Every kitchen has its off-the-clock-crew, and in Atlanta, that crew often has four legs, a wagging tail, and very strong opinions about dinner.
From a Shih Tzu with a penchant for apples to a German Shepherd who’s basically the mascot of his own sandwich, we rounded up the dogs waiting at home (or occasionally on the patio) for some of the city’s favorite chefs, restaurateurs, and pitmasters. Here’s who’s got Atlanta’s culinary scene wrapped around their paw.
Axel Torres, Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta
Executive chef Axel Torres of Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta takes a break from the kitchen with his Shih Tzu, Lazzie. Torres tells DiningOut that Lazzie’s favorite food is apples; proof that even in a hotel known for its refined plates, simple pleasures can win out.
Howard Hsu, Sweet Auburn Barbecue
Howard Hsu, founder of Sweet Auburn Barbecue, loves spending his off hours with his English Cocker Spaniel, Brisket—a name that leaves little doubt about where Hsu’s heart (and menu) lies. Brisket’s favorite food is fittingly low on the hog: eggs.
Jocelyn Dubuke, JARDÍ Chocolates
JARDÍ Chocolates’ chef/owner Jocelyn Dubuke is part of a two-dog household, with Hermie the Corgi and Margeaux, a Jack Russell Terrier/Beagle mix running the show. Both get Fromm Four-Star Duck A La Veg as a staple, but Dubuke tells DiningOut that their real favorite is anything she’s cooking at home. Hermie and Margeaux get a taste of everything that comes out of her kitchen, except chocolate, of course.
Shaun Doty, Bantam & Biddy and Jules at Barnsley Resort
Chef Shaun Doty splits his time between Bantam & Biddy and Jules at Barnsley Resort, with a few hours left over to share with his 50/50 Pit Bull and American Bulldog mix, Theo. Theo’s favorite food is bananas, which is a fittingly low-key choice for a chef whose restaurants specialize in Southern comfort.
Freddy Money, Atlas
When he’s not helming the kitchen at Atlas, chef Freddy Money shares a few belly rubs with his Goldendoodle Benji. The pooch isn’t picky when it comes to dairy—according to Money, Benji will munch on just about any kind of cheese.
Tyler Dabestani, Necessary Purveyor
Tyler Dabestani, founder of gourmet market Necessary Purveyor, shares his good taste with his German Shepherd, RockO, who has a sandwich named after him on the market’s menu. Featuring RockO’s favorite food (a chicken cutlet), the sammie also happens to be the shop’s best seller.
Anish Nair, Pataaka
Pataaka executive chef Anish Nair treats his Aussie Doodle, Ace, like one of his regulars. Nair tells DiningOut just how well Ace eats: “[He eats] whatever I eat…which is mainly meat dishes. He is very spoiled.”
Lindsey Davis, Lazy Betty
Pastry chef Lindsey Davis of Lazy Betty loves to share snuggles with Riley, her Brittany Spaniel. Riley is a big fan of girl dinner, noshing on chicken, Skinny Pop, and pasta alongside her owner.
Robert Owens, Owens & Co.
Despite pitmaster Robert Owens’ talents with smoke and brisket, his Shiba Inu, Meiko, has a surprisingly pescatarian palate—salmon is the pup’s protein of choice.
Dave Woolley, Mellow Mushroom
When he’s not busy tinkering in the kitchen as Head of Culinary for Atlanta-based Mellow Mushroom, chef Dave Woolley is browning up steak bites—he butchers them himself—for his two pups: Lani the Australian Shepherd and Auski the Husky.
Arnaldo Castillo, Tio Lucho’s
Family runs deep in the two-dog Castillo household. Chef Arnaldo is a pet parent to Frijoles, a chatty Coonhound country dog with a “fat-boy heart,” and Herman, a rescue Castillo and his wife Julie picked up in Gainesville in late 2022—Herman’s name is short for “hermano,” since Frijoles needed a brother. Fittingly for a Peruvian family, both dogs share a taste for pork chicharrones.
