A gourmet french fry concept continues to grow in the Peach State, with a new location now open at an East Atlanta Village food hall.
Buena Papa Fry Bar signed a lease at Southern Feedstore earlier this year. The concept from Raleigh, North Carolina, serves loaded fries with hand-cut potatoes and a range of globally inspired toppings and flavors.
Alex and Jeanette Farrés are the team behind the franchise location.
“We’re living the American dream,” said Jeanette, who is Colombian-American. Alex, a veteran, is Cuban-American.
They are excited to open their first restaurant in East Atlanta.
James and Johanna Windon started Buena Papa Fry Bar after cooking a traditional Colombian dish with fries used in place of rice. Since then, the couple from Raleigh, North Carolina, has grown the brand and even appeared on Shark Tank. In addition to several locations in North Carolina, the concept can also be found in Miami.
The founders have also opened a location at Halidom Eatery, an upcoming food hall.
The Farrés’ knowledge of the brand goes way back. Jeanette told What Now Atlanta that James is cousins with somebody that she grew up with, and Johanna was best friends with her sister growing up.
“I followed their story and my sister would keep me up to date,” Jeanette said. “She was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this food is amazing.’ When I came up to North Carolina after they opened, I agreed.”
Buena Papa Fry Bar took the place of the Korean restaurant TKO at Southern Feedstore. Steve Josovitz of The Shumacher Group represented the seller.
Alex and Jeanette don’t plan to stop at just one location.
“The end game is to open several over the course of a couple years,” Alex said.
[Editor’s Note: This article has been updated with news of the opening.]