I love small towns. The historic buildings, the on-street parking, the big trees and wide sidewalks. There was a time when those places were out of vogue. I’d drive through them and think, gawd, this could be fabulous, someone should transform this dusty main street into something spectacular.
But when it comes to redevelopment, rarely does it mean honoring the past, it’s more about looking to the future. But at Restaurant Holmes in Alpharetta City Center, that’s not the case.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Alpharetta City Center lead developer Cheri Morris of Morris and Fellows, and that idea of honoring the past with spaces that truly create community is the overarching plan. The first tangible proof is Restaurant Holmes, which opened recently in the historic Jones House at Alpharetta City Center.
Restaurant Holmes is a neighborhood establishment. Executive Chef Taylor Neary (recently of Marcel and St. Ceclilia) is from the area. The name “Holmes” is a six-generation family name. His eclectic American menu will change often and feature simply prepared dishes using locally sourced ingredients from Levity Farms in nearby Milton. Expect around 20 small plates such as Tepache Glazed Shishito Pepers and Bone Marrow Toast. Personally, I’m looking forward to tasting the seasonal soft serve ice cream made in-house.
It’s not he first time this building has been a gathering place for family and friends. It was once owned by the Jones family (here is a fun article on Mr. Jones). George Jones, the only son of William and May Jones is now in his nineties and living nearby. Recently he attended the opening of the restaurant, eating in the same dining room he did as a boy. It overlooks a patio that was once his mother’s garden. Within sight is a container garden of herbs used in restaurant dishes.
Just like the Alpharetta City Center development, Restaurant Holmes honors the past, but isn’t going for an authentic recreation. The 60-seat restaurant’s decor has dark geometric tile in shades of gray, brown and navy. Design features include graffiti and skateboards on the walls. There is a huge wolf mural by renowned local artist Greg Mike in the dining room, and be sure to check out Mike’s bathroom murals too.
Restaurant Holmes is open seven days a week for dinner. Soon they will be open for lunch as well.
Here are even MORE things to do in Alpharetta (41+ to be exact)
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Definitely looks like a good one to try. You can’t go wrong whenever there’s good food and a fun atmosphere to go with it.