ATLANTA (November 15, 2023) — Politan Row at Ashford Lane, the epicenter of food hall excellence in northern Metro Atlanta, has announced details surrounding its much-anticipated cocktail bar, Okay Anny’s. As a sequel to Politan’s original project, Jojo’s Beloved, this cocktail bar will transport guests 10 years into the future channeling 1989 as the year of the blockbuster sequels to films including Back to The Future 2, Ghostbusters 2, and Lethal Weapon 2.
The late 80’s and early 90’s is lovingly remembered as a specific era of unforgettable soundtracks, kitschy design motifs, and an absurd amount of up-drinks in never-ending, over-the-top, and un-functional glassware. Okay Anny’s will combine the feel of a classic 80s fern bar vibe with a bright, bombastic 90s color palette — where guests should expect mirror blinds, vapor wave, and lots of colored acrylic. Alongside music playlists from the same era will be a specialized drink menu underscoring the martini craze of the 90s with appropriately reimagined cocktails such as Kamikazes, Colorado Bulldogs, and more Cosmo riffs than a TGI Fridays in 1991.
“It excites me to work with a defined, creative parameter that implores deeper exploration into an era that, despite producing enduringly popular drinks, is looked at as ‘low-brow’ in many cocktail bars,” said Politan Row Director of Operations Benton Bourgeois. “At Okay Anny’s, we get to remember these fun drinks with a deeper profile of craft spirits and present them to a more adventurous consumer.”
“Okay Anny’s is the next evolution of the extraordinary cocktail bars inside each of our locations, which in turn offers our teams the opportunity to be really creative,” said Politan Row CEO Will Donaldson.”They add a fun dimension to each project that we are truly proud of, yet keeps us grounded in our hospitality roots by offering differentiation among our other food hall offerings.”
Politan Row at Ashford Lane promises to be the ultimate destination for food enthusiasts seeking diverse and delicious offerings. The 17,000 square foot food hall — set to debut in January 2024 — will be open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, with regular activations and events.
THE RESTAURANTS
Seven of the eateries are women-owned, and 100% of the food businesses are owned by women, people of color, or both. With just over 220 seats, Politan Row at Ashford Lane will be the second-largest food hall in Metro Atlanta, second only to Politan Row at Colony Square – it will also be the only Atlanta food hall with free, unlimited parking. In addition, an estimated 100 jobs will be created between the food vendors, bars and food hall operations.
Guests can prepare their taste buds for a journey around the world. The carefully curated selection of food vendors will offer an eclectic mix of cuisines — from classic comfort food, to innovative, fusion creations. Each vendor has been handpicked for their passion, dedication and commitment to delivering exceptional food experiences.
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26 Thai | Niki Pattharakositkul — Fresh, delicious, and authentic Thai food made from scratch, and utilizing only the finest, locally-sourced ingredients.
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Bucatini Ristorante | Luis and Maria Mendez — Hand-pulled pasta dishes and Italian staples made fresh daily at Politan Row. The couple previously owned traditional Italian restaurants in Miami, and relocated permanently to Atlanta in 2021. Classically trained, Luis has worked in kitchens across Italy.
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Delilah’s Everyday Soul | Delana Reeves — From mouthwatering fried chicken and fish, to creamy macaroni and cheese and chicken & waffles, each bite at Deliah’s is a taste of Southern tradition. Delana and family have run the popular fried chicken outpost at Chattahoochee Food Works since it opened.
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Gekko | Jack Bai — A hibachi and ramen experience with high-quality ingredients at an everyday price point.
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Mamacita’s Cuban Cantina | Giby and Hoby Abreu — Mamacita’s Cuban Cantina offers an authentic taste of Cuba with a diverse menu, including its signature Cuban sandwich. Mamacita’s will operate as a full service restaurant in the back of the food hall with its own beverage program.
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Master Pho | Thao Le — Offering classic Vietnamese pho, bahn mi, and grilled entrees from the original operator behind the beloved metro Atlanta favorites, I luv pho and I luv hotpot.
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Pretty Little Tacos | Michaela Merrick — A Creole-Mexican Street food option which was an early pillar of Birria hotspots in Atlanta.
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Sheesh | Charlie Sunyapong and Paul Thai — From the team behind Stäge Kitchen & Bar comes a new Mediterranean concept focused on the fresh and eclectic.
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Smokehouse Q | Gregory Vivier — A mouth-watering BBQ with a focus on the natural flavors of the meat accompanied by traditional and savory side items.
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Tandoori Pizza & Wings Co | Archna Becker — An Indian twist on popular comfort staples which has grown in popularity at Colony Square.
Two of the strongest, differentiating elements of Politan Row’s food halls are its commitment to interior aesthetics and its renowned bar programs. Long-time design partner, Bell + Butler, has created an interiors program which incorporates the brand’s signature design elements of romantic lighting and cozy millwork build-ins.
PRIVATE EVENTS
Politan Row at Ashford Lane will offer guests private event spaces accommodating 25 to 500 guests, with catering options from its multitude of vendors and bars, similar to Politan Row at Colony Square Blue Room.
Politan Row previously announced its upcoming Peachtree Corners food hall, which is currently under construction and scheduled to open in Summer 2024.
