Lazy Betty, the renowned modern and inventive restaurant from Chef-Partners Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips, is set to relocate to Atlanta’s Midtown neighborhood later this year. Located at 999 Peachtree, at the corner of Peachtree and 10th Street, the new space formerly housed Chef Hugh Acheson’s beloved Empire State South. The restaurant will welcome guests to enjoy the tasting menus and approachable ambiance and service style Lazy Betty has become known for since opening in 2019, plus a new bar menu offering smaller, a la carte dishes and drinks. While Lazy Betty’s new space undergoes construction, the restaurant will continue to operate as usual in its Candler Park space.
Lazy Betty, Acclaimed Atlanta Restaurant by Chefs Ron Hsu & Aaron Phillips
“Empire State South saw some of the city’s best chefs pass through its kitchen, and we’re honored to carry the torch for such a great culinary space,” says Chef Hsu. “While our location will change, our ethos will continue to be the same. We’re excited to invite the community to come together, eat well and live unhurried in the heart of the city.”
“We are thrilled to welcome one of the city’s renowned restaurants and its beloved chefs to our Midtown building,” says Brent Smith, Midtown resident and CEO of Piedmont Office Realty Trust (NYSE: PDM), the owner of Lazy Betty’s new location. “We’re reimagining how 999 Peachtree Street interacts with Midtown as part of a large-scale renovation project across the entire first floor of the building. Chefs Ron and Aaron are aligned with Piedmont’s vision to craft a unique, hospitality-driven environment that will effortlessly blend indoor and outdoor gathering spaces and bring a new experience to the neighborhood.”
Kat Blue of Blue Lantern Studios has been tapped to revamp the 4,300 square-foot space, which will feature a large main dining room, two private dining rooms, an expanded bar and a large outdoor dining patio. The culinary team will bring the kitchen to guests through tableside presentations for many dishes.
Chefs Ron and Aaron met in 2011 while working at New York City’s Le Bernardin. The duo relocated to Atlanta, Ron’s hometown, to open Lazy Betty in March 2019. Since, Lazy Betty has served creative tasting menus featuring modern culinary techniques, intentionality and finesse alongside an outstanding beverage program. The menus showcase a variety of cuisines using the highest quality ingredients available. Each course can be presented with a wine pairing curated by Sommelier Marvella Castañeda, just named a 2023 StarChefs Rising Star, or guests can order from the restaurant’s beverage menu featuring creative cocktails, craft beer, wines by the glass and bottle, wine flights, dessert wines, zero-proof options and more.
Over the last four years, Lazy Betty and its culinary team have received great acclaim. Most recently, Chefs Ron and Aaron were named 2023 James Beard Award semifinalists for Best Chef Southeast and 2023 StarChefs Restaurateur Rising Stars. In 2020, the restaurant was a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best New Restaurant. That same year, Atlanta Magazine named Lazy Betty “Best New Restaurant” (here) and Eater Atlanta awarded it “Restaurant of the Year” (here). It also was awarded three-star reviews from both The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (here) and Atlanta Magazine (here). Nationally, the restaurant has been covered by Travel Channel, Eater National, bon appétit, New York Times, HuffPost, Garden & Gun and more.
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Beyond the kitchen, Chefs Ron and Aaron are advocates for equitable pay in the industry and sensory-inclusive restaurants. Among just a few places to use this model in Atlanta, Lazy Betty’s pricing includes a 20 percent service fee. The fee helps level the pay disparity typically seen in restaurants between the front- and back-of-house, and ensures everyone on the team receives more consistent pay and a liveable wage.
Earlier this year, Lazy Betty earned a Sensory InclusiveTM Certification from KultureCity®. The leading non-profit is recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs. The new certification has equipped Lazy Betty’s team to provide a more comfortable and accommodating dining experience for those who experience sensory overload situations often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions.
Reservations and current menus are available here.
