Ron Eyester, New Owner of Food 101

Food 101 Morningside's long-standing chef and partner, Ron Eyester, has purchased the neighborhood hotspot from current owners, 101 Concepts, and plans to reintroduce the restaurant as his own.

After working on a detailed business plan, securing financing and arranging a deal with 101 Concepts for the better part of a year, Eyester was able to sign the closing papers on March 3, 2009. Now, despite the tough economic forecasting for the restaurant industry, Eyester is taking over the reins and looking forward to continuing the successful restaurant's legacy.

Fans of Food 101 Morningside will be relieved to know that the heart and soul of Food 101 won't be changing. As chef of the restaurant since day one, Eyester has a great respect and knowledge of the space and what makes it unique. Understanding the history of the restaurant will allow Eyester the chance to turn a corner and avoid becoming stagnant without losing any of the qualities that make Food 101 Morningside a neighborhood favorite.

Eyester's dedication to local and regional suppliers remains unwavering and his commitment to cooking with the seasons has been reinforced since his progression to restaurant ownership. The menu of Food 101 Morningside has always been under Eyester's creative control so neighborhood favorites like Springer Mountain fried chicken, Riverview Farms pork ravioli and Wild Georgia shrimp and grits won't be going anywhere. Instead, diners will see a streamlined menu that continues to offer old favorites alongside a few new stars.

With a passion for music second only to his cooking, Eyester plans to continue offering musically-themed dinners more often than ever. Past successful dinners have included a tribute to Johnny Cash, James Brown and The Allman Brothers. Of course, the first dinner Eyester plans to offer as owner is an extended version of his annual Jerry Garcia dinner in late summer 2009.

Eyester is happy to retain his full staff as well as add some new faces to the team. Jason Chenette, Food 101's longtime bar manager, is being promoted to restaurant manager. Jeff Jackson will step in as bar manager and in-house mixologist, and Meryl Arnett will join the team as director of PR and private event coordinator.

Chef Eyester and his staff look forward to announcing the new name and inviting regulars as well as newcomers to the restaurant over the next few months to experience for themselves a renewed commitment to the restaurant, its farmers and its community.

For more information regarding hours of operation, menu details and location, call 404-347-9747 or, visit www.food101morningside.com.