The Empire State South - A Midtown Atlanta Story
For nearly thirteen years, a special place in Midtown Atlanta brought a distinct flavor of the South to many people. This well-known eating spot, which some called a real destination for food lovers, recently shut its doors for good. The news, shared by its owner and main cook, Hugh Acheson, has certainly made a lot of folks think about the good times and wonderful meals they had there.
This decision, a rather difficult one, came about six weeks before the public announcement, as shared by the culinary artist himself. It appears financial issues played a big part in why this beloved Southern-style eatery could no longer keep serving its famous dishes. Even though this particular Atlanta spot is no longer with us, the creative force behind it, Hugh Acheson, still runs his other well-regarded eating place, Five and Ten, over in Athens, Georgia, which is a comfort to many.
The story of this place isn't just about its closing; it's also about its lasting mark on the Atlanta dining scene, and, you know, how it became a true landmark for Southern cooking. From its much-loved pimiento cheese, which had a big following since the beginning, to its way of presenting classic Southern fare with a fresh touch, this spot held a special place in the hearts of many diners who came through its doors. It’s a moment to look back at what made this place so special and, too, what might come next for that very space.
Table of Contents
- Who is Hugh Acheson, the Visionary Behind Empire State South?
- What Made Empire State South a Midtown Gem?
- Why Did Empire State South Close Its Doors?
- What's Next for the Empire State South Space?
- How Does Georgia Get Called the Empire State of the South?
Who is Hugh Acheson, the Visionary Behind Empire State South?
Hugh Acheson, the person who conceived of and operated Empire State South, has been a familiar face in the cooking world for quite some time. Many people first got to know him from his appearances on popular cooking competition shows, where his calm demeanor and clever approach to food really made him stand out. He’s someone who has a deep appreciation for the ingredients that come from the land around him, and he’s known for turning them into truly memorable meals. His influence on the Southern food scene, you know, extends far beyond just one eating establishment.
Before opening Empire State South, and even after, Acheson has been a driving force in making Southern cooking both respected and widely enjoyed. He’s managed to keep his Athens spot, Five and Ten, a beloved part of that community for years, which speaks to his enduring skill and vision. It’s pretty clear that his passion for food and for making dining a special experience has shaped much of his professional life. He even put some of his famous recipes, like that very popular pimiento cheese, into a cookbook for everyone to try at home.
Personal Details and Culinary Path
To give you a little more insight into the person behind these well-regarded eating places, here are some basic facts about Hugh Acheson’s background and his journey in the world of food. This information helps paint a clearer picture of the individual who helped shape the identity of Empire State South and its offerings.
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| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Known For | Chef, Restaurateur, Author, Television Personality |
| Key Restaurants | Five and Ten (Athens, GA), Empire State South (formerly Atlanta, GA) |
| Notable Dish | Pimiento Cheese (featured in his cookbook) |
| Cookbook | A New Turn in the South (Clarkson Potter, 2011) |
| Television Appearances | Top Chef, Top Chef Masters (as a judge and contestant) |
What Made Empire State South a Midtown Gem?
For almost thirteen years, Empire State South held a distinct position in the bustling Midtown part of Atlanta. It wasn't just another place to eat; it became a destination for many who sought out genuine Southern tastes with a clever, up-to-date presentation. The place really took a fresh approach to classic Southern cooking, relying on the wonderful ingredients that come from the area. This focus on local and seasonal produce helped give the food a real sense of place, making each dish feel both familiar and exciting at the same time. Basically, it was a spot that felt both comfortable and, well, a little bit special.
One of the things that kept people coming back, quite honestly, was the overall experience. It wasn't just about the food; it was also about the atmosphere, the people who worked there, and the way everything came together. The team, including people like Adam Waller, who was an executive chef, and Kellie Thorn, who looked after the drinks, seemed to work together in a way that just made sense. Their different styles, one more straightforward and the other quite skilled with beverages, blended well, creating a truly harmonious dining experience. People really did enjoy their visits, as shown by its pretty high rating on Restaurant Guru, where it got a 4.2 out of 5 from many visitors.
A Taste of the South – The Empire State South Way
When you think about what made the food at Empire State South stand out, it often comes back to a few key items and the overall philosophy. The pimiento cheese, for instance, was a consistent favorite with diners in Atlanta right from when the place first opened its doors back in 2010. Hugh Acheson had really gotten this recipe just right at his Athens restaurant, Five & Ten, and it became one of those signature items that everyone talked about. It's almost as if that one dish became a symbol of the restaurant's commitment to quality and flavor.
Beyond that one popular item, the menu at Empire State South aimed to give a modern spin to classic Southern dishes. They made sure to use beautiful, fresh foods sourced from the region itself. This dedication to regional ingredients meant that the flavors were always bright and true to their origins. Ryan Smith, who was an executive chef there at one point, was known for his drive to keep the menu fresh and keep the restaurant’s personality evolving. This constant push for new ideas, while staying true to Southern roots, helped keep things interesting for regular diners and new visitors alike, you know.
Why Did Empire State South Close Its Doors?
The news that Empire State South was closing its doors came as a surprise to many, especially after its long run as a beloved spot in Midtown. Hugh Acheson, the person in charge, made it clear through a message he shared online that the decision was a tough one, made about six weeks before it was publicly known. The reason given for this significant change was the financial difficulties that the restaurant was experiencing. It seems that even popular places can face tough times when it comes to keeping their operations going.
