll also find them at some of the same establishments you enjoy for one reason or another.

Atlanta has a rich and diverse restaurant scene that emphasizes atmosphere, fun and large portions. And you never know, a celebrity just might be eating next to you.

Eateries like Old Lady Gang and Escobar make up just some 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.

How You Can Support Atlanta’s Restaurants

Atlanta has long been a celebrity playground where famous people would come to try new food businesses. Anyone remember Diddy’s Justin’s on Peachtree?

Support Atlanta’s restaurants by doing what you do best: eat, drink and be many!

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

Atlanta, Georgia’s restaurant scene is growing more inclusive. It seems a new celebrity is opening a local restaurant every other month. When the establishment opens, we’ll let you know!

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.

“Magic City: An American Fantasy,” premiering Friday on Starz, delves into the untold stories of Atlanta’s iconic Black cultural hub, Magic City.

Announced in April, the five-part docuseries showcases Shaquille O’Neal, rappers T.I., Killer Mike, and Drake, alongside producer/songwriter Jermaine Dupri, among other notable figures. Drake and Dupri also serve as producers.

Magic City Documentary: How To Stream

The “Magic City: An American Fantasy” documentary series is available for streaming on Starz. It premiered on Friday, August 15, 2025, and new episodes will be released weekly on Fridays on the Starz app and other on-demand platforms. On linear TV, it airs Fridays at 9PM ET/PT. 

To watch the documentary:

1. Subscribe to Starz: You can subscribe to Starz as a standalone service or add it to your existing Hulu plan. 
2. Stream on the Starz app: Once subscribed, you can access the documentary on the Starz app. 
3. Watch on demand: You can also find the episodes on other platforms where Starz content is available, such as Roku. 

Magic City: A History

Magic City, an iconic strip club in Atlanta, was founded in 1985 by Michael “Magic” Barney, a New Jersey native who moved to Atlanta after graduating from Duke University with a history degree in 1978. Initially working as a toner cartridge salesman, Barney earned the nickname “Magic” due to his sales prowess.

His frequent visits to local gentlemen’s clubs, like the Foxy Lady Lounge, inspired him to create a better version of the strip club experience, focusing on higher-quality dancers, customer service, and professionalism.Barney leased a former print shop at 241 Forsyth Street in south downtown Atlanta for $10,000 a month, launching Magic City on October 2, 1985, with just one dancer.

He took on multiple roles—cook, DJ, and security—while enforcing strict standards for his staff. The club struggled initially but gained traction by the late 1980s, particularly after high-profile athletes like Deion Sanders and Dominique Wilkins became regulars, drawing larger crowds and elevating its status.

Barney’s hands-on approach and connections with celebrities helped transform Magic City from a modest operation into a cultural phenomenon.

By the early 1990s, the club became a hub for Atlanta’s burgeoning hip-hop scene, with DJs like DC the Brain Supreme (of Tag Team) testing tracks like “Whoomp! (There It Is)” at the club, cementing its role as a music industry tastemaker.

Magic City’s influence grew as it attracted artists like OutKast, Future, and Migos, becoming a launchpad for Southern rap and trap music. Its reputation as a cultural institution was further solidified by celebrity patronage from figures like 2Pac, Biggie, and Drake, and its ability to survive challenges like arson, Barney’s legal troubles, and the 2020 pandemic.

Goodr, the do-good initiative that offers free groceries to families in need, recently opened its grocery store in Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta.

The official name of the store is Goodr Be On Edgewood and it represents years of partnerships delivering real benefits for Sweet Auburn residents. Its opening provides 200 families with free groceries monthly for a year.

Goodr Be On Edgewood Opens in Atlanta

The store is the hard work and brainchild ofJasmine Crowe-Houston, an award-winning entrepreneur, TED Speaker, and entrepreneur who has worked for years with Atlanta food businesses to come up with sustainable ways to dispose of their items.

Best Black Owned Grocery Stores In Atlanta

“It’s really about helping a lot more families,” Crowe-Houston said in a recent interview.

Goodr opened a new community grocery store on Edgewood Avenue in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn District, the first of its kind, aimed at tackling food insecurity in the predominantly minority neighborhood.

