Thieves Rob Ra Sushi Bar in Midtown Early Wednesday Morning

Burglary at Ra Sushi Bar in Midtown

Two men robbed Ra Sushi Bar at Peachtree and 11th streets in Midtown after the restaurant closed early Wednesday morning, the AJC reports. Employees cleaning up after service say they heard a knock at the back door and two men “tricked” them into letting them enter the restaurant. The two suspects, one brandishing a gun, stole an unknown amount of money and got away. No one was hurt during the robbery. Atlanta police are currently reviewing the surveillance video from the restaurant to determine the identities of the suspects. Most restaurants have strict policies regarding not opening the door for anyone for any reason after closing. [AJC]

A second location of Gio’s Chicken is opening at Battery Atlanta

Giovanni Di Palma’s Italian empire grows. The Antico Pizza and Home Park “Little Italia” food village owner plans to open his second Gio’s Chicken Amalfitano location at Battery Atlanta later this year, according to Tomorrow’s News Today. Gio’s replaces Feed Fried Chicken, which closed in January. Di Palma also has an Antico location at Battery. [ToNT]

Food & Wine names B’s Cracklin’ BBQ pitmaster Bryan Furman a 2019 “best new chef”

The culinary magazine just announced their picks for 2019’s best new chefs, and Atlanta’s Bryan Furman, owner of B’s Cracklin’ Barbecue, is among those honored. Food & Wine restaurant editor Jordana Rothman calls Furman “a leading voice in shaping the identity of Georgia-style barbecue.” The accolade comes as he and wife and business partner Nikki Furman deal with rebuilding their popular barbecue joint in Riverside following a devastating fire in March. [F&W]

Man who torched Decatur coffee shop Java Monkey has been arrested

The man who allegedly set fire to Java Monkey in Decatur last November is in custody, Decaturish reports. Rickey Davis, a former employee who was fired just days before the blaze, faces first degree arson charges. Davis apparently harassed the business by phone days prior to fire and told people he was going to burn down the business. Davis is apparently seen on surveillance video the night of the fire holding what appears to be a broom handle, which may have been used to break a back window. Java Monkey’s patio and wine bar were severely damaged. The coffee shop plans to reopen at some point. [Decaturish]

Another Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream will open in Buckhead

A location of the popular Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream may be opening in Buckhead Market Place on West Paces Ferry, What Now Atlanta reports. The complex is anchored by Whole Foods. Both Jeni’s and the forthcoming, Texas-based Velvet Taco replace North Face in the complex. Jeni’s has locations on Decatur square, at Westside Provisions District, and inside Krog Street Market. [WNA]