​Busy Bee Café Wins 2022 James Beard America’s Classic Award

ATLANTA, GA — The Busy Bee Café has been a staple in Atlanta’s Black neighborhood of Vine City for 75 years.

It was a frequent gathering spot for civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., whose namesake street the soul food eatery is located on. This week it was adorned with one of the nation’s highest restaurant honors, being named one six of the James Beard Foundation 2022 America’s Classics Awardees.

Just as Lucy Jackson did for King and his compatriots during the Civil Rights era, current ownership group head Tracy Gates serves up plates with fried chicken, ham hocks, catfish, collard greens, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and a host of other soul food favorites.

“It remains a community gathering spot, as well as a tourist destination, where locals, regional and international celebrities, and a bastion of comforting soul food for generations past and present come to roost,” the James Beard Foundation said in a statement announcing the awardees.

The James Beard Foundation celebrates American restaurants and the people behind them in its mission of “good food for good.” The awards aim to recognize exceptional talent in the culinary arts. Each year the America’s Classics Award is given to regionally beloved restaurants that reflect the character of the communities they serve.

The other restaurants honored are Casa Vega in Sherman Oaks, Calif., Corinne’s Place in Camden, NJ, Florence’s Restaurant in Oklahoma City, OK, Solly’s Grill in Milwaukee, Wis., and Wo Hop in New Yor City. These dining establishments join the more than 100 that have been honored with the American Classic’s award since the category was introduced in 1998, James Beard officials said. They will all be honored at the James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards Ceremony on June 13 at the Lyric Opera in Chicago.