The Goodr Community Market, along with Little Loaf Deli, offers affordable fresh food, including $5 deli meals and 2-for-1 deals for SNAP users.

Goodr: What’s in Store?

Inside Goodr, you can find an array of fresh fruits and vegetables (a cursory look indicates that the prices are cheaper than what you’ll find at Walmart, Kroger and Target).

There’s also the customary pantry items for sale. You’ll see a lot of the same things you’ll see in any other grocery store, so put Goodr on your list.

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Goodr: A History

Crowe-Houston’s vision continues to drive Goodr’s expansion, with plans for further innovation and new markets while maintaining its commitment to Atlanta’s communities.

Since its founding, Goodr has grown from a local Atlanta initiative to a national organization, operating in 15 states, diverting over 28.6 million pounds of food, serving 32 million meals, and opening more than two dozen free grocery stores. The company remains headquartered in Atlanta, with backing from local investors like Collab Capital and Atlanta Technology Angels, and partnerships with Amazon, Mailchimp, and MARTA.

The organization began as a response to Crowe-Houston’s efforts to feed people experiencing homelessness, initially preparing meals out of her own kitchen starting in 2013.

After a video of one of her pop-up restaurants under a bridge near Grady Memorial Hospital went viral in 2016, she recognized the potential to scale her impact by redirecting surplus food from businesses to those in need, leading to the creation of Goodr.

In 2019, Goodr expanded its services to include organic waste recycling, composting nonedible food scraps or redirecting them to animal feed and fertilizer production. The company also began launching free grocery stores to provide dignified access to food.

In 2021, Goodr partnered with hip-hop artist Gunna to open its first free grocery store at an Atlanta middle school, targeting students and families. By 2022, Goodr had established a free grocery store at Lutheran Towers, a senior living community in Midtown Atlanta, offering fresh produce and household goods to residents.

In 2023, Goodr launched its Mobile Grocery Store, a 26-foot truck stocked with free groceries to serve underserved communities, expanding its pop-up grocery model.

In 2024, Goodr opened a grocery store at the William Walker Recreation Center in Southwest Atlanta, a food desert, in partnership with Mayor Andre Dickens and the city, serving 100 families and seniors monthly.

Where Is Goodr Be On Edgewood Located?

The Goodr grocery store is located at 381 Edgewood Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30312. Here’s a map to help you find it.

Final Word

Atlanta’s food scene has been characterized by one too many food deserts, especially on its south side. The communities have had to step up. Enter these black-owned grocery stores in Atlanta.

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

Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta

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Just like the Atlanta Beltline links some of the city’s best neighborhoods, a new plan aims to connect its trails.

The City of Atlanta is partnering with the PATH Foundation to create a city-wide trail plan called Trails ATL.

Trails ATL: What We Know So Far

Trails ATL is an ambitious citywide trail expansion plan initiated by the City of Atlanta in partnership with the PATH Foundation to enhance the city’s walkability and connectivity through a comprehensive multi-use trail network.

Approved unanimously by the Atlanta City Council on June 16, 2025, the plan aims to create a 535-mile trail network, ensuring 95% of Atlantans have access to safe, inviting trails within a 10-minute walk or wheelchair trip by 2052.

How Large Will Trails ATL Be and Where Will It Connect?

The initiative seeks to improve transportation options, reduce car dependency, and enhance quality of life by connecting neighborhoods, parks, schools, MARTA stations, and commercial hubs. It aims to make Atlanta one of the most trail-connected cities in the U.S., potentially surpassing current greenway networks.

The plan includes adding 420 miles of new trails to the existing 100+ miles already built or funded, creating a network that integrates greenways, protected street trails, and multi-use paths designed for all ages and abilities, including wheelchair users, walkers, runners, cyclists, and scooter users.

Trails ATL: Phase 1

Phase 1 focuses on areas like Buckhead, Lakewood, Adams Park, and southwest Atlanta’s Emerald Network, connecting underserved areas to key destinations. Trails like the Virginia Trail near Piedmont Park and the Airport Trail south of downtown are highlighted.

The first phase, spanning a decade, proposes 35 miles of trails across 23 projects, including 29 miles of greenways and 6 miles of protected street trails, with an estimated cost of $252 million. Key projects include trails like Adams Park Trail, Blue Heron Greenway, Proctor Creek Greenway, and the Olympic Trail.

