In a bittersweet farewell to one of Atlanta’s most storied barbecue joints, Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt, the funky, no-frills haven on Memorial Drive, will serve its final plates by the end of December.
The closure marks the end of an era for the 35-year-old institution, known for its hickory-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and cameos on national TV—though owner Christianah Coker-Jackson vows it’s not goodbye forever.
Daddy D’z Is Closing This Month
The news, shared with employees last Friday, stems from the sale of the building at 264 Memorial Drive SE, a spot that’s been Daddy D’z’s home since founder Ron Newman fired up the brick pits in 1993.
Coker-Jackson, who took the reins in late 2017 after years as a devoted customer and chef at spots like Charlot’s Creole Cafe, said the decision came down to timing and circumstance.
A government shutdown years ago delayed a crucial loan, paving the way for the property’s new owners to pull the plug.
“Daddy D’z was the first barbecue place I visited when I moved to Atlanta … and I loved it,” Coker-Jackson told local reporters, her voice carrying the weight of both nostalgia and resolve.
What started as a personal passion project evolved into a family affair, with her children pitching in alongside longtime staff.
The restaurant’s eclectic vibe—think metal pig sculptures on the roof and a sign declaring “I’m Dyin’ for Daddy D’z”—has drawn everyone from Food Network fans to Hollywood heavyweights. Just days ago, Tyler Perry wrapped filming a scene inside its graffiti-adorned walls.
For Atlanta’s barbecue faithful, Daddy D’z wasn’t just a meal; it was a ritual.
Tucked in the Summerhill neighborhood, the spot specialized in slow-smoked meats over hickory wood, paired with Southern staples like creamy coleslaw, baked beans laced with brisket bits, and towering slices of sweet potato pie.
Yelp reviews rave about the “fabulous” fried okra and “smoky” chicken wings, while Tripadvisor diners call it a “true hole-in-the-wall” with “excellent flavor” that rivals Kansas City legends.
It’s hosted Super Bowl watch parties, Mardi Gras feasts, and private bashes, cementing its role as a community anchor amid the evolving Grant Park and Mechanicsville scenes.
The closure hits hard in a year that’s seen other local favorites shutter amid rising costs and economic pressures—a trend echoed in crowdfunding pleas from the restaurant’s social channels earlier this year.
But Coker-Jackson remains optimistic. “We hope to find a new home and continue to be a part of Atlanta history, but this particular location is no more,” she said, urging loyalists to swing by for one last round before Dec. 31.
Delivery and catering remain available through the end, with online orders encouraged via the restaurant’s site.
As Atlanta’s dining landscape shifts—with newcomers like Lewis Barbecue eyeing a debut elsewhere in the city—the loss of Daddy D’z underscores the fragility of our culinary touchstones.
Yet in true Joynt fashion, it’s going out with a saucy send-off. Grab those extra bottles of house barbecue sauce on your way out—because who knows where the next pit stop might be?
For updates on a potential relocation, follow Daddy D’z on Facebook or visit daddydz.com. Got a Daddy D’z memory? Share it with us at cj@atlantafi.com.
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.
Here are the best new restaurants in Atlanta
- WhereTo Eat In Atlanta
- The Best Atlanta Restaurants Near Atlanta
- Best Date Night Restaurants You Have To Try Right Now
AtlantaFi.com is your go-to source for restaurant openings, closings, and everything in between. Stay tuned for more on the local food scene.