Food for Thought: Cherokee Rose BBQ Heralds a Rebirth of Stone Mountain Village

Doug Reynics

I have been following, with great anticipation, the recent opening of Cherokee Rose BBQ, located in the heart of Stone Mountain Village. Owner Jonathan Hartnett invested three years in the construction and planning of Cherokee Rose, and it was worth the wait. Joining Hartnett on this culinary adventure are equity partners Gregg Herndon, chef owner of Tiburon Grill and Redfish, and Josh Brewer, bar manager with thirty years’ experience; these partners bring a wealth of strength and stability to Cherokee Rose.

Hartnett grew up only minutes away from the Village; he went to school close by and worked at Mama Mia’s in high school. While he currently resides in Smoke Rise, he still feels rooted to the Village, and really wanted to make a splash there. People living in Stone Mountain believe the Village is poised for a come-back, but there have been very few new businesses and attractions to create a buzz - until now.

The plan for Cherokee Rose began on paper as a simple BBQ and Brew but was soon elevated to a much more complex menu, inspired by what was revealed by the walls during renovation and the rich history of the surroundings. When you walk in, notice the décor. See a pattern? Much of the wood on the walls and the tables are from an old barn. The names of the horses are on the walls and even the bar. The construction of the bar is an intentional shape of a horseshoe - inspired by Hartnett’s time working at a bar in England.

I have eaten there twice and am thoroughly impressed with every aspect of the casual yet fine dining. Highlights of our meals thus far:

• The pork belly rib - something nobody is putting on a plate but Cherokee

Rose. • The creamed turnips - inspired by old school steak house creamed spinach but in line with the southern roots of the restaurant. • The Chocolate Pot de Crème - a cooked custard that contains heavy cream and egg yolks. • Several house-made cocktails - bearing the names of the horses. • The rainbow trout - the most popular menu item based on social media comments. I look forward to trying it on our next visit.

There is space for dining, for having a drink at the bar, and even private meeting and dining rooms. Before Cherokee Rose, diners had few options in the Village to drink and dine, but now there’s a new choice to stay local and do both in a relaxed, comfortable space.

Cherokee Rose is currently open every day for dinner from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m. The owners have plans to begin brunch service soon and lunch service when “the time is right.” I sincerely wish for Cherokee Rose BBQ a long and glorious stay in the Village, and I hope you will give them a try.

Doug Reynics is a longtime Tucker resident and self-described “foodie.” Many know him as “Doug the Driver,” who provides rides to and from both the domestic and international airport terminals. (To date, his service has provided 1,650 airport rides!) If you have a food story or question you would like to see him write about, email him at dougthedriver1@gmail.com.

Since 1998

MASSAGE ASSOCIATES

OF ATLANTA, LLC

GA License #MT000505

We are open for Therapeutic Massage

with limited appointment availability. Thank you for your patience and support!

WEEKLY VIRTUAL WELLNESS CLASSES YOGA for Every Body Monday & Thursday 11:00am TAI CHI QI GONG for Life & Body Balance Tuesday 1:00pm

Details at massageassociates.net/Classes