Twenty-five years ago, publishing and event maven Dale DeSena gathered 20 local restaurateurs under an air-conditioned tent in Phipps Plaza's parking lot. Each brought samples of their best dishes for attendees to taste with pre-purchased tickets. More than 4,000 people participated, and Taste of Atlanta was born.
The festival has evolved throughout the past two decades, traveling from Lenox Mall to Atlantic Station to Historic Fourth Ward Park. In 2022, following the pandemic, Taste of Atlanta pivoted to focus on hyper-local events that are all-inclusive rather than ticket-based.
"The idea of chef-driven, local restaurants was just starting to come into focus," DeSena says of the festival's origins. "Chefs like Bob Amick and Gerry Klaskala were opening new restaurants. They needed help telling people these spots existed." The 25th anniversary celebration will take place at The Works in West Midtown.
