New Restaurant Opens in Old Fourth Ward

Credit: Venkman’s/Facebook

Venkman’s, a new dining and entertainment concept restaurant in the Old Fourth Ward that has taken over the space once owned by the NuGrape Soda Factory, is now open for business.

The new restaurant is the brainchild of Nicholas Niespodziani, Peter Olson, and chef Nick Melvin; Niespodziani and Olson are also the front men of the band Yacht Rock Revue and are co-founders of PleaseRock. Melvin has made a name for himself at Doux South Pickles.

Now at Venkman’s, Melvin will introduce a playful menu that showcases his refined, creative twists on classic comfort cuisine. Highlights will include Smoked Trout Beignetswith celery slaw, apple ketchup and trout cracklin’; Chicken Fried Tofu with jalapeno slaw and smoked honey Duke’s served on a sweet tater bun; and the Celery Salad with arugula, cucumber, salted almonds, parmesan and burnt lemon vinaigrette.

Likewise, Venkman’s bar program will offer playful approachability and feature classic cocktails, local and eclectic draughts, and rosé on tap. In addition to traditional offerings, the bar will churn out signature boozy slushies, aptly named to match the night’s music selection.

Venkman’s will deliver curated live music performances ramping up in energy and volume as the week progresses. Guests can expect bluegrass, funk, rock, country and yacht rock (of course) among genres represented. Artists from the PleaseRock roster will make regular appearances and founders Nicholas Niespodziani and Peter Olson will spin their favorite albums during DJ sets on Tuesdays during September.

Designed by local architecture firm ai3, Venkman’s aesthetic will pay homage to vintage lounges and feature an open kitchen with chef table seating in the same room as the live music. Equipped with a state of the art sound system, the venue will provide an exceptional concert experience in an old-school atmosphere. Design elements will include red velvet curtains and a sound booth and stage finished like classic stereo speakers juxtaposed with industrial stained concrete floors and exposed steel beams and piping.

During the first month of operation, Venkman’s will be open for dinner and late night service. Hours of operation are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and from 5 p.m. until late Thursday through Saturday. Venkman’s is located at 740 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Atlanta, Ga. 30308.