In a bittersweet farewell to one of Atlanta’s enduring culinary landmarks, the beloved meat-and-three restaurant EATS announced on Friday, Oct. 3 that it will shutter its doors for good on October 18 after more than three decades of serving up affordable Southern comfort food and jerk chicken favorites to generations of diners.
EATS Is Shutting Its Doors
Nestled on Ponce de Leon Avenue just across from the bustling Ponce City Market on the edge of Midtown, EATS has long been a no-frills haven for locals and visitors alike.
Opened in 1993 by Bob Hatcher and Charlie Kerns in a repurposed swingers club, the spot quickly became synonymous with hearty, wallet-friendly plates of fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, and its signature jerk chicken that drew crowds from all walks of life.
The closure, emblematic of the rapid gentrification sweeping Ponce de Leon from Midtown to Poncey-Highland, comes amid a wave of redevelopment spurred by the Eastside BeltLine and the 2014 opening of Ponce City Market
New boutique hotels, retail shops, and trendy eateries have transformed the corridor, but at the expense of longtime institutions like EATS, which has weathered economic shifts, the pandemic, and now, an evolving neighborhood landscape.
Owners did not specify a single reason for the decision in their public statement, though the announcement follows a recent vandalism incident that affected EATS and several nearby businesses earlier this week.
Atlanta police have made an arrest in connection with the damage, but Hatcher and Kerns emphasized a desire to end on a high note with their community
“If you ever sat down for a meal here, pulled up with your people, or stopped by for a jerk chicken to go, we’d love to see you one last time,” the statement read. “Come through, say hello, and help us close this wild chapter the way it began: together.”
Patrons have already begun sharing memories on social media, reminiscing about late-night pasta dinners—think chicken Alfredo or spaghetti and meatballs—after Braves games or BeltLine strolls. “EATS was more than a restaurant; it was the heartbeat of Ponce,” tweeted one longtime customer, echoing sentiments from Atlanta’s food scene where the spot’s unpretentious vibe stood in stark contrast to the area’s upscale newcomers.
As EATS prepares for its final service, staff assured there will be ample seating for farewells, inviting first-timers and regulars to raise a glass (or a side of cornbread) to 33 years of flavor
In an era of fleeting pop-ups and high-concept dining, the loss of EATS serves as a poignant reminder of Atlanta’s evolving palate—and the irreplaceable role of spots that fed both body and soul.
For those hoping to snag one last plate, EATS will operate normal hours until closing day. No word yet on future plans for the space or whether Hatcher and Kerns will revive the concept elsewhere.
Final Word
Speaking of dining 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.
