Kirkwood restaurant The Argonaut, located at 1963 Hosea L. Williams Drive SE, announced on social media that it will transform into women's sports bar Jolene Jolene, according to What Now Atlanta.
"We've been eagerly awaiting this chance to fill all of you in on some exciting changes that have been in the works for a few weeks now," the restaurant wrote. "We're thrilled to share that The Argonaut will be transforming into Jolene Jolene, Atlanta's home for all things women's sports. Incoming Operating Partner Chelsea Fishman's passion for championing women athletes is infectious, and her vision for this space will take Kirkwood somewhere special. Somewhere this neighborhood deserves."
Fishman founded Jolene Jolene as a roving popup that has been operating at venues across Atlanta for the past couple of years, and she has been searching for a permanent location. A Kickstarter campaign for the concept ran throughout April, helping build momentum toward today's announcement. David Cunningham and Brandon Nelson, who opened The Argonaut in 2024 with an emphasis on fresh seafood, will remain involved at the new spot as operating partners.
For Kirkwood, the transformation is a significant cultural move. Women's sports viewership and live-venue demand have both jumped in Atlanta in the past two years, and there is no other dedicated brick-and-mortar space focused on WNBA, NWSL, and college women's basketball and soccer broadcasts in East Atlanta's cluster of neighborhoods. Jolene Jolene's arrival gives Kirkwood a first-in-category destination that should draw visitors from across Decatur, East Atlanta Village, and Reynoldstown.
A specific opening date has not been announced, but the transition is expected to move quickly given Fishman's popup infrastructure is already built.
