The Colonnade, Atlanta’s second-oldest restaurant, is working with Ardmore Avenue Publishing to produce a commemorative book in anticipation of its 100th anniversary. The release is planned before the centennial celebration in 2027, with pre-orders expected to open in late 2026.
Operating for nearly a century on Cheshire Bridge Road, The Colonnade has become known for classic Southern dishes and has endured events such as changes in location, a world war, fires, a pandemic, and multiple ownership changes. The current owners aim to document this history officially.
Rich Eldredge, an Atlanta journalist and publisher at Ardmore Avenue, is collaborating with owners Paul Donahue and Lewis Jeffries on the project. They have launched a public Facebook group called “Memories of Atlanta’s Colonnade,” where community members can share personal stories and photographs to contribute to the book.
Ardmore Avenue also plans to organize storytelling sessions at The Colonnade so guests can offer their experiences for possible inclusion in the anniversary publication.
“As an Atlanta reporter, I’ve written about the iconic Colonnade many times through the years,” says Eldredge. “It’s also one of my favorite places in the city to meet up with friends for dinner. It’s an honor to collaborate with Lewis and Paul to finally tell The Colonnade’s fascinating story in book form as part of its centennial celebration.”
Ardmore Avenue’s chief creative officer and co-founder Paolo Aguila states, “By showcasing 100 years of archival images, along with guest and staff memories, plus The Colonnade’s unique history as a Hollywood movie location, our goal is to capture the fun of a night out at The Colonnade in a gorgeous commemorative coffee table book you’ll want to share with friends.”
Donahue and Jeffries were longtime customers before purchasing The Colonnade in September 2024. “When Rich approached us with the idea of creating a book, we were moved,” Donahue says. “We never imagined that one day we’d have the privilege of preserving The Colonnade’s legacy ourselves.”
