Our Story, Our City, Our People

In 1993, two friends, Steve Simon and Chris Goss, pioneered South City Kitchen on a gritty street in Midtown, Atlanta.   At that time, Midtown was no food destination, and southern cooking wasn't considered refined.

The first night there were over 100 people on a wait and a legend was born.  

The team knew that it wasn't just about award winning food. It was about the ability to move guests and create joy—the true foundation for building a great company. You can explore our history here, but know that we're not anchored to the past.

We think about how to move people through every sense—taste, touch, sight, sound, and smell. That's the heart of "Fifth Group": creating experiences that are immersive, meaningful, and shared by both our guests and our team. 

Our hallmarks are integrity, respect, learning and growing, success and generosity and the highest degree of quality in all aspects of our business, most importantly in how we work with each other. 

True hospitality extends beyond the table and beyond our restaurants. That's why we partner with organizations that strengthen our city, fight hunger, and support those in need. From local farms to neighborhood nonprofits, we're proud to invest in the people and places that make Atlanta thrive. 

Sustainability is woven into that promise. We buy local, source responsibly, compost everything possible, and partner with Atlanta's farmers and food community to nurture a healthier, more connected city. For us, caring for our city isn't a program; it's part of who we are