Wild Heaven Beer has acquired EATS, a well-known Atlanta restaurant recognized for its jerk chicken and meat-and-three offerings. The EATS brand, which operated for nearly 30 years on Ponce de Leon Avenue, will move to Wild Heaven’s West End location at the Lee + White complex.
This change follows the departure of El Tesoro, Wild Heaven’s current food partner, from the taproom kitchen. El Tesoro plans to open its own permanent space within the same Lee + White development.
Nick Purdy, Co-President of Wild Heaven, stated, “EATS has been part of Atlanta’s culinary DNA for decades. We’re honored to carry that torch forward. Our goal is to preserve what people have always loved about EATS while giving it a thoughtful, sustainable home inside our West End brewery. The goal isn’t to be an EATS tribute band but to reach 99% fidelity to the experience so many Atlantans treasure. Eric and I couldn’t be prouder to have a chance to steward the next chapter of EATS.”
Bob Hatcher, who founded EATS, commented on the transition: “Just when I thought it was over, I was approached by a group adamant about keeping the EATS brand alive— longtime customers and friends, Brent and Amity Dey, along with Wild Heaven Brewery owners, Nick and Eric. With longstanding EATS manager Levi Nichols on board, I’m excited for this next chapter and to welcome our loyal community back to their favorite booths,” noting that these booths will be recreated in the new space.
Wild Heaven announced that guests at the West End taproom can expect an updated yet familiar version of EATS that maintains its original flavors and spirit. More information regarding menu changes, opening dates, and events will be released soon.
