Quick Bites: Shooting at JCT Kitchen, Ford Fry expands his empire, El Super Pan comes to the Battery and more

Food news round-up

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Photo credit: James Camp/CL File
GROWING FAMILY: Ford Fry (center, pictured with several of his protégés back in 2012) will open yet another Atlanta restaurant next summer.

Just before 9 p.m. last night (Aug. 28), a man was shot in the stomach at the parking lot of Midtown eatery JCT Kitchen by another man attempting to rob him at gunpoint. Reports say the victim then ran into the restaurant, but the robber chased him, continuing to fire shots. The victim was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, conscious and breathing, but the robber reportedly fled the scene before authorities arrived.

Ford Fry is adding to his 10-restaurant empire in Atlanta, this time in Morningside. His “super casual” yet unnamed Tex Mex spot will open next summer at 1878 Piedmont Ave. NE. Look for healthier dishes like wood roasted chicken al carbone, beers, margaritas and Mexican cocktails with an Austin, Texas vibe.

Mark your calendars. We have the date for the next Southern Souffle biscuit pop-up at B’s Cracklin BBQ. On Sept. 16 the line will form (it’s that good) for Erika Council’s buttermilk biscuits filled with pitmaster Bryan Furman’s smoked meats and other delights.

Illegal Food recently shut down but that’s not stopping chef Steven Lingenfelter. He’s popping up this Sat., Sept. 2 at Freedom Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. making banh mi sandwiches.

Napoleon’s Grill in Oak Grove has a new chef and new dishes. Chadd Neuman (Rathbun’s, Goin’ Coastal, South City Kitchen) now heads up the kitchen. They are closed at lunch this week through Thursday to prepare new fall menus.

The newest location for Hector Santiago’s El Super Pan will open this coming spring at the Battery Atlanta. The 4,200 square foot space seats 90 in the dining area and more in the bar. The menu, with favorites like the Cubano mixto and pork belly buns, will be both dine-in and to-go.

Last week’s Springer Mountain Farms Southern Wing Showdown, presented by Taste of Atlanta, crowned an out-of-town winner. On Sun., Aug. 20, chef Charlie Loomis from The Feed Co. Table & Tavern in Chattanooga, Tennessee took home bragging rights.

Todd Richards’ Richard’s Southern Fried at Krog Street Market has a new happy hour. His wings, which received honorable mention at the Southern Wing Showdown, are now just $1 each at the counter from 4-6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Midtown’s 5Church let us know they have a new “rock star behind the bar.” Keyatta Mincey has taken over the reins. Mincey recently won the Ramos Gin Fizz Off at New Orleans’ famed mixology competition, Tales of the Cocktaila pretty impressive feat.

Another newbie at the Battery Atlanta: FEED Fried Chicken and Such opens tomorrow (Aug. 30). Chef Marc Taft will serve up his famous fried chicken (obviously) along with an array of Southern sides. Taft also runs Marietta’s Chicken and the Egg and Avalon’s Brine Seafood Shack.

Need some more fried chicken? West Egg Caf̩’s Oddbird pop-up returns Weds., Sept. 15. From 5:30-9 p.m., get your fill of chicken and waffles, Nashville hot chicken and fried chicken sandwiches.

Sage Woodfire Tavern, known for their hickory and oak smoked seafood, steaks, chicken and chops, is opening two new locations. An East Cobb location (3050 Windy Hill Rd.) hosts a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the occasion next Thurs., Sept. 7 in the former Houston’s building. Apparently Karen Handel will be there. A Buckhead location will open later this year in the space vacated by Morton’s Steakhouse.

Dealio! Bocado’s very tasty double stack burger is half off every Friday and Saturday night from 9:30 to 10:30 p.m.

On Sat., Aug. 12, the Roof at Ponce City Market hosted Atlanta’s largest Rooftop Ros̩ Toast.Inspired by the country’s obsession with sipping ros̩ this season, Skyline Park and Nine Mile Station welcomed more than 800 guests to toast the end of summer with panoramic views,” read an official press release. Approximately 1,100 glasses of Red Truck ros̩ were poured and drank. Check out the drone footage!