From September 11–14, the 11-acre greenspace will be occupied by the tasting tents. The Backyard will offer a more roomy layout and improved special areas like a culinary demonstration stage, VIP lounge, and sponsored activation spaces, according to a press release from the festival’s organizers. Last year’s event was held in Historic Fourth Ward Park, across the street from Ponce City Market. Better parking and transit alternatives, including easy connection to MARTA, are also available at this location.
Raftermen Photography is credited.
Raftermen Photography is credited.
According to festival organizers, the relocation to the Home Depot Backyard was not a one-year deal.
The CEO and creator of event management business a21, Brett Friedman, stated that it was time to locate a new, long-term location for Atlanta Food & Wine, which is expanding along with Atlanta.
More than 200 chefs from throughout the nation and the region will attend the festival, including several well-known for their work with the Food Network, including Scott Conant, Marcus Samuelsson, and Andrew Zimmern.
1 Backyard Way, Atlanta, Sept. 11–14. www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com
Source: Handout
Source: Handout
Wildly popular Panda Fest returns
The roster of vendors for Panda Fest’s return to Atlantic Station early next month was revealed. Panda Fest is an outdoor Asian culinary event.
After the first Panda Fest in Atlanta sold out in April, this year’s September event will be the second visit. An artisan market and street food vendors are the primary draws. According to a news release, other highlights include traditional arts from throughout the Asian diaspora, such as calligraphy, sugar painting, and paper cutting, as well as live entertainment such as dance groups performing K-pop routines.
Along with regional eateries like Buns & Bites, Flames & Skewers, Lemon Sweets Bakery, Rebel Teahouse, and Yugen Sushi Fusion, Panda Fest will feature food vendors from all around the nation.
Both regular admission and VIP tier tickets are offered on Eventbrite.
221 20th St., Atlanta, Sept. 5–7. pandafests.com
Thanks to NFA Burger for the credit.
Thanks to NFA Burger for the credit.
One-of-a-kind reservation
You will soon have the chance to book a table at NFA Burger’s new Avalon restaurant, but with the small disclaimer that it will cost $100.
But instead of the restaurant, the $100 reservation fee is donated to a good cause. The Giving Kitchen Table is a unique concept that raises money for a nonprofit organization based in Atlanta that helps workers in the food service sector who are facing unforeseen crises.
A news release states that reservations for the Giving Kitchen Table will only be accepted for one reservation per day. Reservations for up to four persons will be accepted Monday through Saturday starting at 7:30 p.m. The table will be open at noon on Sundays.
In contrast to the typical counter service, those who make reservations will receive full treatment at their table. Food, beverages, and gratuities are not included in the reservation cost.
Alpharetta, 770-272-2735, 3180 Avalon Blvd., nfaburger.com
Source: Handout
Source: Handout
Other items of interest
This week, Decatur native Gizzy Rawlins was named chief chef at Ela, a Mediterranean eatery in the Virginia-Highland district. Rawlins has worked at South City Kitchen and Ecco, both Fifth Group restaurants. According to a press release, she was also the first female line cook at the now-closed Rathbun’s.
Atlanta, 404-873-4656, 1186 N. Highland Ave., ela-atlanta.com
Source: Handout
Source: Handout
Representatives this week revealed that Rina, the laid-back Middle Eastern eatery on the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta Beltline, has updated its menus for both food and drinks. A beef kebab, shawarma hummus, harissa honey wings, and a substantial, vegetarian sabich hummus are among the new menu offerings. In addition to revamping Rina’s drink menu, David Little, the new beverage director for Oliva Restaurant Group, added a negroni sour, nitro espresso martini, and another martini with vodka, vanilla, passionfruit, and a dash of sparkling wine.
Atlanta, 404-343-0362, 699 Ponce De Leon Ave., Rinakitchen.com
Source: Handout
Source: Handout
Restaurant openings
According to a press release, Whit’s Frozen Custard opened in downtown Woodstock this week. Having resided in the neighborhood for over ten years, Anne and Andrew Stair are the franchise’s local owners and operators. Augusta, Columbus, Newnan, and Roswell are the other four Georgia locations for the Ohio-based chain.
Woodstock, 8200 Main St., 678-403-2036, www.whitsfrozencustard.com
According to a press release from the Texas-based chain, Daydreamer Coffee opened on Peachtree Street in Midtown on Friday. The store is located inside the Rambler, a student-oriented housing complex. This is Daydreamer Coffee’s second store in Atlanta. It initially resides at the apartment complex in Whistler, which is close by.
Atlanta, 736 Peachtree St. NE.Coffee Daydreamer
According to the restaurant’s Instagram, Tipsy Thaiger’s soft opening is scheduled for August 26. Located in Roswell Town Square, Birdie Niyomkun’s new concept will provide a long drink menu in addition to seasonal Thai cuisine.
Roswell, 605 Atlanta St., tipsythaiger.com
Chef Kelli Ferrell’s restaurant, Nana’s Chicken & Waffles, opened its doors in Sandy Springs on Friday. Ferrell’s big opening ceremony on Friday was taped for Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, where she is a cast member. The restaurant is the second Nana’s site and is situated in the Prado development. McDonough is home to the other.
Sandy Springs, 5600 Roswell Road Northeast. Nanaschickenandwaffles.com, 404-907-4000
The fine-dining restaurant Elise opened in the former Table 1280 space at the Woodruff Arts Center this week, while the Grove at Monday Night Brewing and Northern China Eatery also opened on the Beltline, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Source: Handout
Source: Handout
New restaurant announcements
Buttermilk Biscuit, the College Park brunch restaurant, is expanding with a location in Stonecrest, according to a news release. The restaurant specializes in traditional brunch fare with a contemporary touch.
Buttermilk Biscuits, 7655 Mall Parkway, Stonecrest, 770-559-8323
J. Alexander swill add a third Georgia location when it opens in the Battery Atlanta in spring 2026, the development announced in a news release. J. Alexander s, known for its wood-fired grill, already has Atlanta-area locations in Dunwoody and Peachtree Corners.
Atlanta, 255 Legends Place, jalexanders.com
Honey Bubble Teaannounced on Instagramthat a second location would be coming to Atlanta, though no other details were released.
Restaurant closings
Cultivatewill close its location at the Battery Atlanta later this month to make way for J. Alexanders,Tomorrow s News Today reported.
