Restaurant Closures
The Decatur Mellow Mushroom is no more – at least for now. The current owner of this franchised location announced on Instagram earlier this week that he was closing the restaurant after nine years on West Ponce de Leon Avenue. Co-owner Harvey Brown told the AJC that “Competition has popped up a little more over the years and we just couldn’t make the numbers work.” He also speculated that the location could reopen, albeit under another owner.
Filipino-American restaurant Adobo ATL will close at Covington Place Shopping Center in Decatur after service on June 28, according to an Instagram post by owner Mike Pimentel. “I’m deeply saddened to come to this decision, but I know that it’s the right move for me and my family. Time is precious, and I need to focus my time on my growing family at home,” he said.
Restaurant Opening
Wa’haka is now open in the former Takorea space at the Georgetown shopping center in Dunwoody. The restaurant is owned by Cesar Hernandez, who is also part-owner of critically acclaimed Oaxaca in Chamblee. Expect dishes from the Mexican state of Oaxaca here, including tlayudas and moles, along with Tex-Mex dishes of enchiladas, nachos, and fajitas. Look for the bar to serve variations on margaritas and other cocktails made with mezcal and tequila. A grand opening celebration will take place on June 26.
Coming Attraction
Plans for a location of Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava are moving forward in Midtown. Cava will replace the former QT space on 6th Street.
Chef Switcheroo
On June 23 and June 24, Che Butter Jonez chef Malik Rhasaan and Breaker Breaker chef Maximilian Hines will switch places during dinner service. Rhasaan will take over the kitchen at Breaker Breaker in Reynoldstown on June 23, while Hines will take the reins at Che Butter Jonez in Lavista Park on June 24.
Guy Fieri X How Crispy Express
Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” tour de Atlanta 2025 continues this Friday with How Crispy Express in Summerhill. To celebrate its appearance with the Mayor of Flavortown, How Crispy is throwing a watch party with food specials and a Guy Fieri look-alike contest. Festivities kick off at 8:30 p.m., with the episode airing at 9 p.m. Fieri has already highlighted a few Atlanta spots on DDD, including Yumbii, The Deer and The Dove, and El Tesoro. On July 25, Fieri will showcase Avondale Estates bakery and sandwich shop Leftie Lee’s. Stay tuned!
Michelin Shoutout
Little Bear in Summerhill is one of Michelin’s most searched Bib Gourmand restaurants in the US and Canada, according to the French tire company, which oversees the prestigious, worldwide dining guide. “I can’t believe that out of every single Bib Gourmand restaurant in North America, our little ol’ dog restaurant is somehow amongst the top 12 most searched for!! Not sure I even actually believe that but I guess I’ll take the tire guys’ word for it,” chef and owner Jarrett Stieber wrote on Instagram.
Here’s what one anonymous dining inspector had to say about Little Bear: “You may dine on items such as house-cured rainbow trout with kraut yogurt, shaved cured egg yolk, and everything bagel powder or pork döner sausage with hoppin’ john fried rice. Leave your expectations at the door, as evidenced in the mushroom soup with a warm, bitter chocolate broth, pickled zucchini, pak choi and a wallop of flavor. La Zi Ji-style chicken thigh with strawberry sauce delivers a spring twist on a classic Chinese dish, while citrus custard with a sweet cucumber relish is a perfect finish.”
