The latest barbecue joint to open in Atlanta is Wood’s Chapel BBQ in Summerhill, a historic neighborhood that was home to freed slaves and Jewish immigrants after the Civil War. The restaurant’s name is taken from one of the first post-war churches there. Contemporary Atlantans know the area best as the otherwise impoverished location of Turner Field (now Georgia State Stadium).
Wood’s Chapel is bound to be a hit. You couldn’t ask for a better team. The owners are Todd Ginsberg, Shelley Sweet, and Jennifer and Ben Johnson. They own five other venues, including The General Muir, one of the top delis in town. Sweet and the Johnsons also operate the immensely popular West Egg Café. Pitmaster Brian Keenan was the owner of Meating Street Barbecue in Roswell and chef Wilson Gourley last worked at 8ARM.
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By Cliff Bostock for The Georgia Voice