Trails ATL: What Are Residents Saying?

Developed over 18 months with over 100 public meetings, the plan incorporates community input to determine trail locations and types, ensuring they meet local needs. It also aims to address concerns about displacement by integrating anti-displacement strategies.

The plan emphasizes inclusivity, ensuring trails are accessible to all, including those with disabilities. It also addresses concerns about gentrification, aiming to prevent displacement of legacy residents near new trails, as seen with some BeltLine impacts.

The $252 million price tag for Phase 1 is significant, and funding remains a key hurdle. Critics, including Dr. Na’Taki Osborne Jelks, have raised concerns about potential housing affordability issues, drawing parallels to the BeltLine’s impact on nearby communities.

Final Word

Next steps include integrating the plan into the city’s zoning code, updating the Comprehensive Transportation Plan to prioritize trail alignments, and developing funding strategies.

Potential funding sources are not detailed but may involve city investments, partnerships, and development contributions.

Existing trail feedback, such as inoperative water fountains on other regional trails, suggests maintenance could be a challenge, but only time will tell.

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Final plans are in the works for The Grove, a nearly 1,300-acre master-planned, mixed-use community in Henry County, Georgia.

The project has received final Zoning and Development Agreement approval from the Henry County Board of Commissioners, which clears the way for one of the largest developments in metro Atlanta’s history.

In this article, we’ll tell you about The Grove and what it will entail.

What Is The Grove in Henry County?

The Grove is a massive master-planned, mixed-use community in Henry County, Georgia, spanning nearly 1,300 acres off U.S. Highway 19/41, north of Hampton and adjacent to Lake Talmadge and the Atlanta Speedway.

It’s one of the largest developments in Metro Atlanta’s history, with final zoning and development agreement approval granted by the Henry County Board of Commissioners on July 8, 2025. Here’s a detailed overview based on available information:

• Size and Scope: The Grove covers approximately 1,277–1,300 acres and is planned to include over 6,000 residential units (down from an initial proposal of 7,160 after negotiations). It will be developed over 25–40 years in multiple phases.
• Housing: The community will offer a diverse range of housing options, including:
  • 3,400 single-family homes, townhomes, and age-restricted senior homes.
  • 2,760 multifamily units (apartments), reduced by 1,000 units to address local concerns.
  • Options range from cozy cottages for seniors to amenity-rich apartments for young professionals and expansive estate homes for families, fostering a multi-generational community.
• Commercial and Public Spaces: The development includes 2 million square feet of commercial space, featuring retail, office spaces, a 180-room hotel, and community-focused amenities.
• Amenities: The Grove emphasizes quality of life with:
  • 150 acres of greenspace, including 35 pocket parks and 8 miles of trails.
  • A multi-story clubhouse with a deck for events and a community kitchen.
  • Recreational facilities like pools, a splash pad, volleyball and pickleball courts, and a dog park.
  • Proximity to local attractions, such as the Atlanta Speedway and Henry County’s cultural and natural offerings.
• Location: Situated 22 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and 35 miles southeast of Atlanta, The Grove offers easy access to major highways (I-75, Bill Gardner Parkway) and is near the charming town of Hampton, blending suburban tranquility with urban convenience.

How Will The Grove Shape Henry County’s Future?

The Grove will transform the county, delivering 6,000+ residential units and 2 million square feet of commercial, retail, and public space over multiple phases.

“The Grove will shape Henry County’s future for generations,” said Patrick Brooks, Vice President of Geosam Capital. “Our phased approach ensures thoughtful, sustainable growth that benefits both current and future residents.”

Located just 22 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and minutes from EchoPark Speedway, The Grove is positioned to become a regional hub for housing, commerce, and community life. The first phase includes GDOT road improvements, water and wastewater upgrades, and the launch of initial residential construction.

Final Word

The Grove is big news for Henry County. Housing options will range from single-family and townhomes to multifamily and active adult, ensuring accessibility for residents at all stages of life. The community also features a commercial core designed to attract businesses and drive local job growth.

Community amenities will include 150 acres of greenspace, 35 pocket parks, 8 miles of trails, and a mix of public and private features that promote quality of life and connectivity.

