Empire State South - A Beloved Southern Eatery's Story

For almost thirteen years, a much-loved spot in Midtown Atlanta, known as Empire State South, served up amazing food and drinks. This place, a true culinary fixture, recently shut its doors for good, leaving many regulars and food lovers with a sense of loss. The news came directly from the person who ran the establishment, Chef Hugh Acheson, through a note shared on social media. It was, so to speak, a big moment for the city's dining scene.

The decision to close this eatery, which had gained much praise, was made about six weeks before the public announcement, as Chef Acheson explained. The main reason for this change was, apparently, the financial strain that had built up. It's a reminder that even places held in high regard can face tough times, very tough indeed.

This news, shared by Chef Acheson on a morning, confirmed that Empire State South would not be opening its doors again. While this particular chapter has closed, the culinary journey of Chef Acheson continues elsewhere, as he still manages other popular spots. People, you know, are still very interested in what comes next for him.

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Table of Contents

• Who is Hugh Acheson - A Culinary Figure?
• What Happened to Empire State South - The Closure?
• How Did Empire State South Shape Midtown Dining?
• What Made Empire State South's Pimiento Cheese Special?
• Where Can You Find Hugh Acheson's Culinary Touch Now?
• Who is Taking Over the Old Empire State South Spot?
• What Was the Vibe Like at Empire State South?
• Is Georgia Truly the Empire State of the South?

Who is Hugh Acheson - A Culinary Figure?

Hugh Acheson is a name that, you know, resonates quite a bit in the cooking world, especially when it comes to food from the American South. He's a well-known cook, someone who has truly made a mark with his approach to flavors and ingredients. His reputation isn't just local; it reaches far beyond Atlanta, making him a figure many people look up to in the food community.

He's also someone who puts his thoughts down on paper, being the writer of books that share his cooking wisdom. One of his well-regarded books, for instance, is a James Beard award winner, which is a significant honor in the culinary arts. This tells you, in a way, that his work goes beyond just running a kitchen; he's also about sharing knowledge and inspiring others. His connection to the area's ingredients and his way of preparing dishes made him, basically, a standout in the field.

Hugh Acheson - Quick Facts

What Happened to Empire State South - The Closure?

The news that Empire State South was shutting its doors for good came directly from the person in charge, Chef Hugh Acheson. He let everyone know on a popular social media platform that this beloved spot, which had been a part of Midtown Atlanta for almost thirteen years, was ceasing operations. It was, in some respects, a moment that caught many by surprise, even though the decision itself had been made some time before.

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The main reason given for this sad event was, as a matter of fact, the money problems that the business faced. Economic difficulties can really hit hard, and even a place with a strong reputation and many fans can struggle when the financial conditions are not favorable. This particular eatery, which had been a popular spot since it first opened its doors, found itself in a situation where continuing seemed, you know, just not possible.

How Did Empire State South Shape Midtown Dining?

Empire State South, for a good while, was a place people really wanted to visit when they were in Midtown Atlanta. It became, in a way, a sought-after spot for folks looking for a great meal. This eatery offered a fresh take on traditional food from the South, using, you know, the wonderful ingredients found right in the area. It wasn't just another restaurant; it was a spot that drew people in, making it a key part of the local eating scene.

The way this place approached making its food was quite interesting. It used a current style to prepare dishes that were truly genuine to their Southern origins. This focus on fresh, local things made the food taste, arguably, very special and real. It helped set a standard for what Southern cooking could be, blending old traditions with a new, exciting feel. People really appreciated this blend, which is that, what made it so popular.

What Made Empire State South's Pimiento Cheese Special?

Among the many tasty things served at Empire State South, one item truly stood out and became a big favorite with the people eating there: the pimiento cheese. Since the eatery first opened its doors in 2010, this particular spread was, basically, a massive success. It quickly became a signature item, something that guests often talked about and, you know, just had to try when they visited.

The person behind this much-loved recipe, Chef Hugh Acheson, had, in fact, perfected it at his other spot, Five & Ten, located in Athens, Georgia. This specific recipe was so good that it was one of the few from his various establishments that he chose to include in his cooking book, "A New Turn in the South." This tells you, really, how much he valued that particular creation, making it a very special part of his culinary legacy.

Where Can You Find Hugh Acheson's Culinary Touch Now?

Even with the closure of Empire State South, Chef Hugh Acheson's work in the food world continues. He still manages Five and Ten, his well-regarded eatery in Athens, Georgia. This spot has been a long-standing success, offering its own take on food from the South and, as a matter of fact, remaining a popular choice for diners in that area. So, if you're looking for his culinary influence, that's definitely one place to go.

Moreover, a new project has come to light: an online store for bottles of grape drink, known as "ESS Bottle Shop." This digital shop started up recently, and it's overseen by Steven Grubbs, who was the grape beverage expert at Empire State South. So, you know, even though the physical restaurant is gone, a piece of its spirit, particularly its drink selection, lives on in this new venture, allowing people to bring a bit of that experience home.

Who is Taking Over the Old Empire State South Spot?

The spot where Empire State South used to be, at the 999 Peachtree office building, will not stay empty for long. Another eatery, Lazy Betty, which is known for its tasting menu, is moving to Midtown later this year. This means the old spot, which was once home to the Southern-inspired dishes of Empire State South, will soon have a new tenant, bringing a different kind of food experience to the area. It's, you know, a sign of how things keep changing in the city's food scene.

Lazy Betty, which currently operates in Candler Park, plans to keep serving customers there while the changes are being made at the new Midtown spot. Only after the work is done will they make the move. This approach means that fans of Lazy Betty won't miss out on their favorite dishes during the transition, and the new place will be, arguably, ready for them when they arrive. It's a careful way to handle such a big change, ensuring a smooth shift.

What Was the Vibe Like at Empire State South?

People who visited Empire State South often gave it high marks, with many online comments giving it a good score, like 4.2 out of 5 on one popular restaurant site. Visitors left thousands of thoughts and hundreds of pictures, showing that the place was, basically, a big draw. It seemed to have a friendly, approachable feel, making people want to come back for more. You know, it really had its own distinct character.

A significant part of the eatery's character came from its head cook, Ryan Smith. He was seen as a very energetic and creative person, someone who constantly pushed to change and improve the food list and the overall feeling of the place. His work alongside Chef Acheson helped create a dynamic and interesting atmosphere, making the place feel, in a way, always fresh and exciting for those who came to eat. His drive to make things better was, clearly, a big part of what made the place special.

Is Georgia Truly the Empire State of the South?

The name "Empire State South" itself, you know, connects to a long-standing informal title for the state of Georgia: "The Empire State of the South." For quite a few years, many people have referred to Georgia by this name, even though the state has a different official nickname. This unofficial title suggests a sense of importance and influence within the Southern part of the country, hinting at its historical and economic standing.

This historical term, which describes Georgia's past and its earlier boundaries, offers a different way to look at the state's story. Instead of just reading about the past in a typical school book, one can read actual written records and short pieces of writing from that time. This provides, basically, a chance to understand Georgia's history directly, seeing why it earned such a grand nickname, and how that idea might have, in a way, influenced the naming of a restaurant aiming for a similar grand presence.