After 55 years of being a customer of The Colonnade, Lewis Jeffries is now the owner. A native Atlantan and longtime resident of nearby Pine Hills, Jeffries was the winner of what was reportedly a robust competition to become the next owner of The Colonnade.
A CPA by trade, Jeffries, together with husband Paul Donahue, opened Lingering Shade Social Club, a cocktail bar and lounge at the Irwin Street Market in July 2017. The bar is located along the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail and across from Krog Street Market.
The Colonnade is known locally to be a favorite among Atlanta's "gays and grays," both groups of which Jeffries is a member.
Currently located at 1879 Cheshire Bridge Road, The Colonnade has been an Atlanta staple since 1927 and was most recently owned and operated by Jodi Stallings and her husband David.
The purchase of The Colonnade closed early Monday, and thus far, Jeffries has not responded to ToNeTo Atlanta's request for comment.
It is believed, however, that Jeffries is the "Anonymous" poster of this August 19 comment on our Colonnade report:
"Colonnade ain't going anywhere and no significant changes. I have it under contract and have been a customer for 55 years. My grandparents even ate there. Please relax and keep coming back supporting our wonderful staff!"
Unconfirmed reports indicate Jeffries plans to enhance the bar offerings, among the limited changes he plans to make.
The business (not the real estate) was originally offered for $975,000 but the final sales price was not disclosed.
What is your favorite menu item at The Colonnade? Are you one of the few who has never dined at The Colonnade? What is one thing you would like to see Lewis Jeffries change at The Colonnade?
Please share your thoughts below.