Chef Chris Hughes plans to open Homage, an intimate Spanish tapas restaurant, in a former laundry service building on Rogers Street near the train tracks.

Skip Engelbrecht and chef Nhan Le, the team behind 8Arm in Poncey-Highland, have turned their focus to casual eateries. They recently launched Fishmonger seafood market and raw bar in Virginia-Highland and will open Small Fry—an elevated, fried comfort food takeout—in Atlanta Dairies in late fall.

Okiboru Tsukemen & Ramen owner and executive chef Sean Park recently launched a new sushi spot, focused on omakase, in Sandy Springs. NoriFish touts high-end fish flown in twice weeks from the famed Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo.

While no- and low-alcohol beverages are an almost $10 billion global industry, there’s no one-stop shop in Atlanta for the sober and sober-curious—but that’s changing.

Anthony Spina Jr. started testing the public’s perception of his pies in 2021 with pop-ups at the Dairies that aligned with concerts at the the Eastern. There, guests could purchase his margherita, funghi, and Hot Boy (pepperoni with hot honey) pies. These will headline the brick-and-mortar menu, along with five other varieties.

Executive chef Ian Winslade is once again partnering with Ryan and Jonathan Akly to open Zakia in Buckhead. Named for the Aklys’ grandmother who had roots in Lebanon and the Middle East, Zakia will serve mezze, meats, and seafood made with family recipes—with a twist.

Earlier this month, Chris Wilkins announced the closure of his Ponce City Market bakeshop Root Baking Co. Now, the James Beard-nominated chef is moving his sister business, Pizza Jeans, from the 2nd floor to a new home in the food hall, where Farm to Ladle currently stands. Wilkins is also bringing on two new partners to operate Pizza Jeans: restaurateur Billy Streck (Nina & Rafi, Pielands), and his childhood friend Jeremy Gatto.

In France, one of the highest compliments one can pay to a dish or a meal is: “It was correct.” Having grown up in this context, where proper execution is valued and silly hyperbole frowned upon, I am delighted to say that Forough Vakili’s posh new all-day restaurant in Buckhead—a celebration of the Parisian grand cafe—is bold, elegant, but above all, correct on almost every level.

Former One Flew South chef Duane Nutter and restaurateur Reggie Washington departed the award-winning airport restaurant in 2016 after nearly 20 years. One year later, they opened Southern National in Mobile, Ala., earning Nutter a 2020 James Beard Award finalist title. This summer, the famed duo will bring Southern National to Atlanta, opening in Summerhill in July or August.

While founder Aaron Mattison is also the co-founder of neighboring Bar Vegan, which defines itself “bar theater,” Excuse My French aims to be the opposite concept, providing a tranquil respite with a minimalist vibe.

Co-founder Paul Owusu hopes Phreshly’s sourcing, quality ingredients, and distinct flavors will help the canned cocktail brand stand out in a crowded market.