Venkman's to Open in O4W in Mid-September

Credit: Venkman’s/Facebook

Staff Report

Venkman’s, a new dining and entertainment concept from Nicholas Niespodziani, Peter Olson, and chef Nick Melvin, is set to rock the Old Fourth Ward in mid-September. The names Niespodziani and Olson are familiar to those who have caught a set from Yacht Rock Revue - the new restaurateurs are co-front men of the group and founders of PleaseRock. Nick Melvin is an acclaimed local chef and founder of Doux South Pickles. The restaurant, housed in the former NuGrape Soda Factory overlooking Ponce City Market and Old Fourth Ward Park, promises to bring an entirely new experience to the Atlanta entertainment and culinary scenes by offering eclectic live music and creative comfort food under one roof.

At Venkman’s chef Nick Melvin will introduce a playful menu that showcases his refined, creative twists on classic comfort cuisine. Highlights will include Smoked Trout Beignets with 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.