Things 2 Do

Celebs open new Atlanta chicken-and-waffles restaurant

ATLANTA — Looking to score some chicken and waffles in Atlanta? Diners have a new spot to enjoy the popular dish thanks to some celebrity owners.

Crystal Smith and Ne-Yo teamed up with Karlie Redd from VH1′s “Love n’ Hip Hop” and Bounce TV’s “Saints & Sinners” to open Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles.

“This is a new venture for me. I look forward to living up to and potentially exceeding whatever potential is possible,” said Ne-Yo, GRAMMY award-winning singer-songwriter, and Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles partner. “My partners, however, know what they’re doing, my wife knows what she’s doing. So, I’m confident and excited! Great food, great atmosphere. Can’t ask for much more than that!”

“Ne-Yo and I aim to make everyone feel at home at Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles, and you never know who you’ll see dining alongside you. Anyone who appreciates music will love the ambiance we created in our dining room, with awards and plaques from Ne-Yo, myself and some of our closest friends,” said Redd. “Who doesn’t love some amazing chicken and waffles while listening to some amazing music! We hope to see you if you’re in College Park.”

Located at 3725 Main St. in College Park, the eatery’s signature dish is chicken and waffles. Guests will have the option to customize the famed Southern staple with mix-and-match proteins, plain or bacon-flavored waffles, sauces and add-on sides.

Other menu items include Cheddar Drop Biscuits with whipped honey butter and strawberry preserves; Hot Skillet Cobbler desserts in apple or peach, served with vanilla bean ice cream and salted caramel drizzle; Saints & Sinners Brioche French Toast Log and The Mac Attack Chicken Sandwich with crispy chicken breast, creamy mac and cheese, bacon, sriracha aioli and a toasted bun.

“As a little girl, my Granny’s kitchen was the cornerstone of love for our family,” Smith said. “It was her way of bringing everyone together, and my life’s dream is to spread that love to the world through my recipes created with love.”

Fourteen platinum albums from famous Atlanta-bred musicians will grace the walls of the restaurant. Ranging from R&B, rap and hip-hop, the collection will highlight names like OutKast, Ne-Yo, Ludacris, Usher and more. Original pieces of artwork, a mural of the Harlem-based Apollo Theater and Insta-worthy neon signage that reads “Everyday I’m Waffle’n”, contribute to the music scene-influenced atmosphere of Johnny’s Chicken & Waffles.