Miss Conduck, located at 460 Edgewood Ave SE, is a vibrant new addition to Atlanta’s food scene, blending Caribbean tradition with soulful hospitality.
Co-owned by the mother-daughter team of Chef Emily James and LaToya Franklyn, the restaurant offers guests more than just a meal—it provides a cultural experience rooted in family, flavor, and community. With decades of business experience under her belt, Emily James has worn many hats, from running salons to managing real estate offices. Still, she credits her early life in Trinidad for inspiring her entrepreneurial spirit.
“I didn’t always know I’d open a restaurant,” Emily shared in an exclusive interview with What Now Media Group. “But I always knew I’d build something of my own. That’s how I was raised: make something from nothing and do it with love.”
The concept for Miss Conduck was born after years of encouragement from friends and family, who frequently praised Chef Emily’s cooking at family gatherings and events.
“Every family event, every party, people line up for my food and would have seconds and thirds and ask to take a plate home too,” Emily recalled. “After so many years of hearing that, I finally said, ‘You know what? Let me give this a try.”
Miss Conduck features a menu predominantly inspired by Trinidadian and Jamaican cuisine, showcasing dishes like oxtail, jerk chicken, curry chicken, roti, plantains, and house-made sauces. The restaurant also serves as a flexible event space for private celebrations, brunches, and gatherings that reflect the vibrant culture of the islands.
The location, situated just east of downtown in Atlanta’s Edgewood neighborhood, was intentionally chosen for its vibrant cultural energy and sense of community.
“Atlanta reminds me of the Caribbean in some ways, full of energy, music, culture, and a strong sense of community,” Emily explained. “The Edgewood area also reminds us a lot of our neighborhood back in Brooklyn. Everything about where we are at feels like home.”
Since opening, the response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Thank God, it’s been going well,” said Emily. “We get people from all over, from the islands, from the South, from corporate offices, who tell us, ‘This is exactly what Atlanta needed.’ That keeps me going.”
While challenges such as staffing, maintaining consistency, and navigating the costs of operating in a historic building persist, Emily remains focused on the rewards that come with it.
“Seeing people smile when they taste my food,” Emily says. “Hearing them say, ‘This reminds me of my granny,’ or ‘I haven’t had roti like this in years.’ Feeding people is my love language.”
Looking ahead, the co-owners plan to expand their catering services and increase their presence in more locations, including a potential Miss Conduck location at the airport. Emily also envisions a future where the business becomes a platform to mentor the next generation in hospitality and entrepreneurship.
“When you come to Miss Conduck, you’re not just coming to eat; you’re coming to feel something,” Emily said. “We cook with real ingredients, real culture, and real heart. It’s Caribbean soul, and everybody is welcome at our table.”
Miss Conduck is now open and welcoming guests for dine-in, catering, takeout, and private events.
