For eight decades, Mary Mac’s Tea Room has been the beating heart of Southern hospitality in Midtown Atlanta, earning its cherished nickname “Atlanta’s Dining Room.”
On Monday, Oct. 20, the iconic restaurant will toast its 80th anniversary with a sweet gesture for loyal patrons: every diner who purchases an entrée will receive a complimentary serving of the restaurant’s legendary Georgia peach cobbler.
How To Get Free Food at Mary Mac’s
Staff will don special commemorative shirts to honor the milestone, turning the celebration as one of the oldest restaurants in Atlanta into a citywide family reunion.
“We’re beyond grateful for the generations of Atlantans who’ve made Mary Mac’s their home away from home,” said General Manager Margaret Mitchell. “This peach cobbler is our way of saying thank you—straight from the heart of Georgia.”
A Storied Legacy: 80 Years of Southern Comfort
Mary Mac’s Tea Room opened its doors on Oct. 20, 1945, at 224 Ponce de Leon Avenue (now Circle of Friends Way) in the heart of Midtown.
Founded by Mary McKenzie, a savvy entrepreneur inspired by the tea room trend sweeping the South post-World War II, the spot was envisioned as a welcoming haven for working women and families seeking affordable, home-cooked meals amid the city’s postwar boom.
In an era when Atlanta was transforming from a rail hub into a modern metropolis, McKenzie’s vision resonated immediately.
She sourced fresh ingredients from local farms, emphasizing classic Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, and her famous peach cobbler—baked with ripe Georgia peaches sourced from nearby orchards. By 1946, the tea room was serving up to 1,000 meals a day, becoming a staple for politicians, celebrities, and everyday folks alike.
The 1950s and ’60s brought expansion and fame. Mary Mac’s hosted civil rights leaders during pivotal meetings and even caught the eye of Hollywood—Vivien Leigh dined here while filming Gone with the Wind sequels.
In 1962, after McKenzie’s retirement, the restaurant passed to John Ferrell, whose family has stewarded it ever since.
Under their care, it grew to seat 500 guests across multiple dining rooms adorned with vintage Atlanta memorabilia, including photos of Hartsfield-Jackson Airport’s early days and original Braves bobbleheads.
Challenges came in the 1970s with urban renewal displacing nearby neighborhoods, but Mary Mac’s endured as a symbol of resilience.
The 1996 Olympics spotlighted it globally, with visitors raving about the “best biscuits in the South.”
Today, owned by the L&M Group, it serves over 400,000 meals annually, employing 200 locals and sourcing 80% of produce from Georgia farms.
Fun fact: The eatery’s “Tea Room” name nods to Prohibition-era “tea” code for alcohol—though Mary Mac’s has always been strictly sweet tea!
Join the Celebration: What to Expect
Mark your calendars for Monday, Oct. 20, starting at 11 a.m. Reservations are recommended via marymacs.com or by calling (404) 876-1800, as the restaurant expects a full house. Alongside the free cobbler, guests can savor timeless favorites:
| Signature Dish | Why It’s Iconic | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Chicken | Crispy, juicy perfection since Day 1 | $18.95 |
| Hummingbird Cake | Banana-pineapple layers, a Georgia must | $8.95/slice |
| Georgia Peach Cobbler | Free on Oct. 20! Warm, flaky, peachy bliss | Complimentary with entrée |
Staff in milestone tees will share 80-year trivia throughout the day, and a special anniversary toast at 6 p.m. will feature complimentary sweet tea for all.
As Atlanta evolves with new skyscrapers and BeltLine buzz, Mary Mac’s remains a timeless anchor—proving that some traditions are sweeter with age. Here’s to 80 more years!
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