As Atlanta Intown marks its 30th anniversary, we looked back at our first issue in 1994 to see which local businesses are still thriving three decades later. From restaurants to retail to home services, these businesses have stood the test of time.
Many of these businesses also remain distribution points for the print issue of Intown, so drop in and show them some love so they’re around when we celebrate our 40th.
Atkins Park Restaurant and Bar
794 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306
atkinspark.com
Atkins Park is an institution on Highland Avenue, serving hungry and thirsty patrons at the city’s oldest continuously licensed tavern for more than 100 years. From its origins as a deli, Atkins Park is now serving upscale comfort food alongside craft beers.
Aurora Coffee
468 Moreland Ave., NE, Atlanta, 30307
auroracoffee.com
Seattle native Betsy Buckley founded Aurora Coffee in 1992 in Virginia-Highland just as coffee shops were becoming trendy hangout spots. Now located in Little Five Points. Aurora remains a favorite gathering place and holds the distinction of being the city’s first specialty coffee shop years before Starbucks arrived in Atlanta.
HammerSmith, Inc.
807 Church St., Decatur, 30030
hammersmith.net
Owner Warner McConaughey founded HammerSmith in 1991 and has grown the business into an award-winning design-build firm. Over the last 30+ years, HammerSmith has become a leader in green building design and even helped write the EarthCraft Renovation Guidelines.
Intown ACE Hardware
854 N. Highland Ave., NE, Atlanta, 30306
intownaceatlanta.com
A stalwart in the Virginia-Highland community since 1979, Intown ACE is still a go-to for Intowners looking for their tools and repair needs. From hard-to-find plumbing parts to plants and gifts, this ACE is still the place!
George’s Bar & Restaurant
1041 N. Highland Ave., NE, Atlanta, 30306
georgesbarandrestaurant.com
George’s Restaurant has been a fixture in Virigina-Highland since being founded by the late George Najour as a deli and grocery in 1961. In 1983, a kitchen was added in the back and the evolution to a bar and restaurant began. Stil in the Najour family, George’s still serves up one of the best burgers in town.
Home ReBuilders
2120 Plaster Bridge Road, Atlanta, 30324
homerebuilders.com
Bill Bartlett purchased the small home remodeling company founded by Diane Stephenson in 1989. Over the past 55 years, it has grown to be one of Atlanta’s largest renovation firms building a reputation for quality remodeling with its in-house architects, designers and construction team.
Mellow Mushroom
Multiple locations around Atlanta
mellowmushroom.com
Mellow Mushroom, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, was created by two Georgia Tech students in 1974 and first operated out of an old liquor store on Spring Street in Midtown. Since then, Mellow Mushroom has grown into a franchise with more than 150 stores across 16 states.
Murphy’s Restaurant
997 Virginia Ave., NE, Atlanta, 30306
murphys-atlanta-restaurant.com
Tom Murphy opened Murphy’s on Dec.1, 1980, modeled on his favorite New York City delicatessens. A deli counter used to stand where the bar is today, as Murphy’s became a Virginia-Highland staple for American comfort food. It’s still a beloved go-to nearly 44 years later.
San Francisco Coffee Roasting Co.
1192 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306
sanfranciscocoffeeroastingco.com
If you turn to page 10 of the very first issue of Atlanta 30306 – the forerunner of Intown – you’ll see a small advertisement for San Francisco Coffee. Doug and Tanya Bond had just opened the business in Virginia-Highland, roasting their own coffee on the premises and cultivating a casual California vibe. There are now three locations around Intown, including Chandler Park and at Georgia Tech.
Highland Pet Supply
1186 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta, 30306
highlandpet.com
For more than 30 years, Highland Pet Supply has been providing food, toys, dog washing and more for the community from its retail store in Virginia-Highland. Dog training was originally taught in the parking lot but is not taught at a training center..
Intaglia Home Collection
1544 Piedmont Ave., Suite 105, Atlanta, 30324
intagliahome.com
Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Intaglia is the go-to for contemporary home furnishings and interior design services. If you’re looking for a new sofa, bed, dining room table or décor for your home office, drop by Ansley Mall and check out the always-chic showroom.
Doc Chey’s Noodle House
1424 N. Highland Ave. NE, Atlanta, 30306
doccheys.com
Rich Chey opened Doc Chey’s in 1997 serving up a menu of stir-fries, dim sum, and street food like BiBimBap. He later opened Osteria 832 serving pizza and pasta just up the street on N. Highland.
Oriental Designer Rugs
1224 Collier Road NW, Atlanta, 30318
orientaldesignerrugs.com
A family affair from the beginning, the Golchha family started producing handmade rugs in India in 1973. Oriental Designer Rugs was established in New York City in 1984, with the Golchha’s importing rugs from their home country. Ten years later, the company set up a showroom on Amsterdam Avenue in Midtown when the Olympics came to town. Now located in Underwood Hills, the family is still the city’s original purveyor of handmade oriental rugs.