Downtown Atlanta’s development landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by large-scale mixed-use projects, infrastructure upgrades, and a focus on revitalizing the city’s historic core. These changes reflect a broader effort to make Downtown more vibrant, walkable, and economically robust, particularly in preparation for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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Atlanta real estate firm Webstar Technology Group recently placed the Forge project under contract through its subsidiary entity, Forge Atlanta Asset Management, LLC, of which Webstar owns 80%.

To downtown Atlanta observers, stakeholders and residents, the deal ushers the development of The Forge one step closer to reality.

What Is The Forge in Atlanta?

The Forge in Atlanta is a proposed mixed-use development project in the South Downtown district, near Castleberry Hill, at the intersection of Ted Turner Drive and Whitehall Street.

Spanning a 10-acre site, it is envisioned as a transformative urban development with up to 15 million square feet of development density, the highest allowable in the city under the SPI-1 SA1 zoning corridor.

Initially proposed by Urbantec Development Partners in 2021 as “Artisan Yards” with a focus on life sciences, the project was rebranded as The Forge but faced foreclosure in 2023 due to economic challenges and a muddled office market. Webstar acquired the site in 2025, reviving the project with a broader vision.

Key Features of The Forge:

• Development Scope: Plans include luxury and middle-income residential units, boutique and condo hotel accommodations, premium flex spaces, a sports entertainment complex, retail, restaurants, and a curated art gallery featuring international and local artists. The project is designed by Nelson Worldwide, known for projects like The Battery and St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta.
• Digital Asset Innovation: Webstar plans to tokenize the project using blockchain technology, allowing investors to purchase fractional ownership through digital securities offerings, a pioneering approach in real estate development.
• Location and Connectivity: Positioned near the Garnett MARTA station and major highways (I-20, I-75, I-85), the site is fully entitled and shovel-ready, with proximity to attractions like Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Centennial Yards.

The Forge represents one of the most ambitious and strategically positioned mixed-use developments in Atlanta’s South Downtown district.

What Are Webstar’s Plans for The Forge?

This 10.014-acre site is fully entitled and zoned SPI-1 SA1, offering up to 15 million square feet of development density – the highest zoning classification available in the city.

When Webstar purchased the property, the firm immediately began plans to re-envision the parcel amid downtown Atlanta’s evolving cityscape.

“This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Webstar’s strategic expansion into high-density urban development,” Ricardo Haynes, CEO of Webstar Technology Group, said at the time. “With this LOI, we are poised to bring new life to Atlanta’s urban core while creating long-term value for our investors and stakeholders.”

The planned master development, designed in collaboration with Nelson Worldwide, includes:

• Residential units (mix of luxury and middle-income housing)
  
• Boutique and Luxury Hotel Rooms
  
• Entertainment Complex
  
• Conference Center
  
• Cultural Center
  
• Flex Space and Office Space
  
• Public Plaza and Greenspace
  
• Restaurants and Retail
  
• Ample Parking

Webstar’s acquisition aligns with Downtown Atlanta’s ongoing economic revitalization, which is being fueled by over $5 billion in public and private investment across infrastructure, housing, entertainment, and innovation corridors. According to Central Atlanta Progress¹, more than 50 new projects are underway or in planning, signaling strong demand for quality urban developments and positioning Webstar to be a major contributor to the city’s transformation.

“The Forge is positioned to become a next-generation smart city hub—fusing lifestyle, innovation, and connectivity,” said Ricardo Haynes, CEO of Webstar Technology Group. “Our mission is to create a sustainable, high-density urban district that sets a new benchmark for placemaking in the Southeast.”

Final Word

The landscape is changing quickly in downtown Atlanta. Webstar is actively pursuing a broad-based capital strategy to support the development of The Forge, including a combination of institutional financing, digital asset tokenization, and a forthcoming stock offering.

The company’s goal is to expand investor access while creating long-term value through innovation and smart infrastructure.

Final Word

Downtown Atlanta’s development landscape has undergone significant transformation in recent years, driven by large-scale mixed-use projects, infrastructure upgrades, and a focus on revitalizing the city’s historic core. These changes reflect a broader effort to make Downtown more vibrant, walkable, and economically robust, particularly in preparation for events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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