Tyler Perry’s stuntman burns rubber during the Sept. 1 filming in Sandy Springs.

If you drove down Roswell Road Sept. 1, you likely couldn’t help but slow down around the former Arby’s restaurant in the 6500 block, next to Steak ‘n Shake.

That was because drivers were gazing at the abandoned fast food restaurant, which swarmed with movie production crews.

Atlanta filmmaker Tyler Perry chose the location for his new movie, “Madea’s Big Happy Family.”

Film crews Sept. 1 took over the former Arby’s restaurant on Roswell Road.

Producer Roger Bobb said Sept. 1 was the final day of filming and that the 178-member crew had spent 19 days working on the movie.

The former Arby’s was set up as fast food restaurant called Smax, where the main character, Madea (played by Perry), argues with a drive-thru cashier.

In one scene, a Cadillac de Ville is crashed through the side of the restaurant.

Bobb said the film will be released in spring 2011.

Amy Wenk was editor of Reporter Newspapers in 2021-22.