Coming in 2027: The First-Ever History of Atlanta's Iconic Colonnade Restaurant!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

The Colonnade Partners with Ardmore Avenue Publishing for 100th Anniversary Book 

The book will document the history and memories of the iconic Atlanta restaurant 

ATLANTA, July 28, 2025 –The Colonnade, Atlanta’s second-oldest restaurant, is partnering with Ardmore Avenue Publishing to release a commemorative book ahead of the beloved restaurant's 100th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 2027. 

For nearly a century, The Colonnade has been a gathering place for families, friends and food lovers over classic Southern dishes. Through a change in location, a world war, a building fire, two bridge fires, a global pandemic and several ownership transitions, it has stood the test of time. The 98-year-old restaurant holds decades of history, memories and stories that are now going to be officially documented. To help capture that story, Ardmore Avenue publisher and longtime Atlanta journalist, Rich Eldredge, and The Colonnade owners Paul Donahue and Lewis Jeffries, have created a public Facebook group where fans and longtime patrons can contribute personal memories, photos and help piece together decades of history for the upcoming book. The Facebook group is named “Memories of Atlanta’s Colonnade” and is open to the public. 

Ardmore plans to host storyteller sessions at The Colonnade to uncover untold tales from long-time patrons. The first session will begin on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025 at 2 p.m. Guests are invited to join us to share their stories for consideration in the 100th anniversary book. For more information on the event, please visit The Colonnade’s official Facebook page. 

“As an Atlanta reporter, I’ve written about the iconic Colonnade many times through the years,” says Ardmore Avenue’s Rich Eldredge. “It’s also one of my favorite places in the city to meet up with friends for dinner. It’s an honor to collaborate with Lewis and Paul to finally tell The Colonnade’s fascinating story in book form as part of its centennial celebration.” Adds Ardmore Avenue’s chief creative officer and co-founder Paolo Aguila: “By showcasing 100 years of archival images, along with guest and staff memories plus The Colonnade’s unique history as a Hollywood movie location, our goal is to capture the fun of a night out at The Colonnade in a gorgeous commemorative coffee table book you’ll want to share with friends.” 

Paul Donahue and Lewis Jeffries spent more than 30 years as loyal patrons before deciding to purchase The Colonnade in September 2024. Like many others, they created countless memories of their own and thought there was no better way to honor its legacy than to invite others to share their stories and celebrate a place that means so much to so many. 

“We never imagined that one day we’d have the privilege of preserving The Colonnade’s legacy ourselves,” Donahue says. “When Rich approached us with the idea of creating a book, we were moved.” 

“We’re very grateful to help share its story with the community that has loved it for so long,” Jeffries adds. 

The book will be released ahead of the 2027 celebration and will be available for pre-order in late 2026. It will feature the history of The Colonnade, customer and staff stories, movies that filmed there, famous and political figures that have dined over the years, historic photos, and even a few favorite recipes. 

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About The Colonnade 

Established in 1927, The Colonnade is Atlanta’s second-oldest restaurant serving Southern comfort food and classic cocktails. It’s an Atlanta staple with unwavering commitment to tradition, famous for its fried chicken, long-time patrons and loyal associates. The Colonnade is located at 1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at www.thecolonnadeatl.com. The Colonnade will be releasing a commemorative book ahead of the restaurant's 100th anniversary. For this book, fans and longtime patrons can contribute personal memories, photos and help piece together decades of history by joining the public Facebook group “Memories of Atlanta’s Colonnade.” 

About Ardmore Avenue Publishing 

Founded in 2024, Ardmore Avenue Publishing is an Atlanta-based independent press dedicated to uplifting untold stories and celebrating the art of storytelling. A collaboration between Atlanta reporter Richard L. Eldredge and graphic designer Paolo R. Aguila, AAP’s debut title was the acclaimed 2024 memoir “Mr. Charlie Brown: Bitch of the South.” On Sept. 23, 2025, AAP’s second title “Pitman’s Broadway Theatre at 100” will be released. You can follow Ardmore Avenue Publishing on Facebook and Instagram. For more info: ardmoreavenuepublishing.com 

Media Contact: 

Qilafi Public Relations 

Brooke Qilafi 

brooke@qilafipr.com 

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