The Busy Bee Café is a restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. It is a well-known location in the history of the U.S. civil rights movement. In 2022 it was named one of America's Classics by the James Beard Foundation. History The restaurant was opened by Lucy Jackson, a self-taught cook from Carrollton, Georgia, in 1947 on what was at the time called Hunter Street, now Martin Luther King Drive. At that time Hunter Street was one of only two streets in Atlanta where Black entrepreneurs were allowed to open businesses and where Black diners were welcome in restaurants. The Busy Bee and Paschal's became meeting places for civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Hosea Williams. According to Unique Eats and Eateries of Atlanta, the restaurant is "as well known for its role in the civil rights movement as it is for its fried chicken." Menu The restaurants specializes in southern and soul food specialties such as catfish, fried chicken, ham hocks, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. Country Living said it was best known for its fried chicken. Recognition In 2022 the restaurant was named one of America's Classics by the James Beard Foundation. Roadfood called them "the best Southern restaurant in Atlanta. Period." Ownership In 1968 Jackson sold the restaurant to two local businessmen. In 1981 Milton Gates bought it. As of 2022 the restaurant is owned by Tracy Gates, who took over from her father in 1987. References Restaurants in Atlanta Black-owned restaurants in the United States 1947 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state) James Beard Foundation Award winners