After hearing about Intelligentsia Pasadena, I just had to start spreading the word about a new coffee-bar-meets-restaurant concept that's brewing in Atlanta's Midtown: Empire State South.  It's a Southern-style "meat and three" place with a full coffee bar serving Counter Culture.  I was recently tapped to lead the barista army at this new location, and we're so stoked to bring some flavor (so-to-speak) to the Atlanta coffee scene!  The restaurant is owned by Hugh Acheson, a James Beard nominee who's got some amazing restaurants in Athens, GA.  He's a coffee lover who wanted a new place that had just as much heart in the coffee bar as it does in its kitchen.  We'll be rocking it out with the usual core espresso drink menu and by-the-cup pourovers of whatever's in season (possibly starting out with Esmeralda!).  Backed up by a full kitchen and full alcohol bar, we're looking forward to exploring how coffee can be integrated into all aspects of the restaurant... including practical application of signature drinks.  I'm sure that Empire State South will be on the map for must-visit coffee in Atlanta!  Our opening is set for late August/start of September.