Olivia Wakim

Food and Dining Reporter at The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Food and dining reporter @ajc. Formerly @mdjonline and @redandblack [email protected]

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Articles

Taco Mac closes Midtown location, its second closing in a month

4 days ago | ajc.com | Ligaya Figueras |Olivia Wakim

Less than a month after closing its original location in Virginia-Highland, Taco Mac has shuttered the doors at its address on Peachtree Street restaurant in Midtown. As first reported by Atlanta News First, the Atlanta-based sports bar chain abruptly closed the restaurant Monday, with workers seen removing signage from the building.
Barbeque restaurant will open in 2026 near Mercedes-Benz Stadium

1 week ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

A barbecue restaurant will land in the South Downtown development next year. Jason Furst and Sam Pinner of the sandwich shop Sammy’s will open Broad Street BBQ at 96 Broad St. The building borders what Furst said will become South Downtown’s main square, just across from where El Tesoro is also expected to open in 2026. ExploreFood and DiningThe announcement comes weeks after the longtime Atlanta friends debuted their first restaurant, Sammy’s in Adair Park.
Would an Atlantan ever choose Pepsi over Coke? Pepsi reboots its 'challenge'

1 month ago | ajc.com | Kelly Yamanouchi |Olivia Wakim

Editor’s note: This story has been updated. Deep in the heart of Coca-Cola territory in Georgia, PepsiCo is launching a new front in the cola wars — with the return of the Pepsi Challenge blind taste test. The skirmisharrived in the Peach State on Thursday — National Have a Coke Day, no less— and will run the next few days. This time, the longtime Coke rival is asking people out and about in Atlanta to sip from unmarked cups of Pepsi Zero Sugar and Coca-Cola Zero Sugar to decide which they prefer.
Ramen Station is latest restaurant casualty at Larkin on Memorial

1 month ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

Grant Park restaurant Ramen Station closed last month at Larkin on Memorial after seven years in business. Ramen Station was a concept from Michael Lo and George Yu of Korean Wives Hospitality Group, which also includes Suzy Siu’s Baos in Krog Street Market and Salaryman in Toco Hills. Lo also owns Philly cheesesteak shop Nicky’s Undefeated in Tucker with business partner Walt Gebelein, separate from the Korean Wives brand.
Atlanta Thai restaurant Nan Thai Buckhead carries on family's tradition

1 month ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

DeeDee Niyomkul, the daughter of restaurateurs Nan and Charlie Niyomkul, keeps three portraits of her parents from the ’70s hanging front and center on the walls of her restaurant, Nan Thai Buckhead. When DeeDee walks past the pictures, her customers often mistake her for her mother, Nan, despite the bell-bottoms and vintage look of the pictures.
Celebrate Mother’s Day in Atlanta at these restaurants and events

1 month ago | ajc.com | Avery Newmark |Olivia Wakim

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, and if yours is craving something more than just breakfast in bed, Atlanta is blooming with unforgettable ways to celebrate the special mom or mother figure in your life. Whether she’s into art, music, flowers or food, this year’s lineup of events and restaurant specials offers something for every kind of queen — from downtown strolls to drag brunches. Here’s your ultimate guide to help you plan a Mother’s Day weekend she’ll never forget.
Atlanta food and drink events in May

1 month ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

Listen to chef Duane Nutter’s stand-up comedy, participate in a spring cocktail class and attend a nationwide bartending competition this May in metro Atlanta. Credit: Courtesy of Iron Hill BreweryCredit: Courtesy of Iron Hill BreweryNational Burger MonthThroughout the month of May, Iron Hill Brewery will feature a rotating burger of the day paired with fries and a pickle for $15 in honor of National Burger Month.
Where to find Cinco de Mayo deals in and around Atlanta

1 month ago | ajc.com | Avery Newmark |Olivia Wakim

Since Cinco de Mayo falls on a Monday this year, expect the festivities to begin Friday and last through the weekend. The holiday celebrates the Mexican army’s victory over France at the 1862 Battle of Puebla. In Atlanta, it offers an occasion to celebrate Mexican-American culture with food, drinks and music. Here are some Cinco de Mayo food and drink events happening around metro Atlanta.
'Fine water' summit in Atlanta to crown best clear beverage

1 month ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim |Henri Hollis

Storytelling is a popular word at the 2025 Fine Water Summit in Atlanta. A good story is part ofwhat makes the rows of bottled waters stand apart from the tap variety most people drink on a daily basis. Some of these waters come from the ice age, derived from melted glaciers that covered the mountains of northern Bohemia 15,000 years ago, or from water droplets captured from the winter mist in Tasmania’s Huon Valley, or from a natural spring in the mountains of Vancouver Island.
Redacted Basement Drink Parlor opens in Summerhill

1 month ago | ajc.com | Olivia Wakim

After six years of building out and waterproofing the basement room at 63 Georgia Ave. in Summerhill, Redacted Basement Drink Parlor has opened its doors. Judy Ho and Jake Karmin made plans to open a conspiracy-themed cocktail bar in 2019 after they lost their jobs when Hand in Hand in Virginia-Highland closed.