Sophie’s Uptown, The Cookie Studio To Transform Into KarmaDaisy, KarmaFarm

Both health-conscious eateries were inspired by concepts like California-based Lemonade.

UPDATE (December 12, 2018): KarmaFarm, ‘America’s First Certified Gluten-Free Fast-Casual’ Eatery, Now Open

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Two popular Buckhead concepts—Sophie’s Uptown and The Cookie Studio—will soon reopen as KarmaFarm and KarmaDaisy respectively.

Husband and wife team Scott and McCall Wilder in late-2017 purchased the restaurant and bakery after leaving fruitful careers with a dream of opening their own health-conscious eateries.

McCall for many years owned and operated McCall Wilder Designs where she made “heirloom-quality custom outfits” and Scott was in the financial sector.

“My mother ate all organic way back in the day, like in the 70s when it was not cool,” Scott Friday told What Now Atlanta in a telephone interview.

“I’ve always had an hyper-awareness of food. And then my wife turned 40 and become allergic to everything. Even champagne.”

The couple noticed healthy fast-casual restaurants were starting to pop-up around the country as millennials wanted to know “the cows they eat were being hugged at night.”

But concepts like California-based Lemonade, a huge influence on KarmaFarm and KarmaDaisy, didn’t seem to exist in the Atlanta market, according to Wilder.

“I’m a native Atlantan and was floored that we didn’t have anything like Lemonade. It seems like the only option is the hot bar at Whole Foods and even half of that food isn’t organic.”

The Karma “Fried” Chix or "KFC" | Photo: KarmaDaisy
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The Karma “Fried” Chix or “KFC” | Photo: KarmaDaisy

KarmaDaisy will replace The Cookie Studio, at 30 Pharr Road, starting Wednesday, February 7.

But don’t worry, the cookies aren’t going anywhere.

“The Cookie Studio is such a beloved Buckhead hangout so we’re going to keep what everyone loves about the bakery.”

The Cookie Studio proprietor retired from the cafe business, but the KarmaDaisy in-house bakery will continue the family’s legacy and decade-long tradition with the same name and promise of serving Atlanta’s best individual and corporate handmade cookies and sweet treats.

Additionally, new gluten free and nut free varieties will also be available.

KarmaDaisy will operate as a full bakery and sandwich shop using local farmers and “transparency” with the menu featuring pastured and grass-fed, all natural meats, organic, cage-free eggs, local, all natural cheeses, Holeman & Finch (H&F) bread, local and organic produce.

In the morning, try the Texas Scramble or Vegan Muscle. At lunch, try the Foodie Delights, Karma Classics & Veggie Nirvana sandwiches and wraps with a side of handmade, gluten-free Potato crisps.

The Wilders also look to do good with the concept. For every meal purchased, a meal is donated to a local animal rescue organization.

Naturally, the restaurant is pet-friendly on the patio, complete with doggie treats.

Local artist and Atlanta native, Katherine Bell McClure, has captured the spirit of KarmaDaisy inside the newly redone dining area in a life-size lab stencil and custom pet portrait, featured alongside the neighborhood spot’s motto, “Real Food & Good Vibes,” with a ladybug for good luck.

Karma Daisy - Wall Mural (painted by local artist Katherine McClure who does pet portraits)
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KarmaDaisy wall mural | Photo: KarmaDaisy

In eight weeks or so, pending permitting with the City of Atlanta, Sophie’s Uptown next door, at 54 Pharr Road, will become KarmaFarm.

Think “modern-day” meat and three meaning “clean, organic and sustainable,” according to Wilder.

The restaurant, which will serve up 15 “veggie sides” out of a deli case like lentil salads and a bloody mary shrimp salad, will be dairy, gluten, grain, and nut free.

“KarmaFarm will be old-Southern but influenced by global flavors. It’s an organic clean cafeteria but the word cafeteria is weird and I don’t love it.”

Like KarmaDaisy, KarmaFarm also seeks to do good. For every meal sold, a meal will be donated to No Kid Hungry.

More locations of KarmaDaisy and KarmaFarm could sprout up around Atlanta over the years, but all locations will remain corporate stores.

“You can’t franchise philosophy,” Wilder said.

Karma Farm Logo
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Harold the Llama | KarmaFarm Logo
Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

Caleb J. Spivak

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