Lazy Betty, the Michelin-starred restaurant in Atlanta's Midtown neighborhood, has introduced a Pre-Theatre Tasting Menu designed to accommodate diners heading to nearby cultural venues including the Fox Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center, and Alliance Theatre.

Pre-Theatre Menu Timing The new four-course menu is available for reservations booked between 5pm and 5:45pm, with the full experience lasting approximately two hours. Wine or non-alcoholic cocktail pairings are available for each course. Chef-Owner Ron Hsu continues to build menus around Southern influences and regional ingredients. A current signature dish—Hudson Valley Duck, Lavender-Scented, with Squash Blossom and Summer Ragu—showcases this approach. "Each of our tasting menus pays homage to the region we call home," Hsu said. "For example, our seasonal duck dish was built around the classic Southern condiment, Jezebel sauce. It's usually made with sweet and sour ingredients, and served with poultry or game. Our take is made with dates and prunes, and elevated with local summer squash pearls." Lazy Betty offers multiple tasting experiences: the flagship seven-course Lazy Betty Tasting Menu, a Bar Tasting Menu in the Bar Lounge, and a Dessert Tasting Menu featuring four seasonal desserts by Pastry Chef Lindsey Davis. Vegetarian versions of the main and bar menus are available upon request.

Wine Program Expansion The restaurant's wine program—recently honored as a 2026 Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence winner—now extends beyond the dining room through a new wine club. Wine & Beverage Director Gracie Barwick curates two bottles monthly for members, each accompanied by tasting notes, pairing suggestions, and background information. The program focuses on small and family-owned producers practicing organic or Biodynamic methods.

Guest Chef Collaborations Lazy Betty has scheduled collaboration dinners with two visiting chefs.

On September 10, Chef Ron McKinlay, a Canadian culinary veteran with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens across the UK and Middle East, will lead a multi-course dinner. On October 1, Chef Danny Lledó of Washington, DC's one-Michelin-starred Xiquet will collaborate with Hsu's team. Xiquet has held its Michelin star annually since 2021 and earned AAA's Five Diamond rating since 2022.

Why It Matters

For Atlanta operators, the Pre-Theatre menu model offers a practical blueprint for capturing diners with time constraints near entertainment venues. The wine club strategy—leveraging an award-winning program to generate recurring revenue beyond the dining room—reflects a broader trend among fine-dining establishments seeking additional revenue streams and direct consumer relationships.

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Written by FBM Publications Editors