Restaurant Insiders Offer Headline Predictions for 2015

As is the tradition at Eater, our closeout of the year is a survey of restaurant industry folks. We've already covered restaurant standbys, top newcomers, 2014 in one word, best dining neighborhood, biggest dining surprises, single best meals, and restaurant grievances. Now it's time for 2015 headline predictions. Readers, please leave your thoughts in the comments.

What are your headline predictions for 2015?

Krista Miller, Atlanta Eats director of content

I'm dreaming of the day I can read that Ponce City Market is ready to open its doors. Sean Brock, Anne Quatrano, and Hector Santiago in one building? Yes, please. I'll get my stretchy pants ready.

Joshua Charles, Flags of Origin owner/designer (Bocado Burger, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall)

"Mad Men found Atlanta."

Zach Meloy, Better Half chef/owner

"Atlanta becomes the culinary epicenter of the world!"

Jason Santamaria, Second Self Beer Company co-founder

"Second Self Beer Company: Best Brewery in Atlanta." (I can dream, can't I?) I think the local movement is just that — a movement, and no longer a trend. I'd predict we see more of it in 2015, and that extends beyond food, to beer and more.

E.J. Hodgkinson, King + Duke executive chef

Michelin coming to Atlanta by 2017!

Kevin Maxey, The El Felix executive chef

Tex-Mex sweeps the nation!

Todd Richards, The Pig & The Pearl and The Shed at Glenwood chef/partner

Downtown dining will become a better option for new restaurants.

Linton Hopkins, chef/restaurateur/empire builder

Atlanta named No. 1 dining destination in the USA.

Alex Brounstein, Grindhouse Killer Burgers owner

Old-school diners will be the next wave. I'm joining that trend with Hi-Five Diner (opening this January). I know Ron Eyester is also opening one in Atlantic Station, and I bet we will see a few more pop up. Also, I predict that The Cockentrice (from Kevin Ouzts of Spotted Trotter) will be the best new restaurant in 2015. The space he built out at the Krog Street Market is unbelievably gorgeous, and Kevin is such a talented chef. I also predict that it will receive the most pervy nicknames of any restaurant (OK, I'll start: The Cock and Thrust).

Julian Goglia, The Pinewood owner/bartender

Mai Tais are in. Greg Best is back. The world is a happier place.

Zeb Stevenson, Parish executive chef/soon moving to Watershed on Peachtree

"Family-Style Dining Is Fun!"

Jarrett Steiber, Eat Me Speak Me chef

The change of the guard takes hold.

Eli Kirshtein, The Luminary chef/owner

A Return to Fine Dining.