Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead has named celebrated local chef Todd Richards as its new Executive Chef.
The move brings Richards’ acclaimed Southern perspective and storytelling through food to the Forbes 4-star luxury property in Buckhead.
Chef Todd Richard’s To Helm Kitchen at Waldorf Astoria
Richards will oversee all culinary operations at the hotel, including the signature restaurant Brassica, the renowned afternoon tea service, in-room dining, and banquet offerings.
Known for his innovative take on soul food and Southern cuisine, Richards is a two-time James Beard Award semifinalist, award-winning author, and a fixture in Atlanta’s dining scene.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Chef Todd Richards to the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead family,” the hotel announced in a recent statement. “His nationally recognized voice, deep cultural storytelling, and guest-centered approach make him the perfect fit for one of the city’s most distinguished destinations.”
Richards joins the property after a standout career that has significantly influenced Atlanta’s food landscape.
He served as the opening chef for One Flew South at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where his team made history as the first airport restaurant to be a James Beard Award contender. He is also chef and part-owner of the popular Soul: Food & Culture at Krog Street Market.
A twice-published author, Richards’ debut cookbook, Soul: A Chef’s Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes, won the 2019 IACP Award for Best American Cookbook and earned spots on best-of-the-year lists from Grub Street and Food52.
His 2024 release, Roots, Heart, Soul: The Story, Celebration, and Recipes of Afro Cuisine in America, further established him as a leading voice in culinary storytelling and inspired a podcast of the same name.
“After years in restaurants, returning to luxury hospitality felt like an unexpected and exciting next chapter,” Richards said. “What drew me to Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead was the opportunity to cook with real intention and freedom. The entire team encouraged me to shape a dining experience that reflects both this city and my Southern perspective. The food is seasonal, expressive, and technique-driven, while still delivering the sense of refinement guests expect. It’s exceptional hotel dining with a strong sense of place, seen through my lens of Atlanta.”
A Chicago native, Richards first arrived in Atlanta in the early 1990s to train under Executive Chef Darryl Evans at the Four Seasons Atlanta.
He went on to hold key leadership roles at The Ritz-Carlton properties in Atlanta and Palm Beach, as well as the Seelbach Hotel in Louisville, before returning to Atlanta in 2008.
At Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, Richards will take a hands-on approach to menu development, drawing inspiration from Georgia’s seasons and collaborating closely with local farmers and purveyors.
Blending classic French technique with thoughtful sourcing, he plans to reinterpret soul food staples with nuance, precision, and care—creating dishes that feel both deeply rooted in tradition and forward-looking.
His appointment comes at an exciting moment for the hotel, as Brassica approaches its four-year anniversary.
The restaurant’s lively programming includes a weekend-long prix-fixe Valentine’s Day dining experience, along with themed teas such as a Bridgerton-inspired masquerade tea and a Galentine’s tea.
Under Richards’ leadership, guests can expect refreshed interpretations of Brassica’s brasserie-inspired dishes and elevated culinary touches throughout the property.
Final Word
The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead, located at 3376 Peachtree Rd NE, continues to position itself as a premier destination for refined dining in Atlanta, now elevated by one of the city’s most respected culinary talents.
If you want to check out some other food spots in the area, here are the best restaurants in Buckhead. Or you might like to read our Buckhead Steak Guide to find all the best eateries offering mouth-watering prime cuts.
