Atlanta, Meet Jack Brown's
On November 2, 2026, Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint officially opens its doors at 1006 North Highland Ave NE, its first location in Georgia and a brand-new addition to the Virginia Highland District. The building was home to the original Taco Mac for decades until it closed in 2025. Now it's ready for a new chapter of juicy burgers, cold beer, and good company.
Built by Best Friends
Jack Brown's originated in Harrisonburg, Virginia in 2009, when best friends Mike Sabin and Aaron Ludwig turned a childhood dream into a basement bar. The name comes from a “Joe Schmoe” style nickname the co-founders coined growing up as skateboarders. Today, Jack Brown’s has 22 locations across the Southeast, and that down-to-earth, friends-first spirit has stayed with the brand.
Come as You Are
Step inside and you'll find an approachable space filled with antique finds, a glittery disco ball, a giant boat, and a collection of vintage beer cans. General Manager Ryan Blake says he hopes it becomes a go-to social spot with a come-as-you-are spirit, "whether you're in a suit and tie or flip flops."
The Burgers
The star of the menu is the 100% American Wagyu smashburger, topped with combinations as creative as they are craveable. Try the popular Greg Brady, piled with BBQ potato chips and macaroni, or the Cobra Kai, with jalapeño jelly and cream cheese. On "Freestyle Saturdays," each Jack Brown's location gets to experiment with toppings you won't find anywhere else, so Virginia Highland will have a flavor all its own.
And trust us, save room for the fried Oreos.
The Beer
Behind the bar, 24 taps will feature a rotating lineup of craft beer from local brewers. Beer lovers can join the Notch Club and tally every new brew they try. Reach 100 beers and you've earned “Notch” status. Make it to 1,000 and you're a “Saint.”
Please note that alcohol isn't available quite yet, so stay tuned for updates.
New Ownership, Same Neighborhood Spirit
On October 26, 2026, it was announced that Jack Brown's had been acquired by Green Shoot Brands, a Florida-based restaurant investment group and franchise operator with a portfolio of eight other brands. Jack Brown’s founders Aaron Ludwig and Mike Sabin and president Jason Owenby will continue to run the company.
"Jack Brown's has always felt like a neighborhood bar because the people behind it treat it like one, and that isn't changing. Founders Aaron Ludwig and Mike Sabin, and current president Jason Owenby, are still leading the brand, and our Virginia-Highland Joint will be run by Ryan Blake and a crew hired right here in Atlanta. Alongside our American Wagyu burgers, we'll pour craft beer from Atlanta and Georgia breweries, with favorites from around the world. Through our Notch Club, regulars become part of the Jack Brown's family. We want to be a good neighbor on North Highland: showing up for Virginia-Highland, not just serving it. We'll see you at the bar." - MIKE EVANS, CEO, GREEN SHOOT BRANDS
Pull Up a Stool
Come hungry, come curious, and come as you are. Welcome to the neighborhood, Jack Brown's!
