Perc Coffee Temporarily Takes Over Poncey-Highland Restaurant Southern Belle During Its Closure

East Lake coffee shop Perc Coffee pop ups in January at chef Joey Ward’s Poncey-Highland restaurant, Southern Belle. The pop-up coffee shop comes as Ward temporarily closes Southern Belle and its tasting menu counterpart Georgia Boy at Plaza on Ponce for the winter.

Ward announced his decision to “temporary halt” operations at both restaurants last month in anticipation of a post-holiday surge in COVID-19 cases and cold weather making outdoor dining less feasible. A recent state-by-state survey conducted by the National Restaurant Association indicates 27 percent of Georgia restaurant owners may consider temporarily closing their establishments until the pandemic ends.

To help offset the costs of rent and utilities while the restaurants are on hiatus, Ward offered the space to Perc Coffee for the month of January. Perc plans to open for coffee, pastries, and other light bites, Wednesday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., with seating available on Southern Belle’s back patio. The Savannah-based coffee company also plans to use the pop-up as an opportunity to “test the waters” for a potential second Atlanta location opening somewhere nearby.

Ward says he’s willing to entertain other pop-ups filling the space while his restaurants remain temporarily closed for the winter and is even considering launching a takeout business. “We will open the week of Valentine’s Day but will re-hibernate after until the spring,” Ward tells Eater. “I am open to other doing pop-ups, and am thinking of trying a quick service, takeaway concept myself!”

Perc Coffee at Southern Belle, January 6 - January 31, Wednesday - Sunday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. No indoor seating. Masks required.

• Two Atlanta-Area Restaurants Close While Another Temporarily Closes for the Winter [EATL]
• Savannah-Based Perc Coffee Opens Next Month in the East Lake Neighborhood [EATL]