Our 5 Favorite Family-Owned Restaurants Opening Around Atlanta

The best part of running Business Debut is talking to people who are making it happen as a family. We love it because that's what we do, my wife and I and our teammate Laura.

These business owners are turning up everyday and putting in the work. Many of them are husband and wife teams, some are solopreneurs with the grit to show up and do the work on their own.

Check out some Atlanta-area entrepreneurs who have heart, soul, and skin in the game!

Smash Hit Burgers — Kennesaw

A family-run, food-truck-born brand from Zac and Myah Patterson, opening a two-building restaurant with a shared patio at 2921 Cherokee St NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144. Target opening is February 1, 2026, pending permits.

One side will be full-service with beer and wine; the other is a to-go kitchen and milkshake bar. Pre-opening food-truck pop-ups with live music start in November, and the team will keep its two mobile units active for festivals.

Menu extends beyond classic smashes—look for Cuban and cheesesteak smashes, a chicken-finger lineup with ~8 sauces, plus vegan and gluten-free options.

Hours (planned): Tue–Thu 11 a.m.–9 p.m.; Fri–Sat 11 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; closed Mon. Learn more on the website and Facebook.

Read our article.

KBBQ Spot — Marietta

Independent owner Andy Jang is soft-opening a fast-casual Korean barbecue at 3000 Windy Hill Rd SE, Suite 136. The idea flips the usual tabletop grill on its head—same smoky flavor, but quicker, to-go, and easier on the wallet.

Barbecue boxes run around $13 with about 11 options across beef, pork, and chicken. The focus is speed without losing that char and seasoning you expect from K-BBQ, delivering a shorter visit and a lower price point than sit-down spots.

Soft-opening service began Saturday the 13th. Hours are 11 a.m.–9 p.m. with last orders taken at 9 p.m. Jang describes the approach as “kind of opposite” of traditional K-BBQ—built for everyday cravings, not just long dinners.

Read our article.

Paige’s Bistro — Smyrna

Husband-and-wife duo Craig and Paige Bailey are expanding their family brand with a takeout-only kitchen at 4924 S Cobb Dr SE, Suite M, set for January 5, 2026. There’s no dine-in seating—this one is built for quick pickup while their Austell restaurant continues serving guests.

Expect “American with a Cajun twist,” headlined by the Jacked Up on Mac burger—recognized by Atlanta Eats TV and Fox 5—and the red velvet chicken & waffles, plus an in-house bakery program led by Paige. Desserts remain a core draw alongside the savory menu.

The Baileys started Paige’s as a bakery in February 2019, added a food truck in late 2020, and opened their Austell brick-and-mortar in June 2022. Looking ahead, they plan two additional company-owned locations in 2026 and are developing a franchising program with first franchises targeted for 2027–2028.

Read our article.

Let’s Talk Brunch — Newnan

Locally owned by husband-and-wife team Chef Antoine and Cierria Davison, this full-service “soulful brunch” spot is ~99% built at 226 Greenville St S, Suite H. Opening date is TBA. The Davis

Expect about 50 seats (eight at the bar), all-day brunch and lunch—oxtail grilled cheese, loaded waffles, and customizable French toast—with mocktails at launch and brunch cocktails after licensing.

Planned hours: Thu & Mon 9 a.m.–3 p.m.; Fri–Sun 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Read our article.

Bear and Honey Hive — Stone Mountain

Family-run by co-owners Valencia Nicholson and Angelia Hall with their daughters, this restaurant-and-candle studio aims for a Christmas opening at 5370 Stone Mountain Hwy, Suite 320.

The 2,500-sq-ft space seats about 60 with a private dining room and weekend DJ.

Menu blends Korean American and Caribbean comfort dishes, and candle-making classes start around $40 using clean wax blends.

Read our article.

Thank you from our team