Author: Bob Townsend

Blackbird Farms has reopened in Lilburn after briefly closing due to financial and permitting issues.

E. 48th Street Market, which opened on Sept. 30, 1986, is celebrating 37 years of business in Dunwoody. Founded by Charlie and Anita Augello, it reflects the couple’s Italian roots, showcasing a wide variety of house-made sandwiches and prepared foods, along with specialty groceries and wines.

Elsewhere Brewing co-founders Sara and Sam Kazmer and Director of Brewing Operations Josh Watterson recently opened a second venue called the Greenhouse Taproom in the Westside Paper development.

Roth Scott and Ian MacBryde opened the first Boxcar Betty’s in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2014, with the idea of building a better fried chicken sandwich. The new Atlanta location, in the Westside Paper development on Marietta Street, opened in April, then closed for a time, and recently reopened.

Theo’s Brother’s Bakery, located in a shopping center on Houze Road in Alpharetta, has been open for more than 24 years. Although a recent renovation doubled the size of the space, which is part of the Sedgwick Restaurant Group, it still feels cozy, and the aromas from the bakery in back add to the allure.

Sankranti Indian Kitchen, designed to be a fast-casual restaurant like Chipotle, first opened in Dunwoody in 2022. However, Sankranti does offer a lot of bang for the buck, and it’s a welcome addition to the dining scene in Emory Village.

At the family-owned Smith House Inn and restaurant in Dahlonega, which is more than 100 years old, you’ll find the famous fried chicken, plus the likes of pot roast and vegetables, fried okra, green beans, collards, mashed potatoes and creamed gravy, macaroni and cheese, and homemade yeast and cinnamon rolls.

Dubbed a Mexi-soul restaurant and lounge, Barrio ATL opened in Cascade Heights in May. The fusion restaurant, owned by Atlanta entertainment lawyer Karol Russell, joins several other Black-owned businesses in the historic commercial district.

Breweries in neighboring Southeastern states can self-distribute beer to retailers, ship directly to consumers and do a host of other things that Georgia brewers can’t do. And that’s hurting small breweries here in a big way.

With locations on Greenbriar Parkway and in Little Five Points and Stone Mountain, plus outlets in Hapeville and Old National Highway coming soon, Moonlight Pizza has been growing at a fast pace.