Running a restaurant, as a matter of fact, involves a lot of moving parts, and financial pressures can build up over time, even for a place that’s been critically praised. The world of dining can be quite unpredictable, with costs for ingredients, staff, and rent constantly changing. So, even with a strong reputation and a loyal customer base, the numbers just might not add up in the end. It’s a stark reminder that even well-established and well-regarded eating establishments aren’t immune to the economic realities that affect businesses.
The Financial Challenges Faced by Empire State South
While the exact details of the financial issues that led to the closing of Empire State South weren't fully laid out, it’s fair to say that the past few years have been particularly tough for many businesses in the food service world. Things like rising costs for supplies, changes in how people eat out, and other economic shifts can put a lot of strain on a restaurant’s ability to stay profitable. It’s a pretty common story in the industry, actually, where even places with a great reputation find themselves struggling to make ends meet.
The decision to close, as shared by Hugh Acheson, was a direct result of this financial fallout. It suggests that despite efforts to keep things going, the challenges became too much to overcome. This kind of situation can be very disheartening for everyone involved, from the owners and the people who work there to the customers who loved dining at the establishment. It’s a clear indication that even a place with a strong identity and a history of serving wonderful food can be vulnerable to the broader economic climate, you know.
What's Next for the Empire State South Space?
With Empire State South now having closed its doors, the question naturally turns to what will happen with the space it occupied. This particular spot, located at the 999 Peachtree office complex at the corner of Peachtree and 10th in Midtown, is a pretty desirable location. It didn't take long for news to surface about a new tenant planning to move in, which is often the case with such prime real estate. This change marks a new chapter for that specific corner of Midtown Atlanta, and it’s kind of exciting to see what’s coming next.
The new occupant for the former Empire State South location is another well-regarded eating place called Lazy Betty. This spot, which has been known for its tasting menu style of dining, is currently located in Candler Park. The plan is for Lazy Betty to make the move to Midtown later this year, taking over the place where Empire State South once stood. They’ll be doing some work on the space in Midtown while still keeping their Candler Park location open for a while, before making the complete transition. It’s a big move for them, and it shows the continued appeal of that particular area for dining establishments.
Lazy Betty's Move to the Former Empire State South Spot
The relocation of Lazy Betty to the old Empire State South location is a pretty interesting development for Atlanta’s food scene. Lazy Betty has built a strong reputation for its inventive tasting menus and its distinct approach to fine dining. Moving into a larger, more prominent space in Midtown could potentially allow them to reach an even broader audience and perhaps even expand their offerings. It’s a bit like one popular story ending and another one beginning in the same place, you know.
This transition also means that the legacy of a well-known dining spot like Empire State South will, in a way, be carried on by a new establishment with its own unique style. It’s common for spaces to evolve and take on new identities over time, and this is a clear example of that. Atlanta’s Midtown area continues to be a very active spot for food and drink, and the arrival of Lazy Betty there will certainly keep things lively for those who enjoy eating out in that part of the city.
How Does Georgia Get Called the Empire State of the South?
It’s interesting how often people refer to Georgia as the "Empire State of the South," even though the state has a completely different official nickname. This unofficial title has a pretty long history, going back many years. The state of Georgia, and the larger Southern region it belongs to, earned this particular description during a time before the American Civil War, a period often called the antebellum period. It’s a bit of a historical curiosity, really, how these kinds of nicknames stick around.
During that earlier time, Georgia was a place of considerable economic strength and importance within the Southern states. Its agricultural output, especially cotton, played a big role in the national economy, and its growing infrastructure, like railroads, made it a central hub for trade and commerce. This period of significant growth and influence is what likely led to it being called the "Empire State of the South." It suggested a certain dominance and prosperity, a kind of powerful presence in the region, which is that, you know, quite a strong image.
The Historical Roots of "Empire State South" for Georgia
The historical connection of Georgia to the name "Empire State of the South" comes from its position as a leading force in the Southern economy and its overall influence. While the official nickname for Georgia is different, this older, more descriptive title has continued to be used by many people. It speaks to a time when Georgia was seen as a very strong and growing power within the Southern part of the country. This historical context helps us appreciate why a restaurant like Empire State South would choose such a name, connecting itself to a sense of regional pride and historical significance, more or less.
It’s a name that evokes a sense of importance and a strong identity, reflecting Georgia’s past as a center of commerce and culture in the South. So, when you hear about a place like Empire State South, the name itself carries a subtle nod to this historical background. It’s a reminder that even modern businesses can draw inspiration from the rich past of the places they call home. This link to history adds another layer of meaning to the story of the restaurant, making it more than just a place to eat.
The story of Empire State South is one that truly captures the ebb and flow of the restaurant world, showcasing a beloved spot that served Southern-inspired dishes for many years in Midtown Atlanta. From its celebrated pimiento cheese to the vision of its owner, Hugh Acheson, the establishment left a notable mark on the local dining scene. Its closing due to financial challenges highlights the very real difficulties businesses can face, even those with a strong reputation. Yet, the story continues with the space finding a new life, and the enduring unofficial nickname for Georgia itself reminds us of a rich historical backdrop.
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To the south – Daniel Bachhuber
Empire State South — LISA ELLIS DESIGN
