ATLANTIC STATION WELCOMES THE AWARD-WINNING BUSY BEE CAFÉ

The Iconic Michelin Bib Gourmand and James Beard award-winning restaurant brings a rich legacy to Atlantic Station in 2026 

ATLANTA: Atlantic Station is thrilled to announce that it will soon be home to the second location of The Busy Bee Café, the legendary Atlanta soul food restaurant celebrated for nearly 80 years of Southern tradition with national acclaim. As Atlantic Station continues evolving into one of the city’s most dynamic and diverse neighborhoods, the addition of the new 4,000-square-foot Busy Bee Café further elevates the leasing mix by blending tradition with trend, local roots with national recognition, and everyday community with destination dining.  

“We’ve had the privilege of working on some truly special deals at notable Hines properties, but this one stands out as being uniquely notable,” said Tori Kerr, Senior Managing Director, Head of Asset Management Americas. “Bringing the culinary legacy of Busy Bee Café to the Atlantic Station neighborhood is incredibly meaningful, both culturally and socially. We’re thrilled to be part of this next chapter and welcome them next year!” 

This transformative deal has been a year in the making, resulting from a thoughtful and strategic partnership between Nick Garzia, Senior Director of Retail Leasing at Hines — the real estate firm behind Atlantic Station’s continued growth, and Oswald Morgan of Food & Wine Solutions — a restaurant consulting firm, Attorney Charles T. Sharbaugh, Carlton Fields and Broker Kristie Abney, Full Plate Real Estate on behalf of Busy Bee owner Tracy Gates. 

The Atlantic Station opening marks the first expansion from Busy Bee’s original Vine City location — a monumental step for a restaurant established in 1947, rooted in tradition and synonymous with consistency, comfort, and community. While the original 1950s-era building no longer offers indoor dining since the pandemic, its spirit lives on through catering, take-out, and this exciting new chapter to keep the legacy alive. More than just a second location, the Atlantic Station restaurant reintroduces sit-down dining service with an expanded menu. It introduces a selective bar program and patio seating in a space that will honor Busy Bee’s deep roots while embracing the future. For Gates and her team, the decision to expand wasn’t about growth for growth’s sake — “it was about finding the right partner, place, and moment to continue the Busy Bee legacy with care and intention,” said Gates. 

The announcement comes during a milestone year for Atlantic Station. As the Midtown neighborhood celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, it was recently recognized byNiche.comas the No. 2 place to live in the United States and the No. 1 place to live in Georgia. Since opening in 2005, Atlantic Station has grown into a nationally acclaimed mixed-use community and cultural destination, welcoming millions of guests annually with more than 500,000 square feet of retail and dining, two million square feet of class-A office space, luxury residences, apartments and single-family homes, major employers, and more than 200 events and activations each year. From retail and restaurants to innovation and activation, Atlantic Station continues to redefine what it means to be a connected, walkable, and vibrant urban neighborhood in the heart of Atlanta. 

Gates, who began working alongside her father at Busy Bee in 1987 after he purchased it in 1983, has spent decades perfecting every dish and preserving the legacy of the original founder, Lucy Jackson. At its core, Busy Bee is built on more than just recipes — it's rooted in purpose, people, and pride. Under Gates’ leadership, the restaurant has cultivated a culture of care for its people and patrons and consistency with its food and service while creating a demand that not many restaurants experience.  

“At Busy Bee, it’s never just been about the food — it’s about the feeling it brings,” explained Gates. “Every plate is a piece of our history, and we’ve worked hard to deliver that same comfort, joy, and flavor every single time. We didn’t chase the spotlight — we honored our roots, stayed true to the recipe, and let the love speak for itself.” 

From civil rights leaders Martin Luther King, Jr. and Hosea Williams to President Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey to food world tastemakers like the late Anthony Bourdain and the James Beard Foundation, Busy Bee Café’s reputation has resonated far beyond Atlanta. Known for its crispy fried chicken, candied yams, and soulful hospitality, the restaurant has earned widespread praise while maintaining its down-home charm. Busy Bee has won a coveted James Beard America’s Classic Award in 2022, noting the restaurant’s timeless appeal and local significance, and Michelin Bib Gourmand Awards in 2023 and 2024, highlighting value and quality. In recognition of her leadership and impact, owner and self-taught chef Gates was inducted into the 2023 Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame. 

 “With its prime location, loyal following, and deep cultural significance, Busy Bee’s addition is expected to become a cornerstone within Atlantic Station,” added Kerr.  

Busy Bee Atlantic Station (230 18thStreet NW, Suite 1110-A, Atlanta, GA 30363) is set to open in spring of 2026, adjacent to Atlantic Green in the heart of Atlantic Staton’s entertainment, retail and restaurant district — offering high visibility, and access to a diverse mix of residents, office workers, and visitors. The original Busy Bee Café (810 Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314) will remain open, offering to-go, delivery, and catering options.  

ABOUT ATLANTIC STATION: Opened in 2005, Atlantic Station is a 138-acre neighborhood located in Midtown, Atlanta. Known for having its own zip code, 30363, and being the Heart of ATL, this artery not only connects the West Side and Buckhead, but is also home to nearly 8 million square feet of mixed-use development featuring 523,511 square feet of best-in-class retail, entertainment and restaurants, two million square feet of Class-A office space, two full-service hotels, multiple apartments, lofts and luxury condo residences, as well as freestanding IKEA, Target and Dillard's. Global industry leaders in finance, technology, health and wellness and consumer brands bring thousands of employees to the area daily. Atlantic Station is rich with amenities and features its own dog park, children’s playground, historical walking tour, free neighborhood shuttle and full-service Concierge program. Atlantic Station hosts more than 300 events and cultural activations annually throughout the neighborhood. For more information on this award-winning community, visit atlanticstation.comand follow along on Facebook, Instagram and X.    

ABOUT THE BUSY BEE: Established in 1947 by self-taught cook Lucy Jackson, Busy Bee Café has become an iconic soul food destination rooted in tradition, consistency, and community. Known for its welcoming hospitality and unforgettable flavors, the Vine City restaurant has served generations of Atlantans and earned national acclaim, including the 2022 James Beard America’s Classics Award and multiple Michelin Bib Gourmand honors. In 1983, the restaurant was purchased by Milton Gates, and since 1987, his daughter Tracy Gates has led Busy Bee with passion and purpose — preserving family recipes, investing in her team, and keeping Lucy’s legacy alive. From local legends to global visitors, Busy Bee Café remains a treasured part of Atlanta’s culinary and cultural landscape.