Categories: CulinaryEvents/What's HappeningNews

Atlanta Food Scene Flourishes with New Menus and Grants

Diverse dining options in Atlanta's food scene during spring

News Summary

The Atlanta food scene is buzzing with excitement as local food influencers celebrate milestones, new grants support established restaurants, and spring menus debut across the city. Influencer Alyssa Fagien marks her 10-year anniversary, while city grants aim to modernize long-standing eateries. Additionally, new establishments are opening, and culinary recognition shines on Atlanta’s airport, enhancing the city’s status as a dining destination.

Atlanta Food Scene Buzzes with Influencer Anniversaries, Grant Programs, and New Spring Menus

Atlanta is alive with activity as culinary connoisseurs and foodies eagerly anticipate a plethora of exciting developments in the dining landscape. Notably, one of the most influential local food influencers, Alyssa Fagien, is celebrating her 10-year anniversary of the ATL Bucket List Instagram account. This platform, which began as a personal chronicle of her culinary adventures, has blossomed into a vibrant community, amassing over 400,000 Instagram followers and additional audiences on other platforms.

Anniversary Celebration at Tesserae

Fagien’s anniversary party is set to unfold at the luxurious Tesserae, located atop the Thompson hotel on Saturday, attracting food lovers from all corners of the city. Her journey through the city’s dining establishments has turned her into a prominent source for restaurant and lifestyle tips, and her efforts resonate with the Atlanta dining community.

Influencer Economy: A Double-Edged Sword

The rise of the influencer economy in the restaurant sector has been both a blessing and a burden, with many business owners navigating the complexities of partnerships. Some restaurant proprietors have encountered challenges, such as requests for preferential treatment or instances of scams. Despite these hurdles, Fagien advocates for maintaining positive and genuine relationships with her restaurant partners, emphasizing the importance of trust in the evolving landscape.

City Grants Supporting Local Restaurants

In a bid to bolster the culinary landscape, the Atlanta city government has announced a new grant program aimed at supporting long-standing locally-owned restaurants. Eligible businesses that have been in operation for over 30 years can receive grants of up to $5,000 for modernization costs. This program is designed to recognize the cultural and historical significance of these establishments.

Recognition at the James Beard Awards

In terms of accolades, only one Georgia restaurant, Aria, was named a finalist for the prestigious James Beard Awards, specifically noted for its Outstanding Hospitality. Additionally, the Michelin Guide has plans to release a book highlighting the American South’s dining scene, extending its reach to metro Atlanta.

Atlanta Airport Shines in Culinary Recognition

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport has made waves by being recognized in Food & Wine magazine’s 2025 Global Tastemakers list as the sole mention from Georgia, indicating the airport’s significant culinary offerings.

New Spring Menus Bloom Across Atlanta

Excitement brews over new spring menus from several Atlanta restaurants, with Buena Vida Tapas Bar and El Super Pan stepping up their offerings. Meanwhile, Varuni Napoli is expanding with a third location in the High Street development in Dunwoody, and Yeppa + Co. is set to open a second location along the Eastside Beltline Trail.

Fresh Venues on the Horizon

New players in the food scene include Wild Fryz, which focuses on loaded French fries and is coming to Woodstock’s Adair Park development. However, it’s important to note that several notable restaurants in Atlanta, such as Earl of Sandwich and Snooze an A.M. Eatery, have recently closed their doors.

Customer Experiences Take Center Stage

In recent discussions about the dining experience, popular TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee highlighted his encounters at various Atlanta establishments. His positive review of The Dining Experience resulted in a surge of patrons, while his experiences at other locations like Old Lady Gang and The Real Milk and Honey raised concerns about customer service.

Lee’s intent is to uplift small businesses through his reviews while striving for impartiality. However, the reaction from The Real Milk and Honey management to his critique has sparked further conversations around service standards in the city. Despite some mixed experiences, Lee found delightful meals at Jamaican restaurants like Juci Jerk and Jamaican Jerk Biz.

The Buzz Continues

As Atlanta continues to thrive as a culinary destination, the intersection of influencer culture, governmental support, and the opening of new establishments creates a vibrant atmosphere for both diners and restaurant owners. Whether celebrating anniversaries or launching fresh menus, the city remains a dynamic player in the national food scene.