Pitmaster Bryan Furman joins Smyrna barbecue team at Owens & Co.

Owens & Co., a craft barbecue restaurant in Smyrna, announced this week that pitmaster Bryan Furman has joined its team. Furman, a widely respected figure in the barbecue world, will be responsible for creating a new menu. He plans to introduce short ribs, brisket, and other items that feature a more complex approach to barbecue.

Furman previously operated B’s Cracklin’ BBQ in Atlanta. After the original location burned down, the process of reopening was complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic. He abandoned plans for a solo restaurant and joined the Owens & Co. team instead. Furman said he found a flexible cooking environment that allows him to make whatever he wants to eat.

"I am really glad to be back," Furman said. The new menu will launch at the South Fulton location on Thursday, and the restaurant will add new items annually. He will not only handle the menu, but he will also be available to customers on short notice to answer questions about the food.

Other developments in the metro Atlanta restaurant scene include a new cafe project by Chaka Khan at Serenbe. The musician, who already has two planned locations in Atlanta, is designing the space to be a community hub. The cafe will feature black bean-based noodles and other dishes. Khan said she wants to provide a place where people can participate in keeping the community alive.

Magic City Kitchen in Atlanta has named a new peppered wing combo "FTW." The name references Atlanta rapper Big Yelleb, who is from the same neighborhood. The restaurant collaborated with Yelleb and his brother, Fan Gang, to create the dish. The wings are available for order at the West Forsyth location and will be featured in future music videos by Yelleb.

The Peachtree City location of Five Ice Cream opened its doors this week. The shop will serve new flavors and desserts. The establishment is located at 123 Peachtree City, and the phone number for reservations is 550-884-0511.

A new pizza place opened in Alpharetta last week. The restaurant, named Olive Tavern, is located at 70 North Avenue in Alpharetta. It will serve salads and pastas, as well as pizza. The establishment opened in full during the announcement and is now serving customers daily.