Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles, the original concept from GRAMMY Award-winning singer/producer/actor Ne-Yo and chef Crystal Smith, has already earned a devoted following with locals and tourists at its original location in College Park near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Now Midtown will get to taste what all the fuss is about when the growing restaurant chain opens its second metro-Atlanta location in June at 1050 Crescent Ave. NE.
“The response to Johnny’s so far has been fantastic,” says Ne-Yo in a statement. “And that’s because it combines two things all Atlantans love—delicious chicken and waffles and our unsurpassed homegrown music scene.”
“We’re excited to share our crispy, Southern fried chicken and golden-brown waffles with our friends and neighbors in Midtown,” says Smith. “We look forward to being a part of the community and hope to be Midtown’s favorite new dining destination for a long, long time.”
The signature item that gives the restaurant its name features fresh Southern fried chicken paired with fluffy, golden waffles and served with maple syrup and whipped butter, as perfected by Smith. Guests will have the option to customize Georgia’s brunch staple with mix-and-match proteins and sauces. The menu also showcases an array of brunch and dinner options as well as starters, salads and sides including Johnny’s award-winning mac and cheese.
Guests also can sip on signature drinks like Tammy Riviera’s BMore Careful (rum, blue curacao, pineapple juice, lime juice and Henny floater), chef Crystal’s spicy margarita (tequila, triple sec, pineapple juice, lime juice, strawberry puree, club soda, muddle jalapeños and a Tajín rim) and Ne-Yo’s party punch that serves up to six people.
The dining area seats 85 guests with booths, tables, high-tops, and bar seating and will feature platinum albums from such famous Atlanta-bred artists as Ne-Yo, OutKast, Ludacris, and Usher as well as neon signage that reads “Everyday I’m Wafflin’” and original artwork including a mural of Harlem’s Apollo Theater.
Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles will be open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch, dinner, and late night. Seating is first-come, first-served; no reservations are required.
