What inspired Atlas?
An atlas on a coffee table is really where my journey began. At age nine, I found my father’s National Geographic opened to France. Avid travelers, my parents had planned our spring break. I still remember the meals we ate. The food was art, the service was a ballet, and there was an art to being a diner.
Why Fayetteville?
I was born and raised in Fayetteville, so it was natural after traveling for many years that it called to me when I was ready to open a restaurant of my own. It’s a beautiful city that’s growing very quickly, and I saw a great opportunity for a restaurant of our style to succeed.
How does being chef-owned influence the dining experience?
Being chef-owned helps us pinpoint small details to curate a special experience. We strive every day to focus on each ingredient, each dish, and the kitchen efficiency. This translates to service in the front of the house and how we take care of our guests, to controlling our timing and coursing meals to make the experience feel smooth.
What sets Atlas apart from other fine-dining restaurants?
Our menu is unique because we change most of the items four times a year. We use seasonal ingredients at their best flavor and work with local farms and producers for each iteration of the menu. We also encourage our management team to travel and gather inspiration from all over the world. From trips we’ve taken to Mexico City, France, or Thailand, we love discovering new flavors and techniques we are excited about!
What do you hope diners take away from their experience?
We hope our guests feel transported away and engaged in the moment. Atlas gives everyone an opportunity to explore new flavors, incredible cocktails, and unique wines from around the world all while being immersed in the hospitality we strive to give.
These experiences left a lasting impression on me and set a foundation for my lifelong love of travel and of cooking.