Bankhead Seafood is Back and Better than Ever!
ATLANTA — Hold onto your forks, folks! Bankhead Seafood, the beloved institution that’s been an integral part of the Atlanta community for over five decades, has officially reopened its doors! On a beautiful Sunday, hundreds of friends, family, and fans gathered to celebrate the grand reopening and reminisce about the good ol’ days when dishes were lovingly crafted by the one-and-only Helen Brown Harden.
A Dream Revisited
The iconic restaurant has a rich history that dates back long before many of us were even born. Originally run by Helen Harden, she dedicated her life to feeding the community and providing jobs. Sadly, Bankhead Seafood closed its doors in 2018, leaving many people longing for the flavors of home.
This is where Atlanta’s hip-hop legends, T.I. and Killer Mike, stepped in. Collaborating often in their careers, the duo decided that bringing back Bankhead Seafood would not only honor Ms. Harden’s legacy but also breathe new life into the Westside community. “It’s a pleasure and an honor to be able to reintroduce this legendary experience back to the community,” expressed T.I. during the celebration.
A Community Comeback
Killer Mike shared touching memories from his own childhood, recalling how Ms. Harden’s cooking and kindness impacted countless young lives. “For 50 years, a woman named Helen Harden worked her hands to the bones. TIP and I were lucky enough to be some of the kids who got a good meal and a firm talking to if we stepped out of line,” he said.
The essence of their mission? To create something special for the community without anyone having to drive far for a good meal. “Let’s be real, why drive 20 minutes when you can grab a meal just five minutes away?” he quipped. It’s all about accessibility and community now more than ever!
Breaking Ground for the Future
In a forward-thinking move, T.I. recently launched the Intrada Westside project, aimed at providing much-needed affordable housing just a stone’s throw away from Bankhead Seafood. The dream of revitalizing the neighborhood is becoming a reality, thanks to the efforts of local developers, including Krystal Peterson, who is also behind the restaurant’s revival.
From Vision to Reality
The journey to reopen the restaurant wasn’t without its challenges. T.I. recounted the moment it all began: he was shooting a music video nearby, and out of the blue, Ms. Harden asked if he’d be interested in buying the restaurant and allowing her to retire. What could’ve turned into a simple meal turned into a great business journey! After a four-year process filled with red tape and community meetings, Bankhead Seafood is finally serving the people once more.
Honoring a Legacy
On Sunday, dignitaries and community leaders attended the grand reopening, including former Mayor Andrew Young and Dr. Bernice King, both of whom offered their best wishes. State Representative Inga Willis presented a citation acknowledging the restaurant’s revival, emphasizing the importance of continuing Ms. Harden’s legacy.
The menu will feature culinary delights led by Chef Sabrina Thompson, and they’ve even revamped the rooftop area to provide a welcoming atmosphere to patrons wanting to enjoy a meal while soaking in good vibes!
More than Just a Restaurant
The reopening of Bankhead Seafood signifies so much more than just a place to eat; it’s about community, togetherness, and honoring those who paved the way. As T.I. put it, “This community saw our value even before we made it big. Thank you for believing in us.” And Killer Mike echoed his sentiment, saying, “This is what we all wanted to see – a reinvestment in our communities.”
With hours of operation from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday – and staying open late on Fridays and Saturdays – it’s time for Atlanta residents to dig back into the delicious legacy of Bankhead Seafood!
