Restaurateur Aaron Mattison from the team at Bar Vegan has opened a new pop-up bar called Excuse My French inside Ponce City Market’s Citizen Supply, a marketplace on the second floor of the Central Food Hall that offers artisan goods from local makers.
Serving classic French cocktails plus wine and beer, the bar will soon add a variety of light bites to pair, according to a press release Wednesday. Standouts on the drink list include a classic Kir Royale, French Martini, and Pressed Juice-Suze & Tonic.
Named a 2021 Rising Star by Restaurant Informer, Mattison paired up with Slutty Vegan ATL’s Pinky Cole to open Bar Vegan in February 2021, also on the second floor of Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall.
Serving as bar manager, Crayton Peterson has nearly a decade’s experience in the hospitality industry. He holds a certificate from the Atlanta Professional Bartending School and has had the pleasure of making cocktails for Primrose Cottage, State Farm Arena, FOX Theater, Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, Las Flores Olde Town Mex and Bar Vegan.
Mattison worked with local designer Anique Harvey with The Alexia Experience to achieve a “boho, feel-good vibe with a minimalist, eclectic aesthetic.” The color palette features neutral, earthy tones with lots of greenery, showcased through the abundance of natural light that floods through century-old industrial windows at Citizen Supply. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar, in a comfortable lounge area within the space, or on the go.
“I’m very excited to introduce a new concept to Ponce City Market for anyone from the craft-cocktail enthusiast to the casual shopper looking for something to enjoy as they browse,” Mattison said. “The concept is inspired by my time spent exploring France and learning firsthand that while the country is known around the globe for its world-class wine, it also boasts an impressive array of unique cocktails, many of which we’re unfamiliar within the U.S. In bringing these craft beverages to our menu, our goal is to transport patrons to a Parisian terrace on a summer afternoon, where ease, delight, and discovery abound.”
Weekly, Excuse My French will host Shop & Sip Saturdays where guests can enjoy $8 mimosas and a Bellini bar while perusing Citizen Supply finds and exploring the community hub.
