Quick Bites: Grant Henry eyes growth, Whole Foods opens the Roast, Scotley Innis joins 5Church and more
Food news roundup
No value assignedMidtownbs 5Church (1197 Peachtree St.) announced a new top toque this week. Scotley Innis, former sous chef at South City Kitchen and former executive chef at Ormsbybs brings knowledge of Southern cuisine and Caribbean heritage to the menu.
Bad news: Employees of Decatur’s The Pinewood were attacked last night, Thurs. May 25, by two armed robbers who zip-tied them and took their wallets, phones and all the restaurant’s cash. Investigations into who is responsible are ongoing.
On June 1, Whole Foods will debutB itsB first free-standing restaurant in the Southeast, called The Roast. Located next to the store’sB Ponce location in Midtown, it will be a fast-casual spin on the Brazilian churrasco concept. Customers can choose their protein (vegan and vegetarian options available) and build aB fire-roasted bowl with sautC)ed greens, grains and signature sauces. Menu items will change seasonally, and local chefs will collaborate on occasion, starting with chef Kevin Gillespiebs featured Flavors of the Andes bowl: Peruvian red chicken served over roasted B purple potatoes and golden beets with aji amarillo pepper sauce, roasted peanuts and mint.
Grant Henry ofB Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room & Ping Pong EmporiumB is hoping to not only expand to Nashville, but also possibly open a new concept here in Atlanta. b Yeah, there are a couple things up my sleeve,b HenryB toldB Eater Atlanta. b I’ve got my sights on something else in Atlanta, which would be a concept other than Church. If I did something in Nashville, it would definitely be a Church. In both instances, those decisions would depend onB finding and securing the perfect location.b
Decaturbs Brush Sushi Izakaya was recently awarded the 2017 Design Award presented by the City of Decatur Historic Preservation Commission. Look for the nifty new plaque near the front door soon.
Atlanta nonprofit The Giving Kitchen, which provides emergency grants for Atlanta area restaurant workers facing unanticipated crises, has a new executive director. Bryan Schroeder, who starts his new gig June 1, grew up working in the restaurant business and has worked the past decade with The Georgia Conservancy.
Chef Ford Fry is expanding to Charlotte, NC. The third outpost of his Mex-Tex concept the El Felix will take over a former Fresh Market in South Charlotte. This follows his second location in The Battery development.
Atlanta-area Marlowbs Tavern locations make it easy to help the Special Olympics. During the month of June, diners receive a $5 gift card for future visits for each $1 donation.B
Therebs a new treat on the Beltine. Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall (684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave.) is now serving adult slushies in flavors like sangria and blood orange Moscow mule from their backyard camper.
Work will soon be underway to replace Atlantic Stationbs Lobby Bar + Bistro (361 17th St.) at the Twelve Hotel with an Italian concept called Allora. The new spot, featuring pizzas, pasta, and small plates, opens in July.
West Egg pastry chef Carrie Hudson is one of three nationwide finalists for General Millsb recipe contest. She has already won $10,000 and will visit GM headquarters mid June to find out if she is the grand prize winner. Atlantans can cheer her on and taste her butternut squash and goat cheese turnovers at 2 p.m. on Weds., June 7 at West Eggbs Westside location (1100 Howell Mill Rd.)
Roswellbs R.O. Hospitality Group recently announced Kelly Lovett as the new executive pastry chef. Lovett will oversee programs at Table & Main and Osteria and will help with menu curation at their third concept, Coalition Food & Beverage.B
Willybs Mexican Grill is turning 22 this year and offers a terrific way for diners to help celebrate. With a donation of $5 or more to Boys and G[]irls Clubs of Metro Georgia, guests receive a coupon for $5 off their next visit to all Willybs locations except the airport. The offer runs from June 1 through the 22, with a goal of raising $22,000 for the charity.