There is no shortage of delicious restaurants in Decatur: our city allows restaurants to blossom, especially those that are female-owned and operated.
We spoke to three women who are redefining the restaurant scene in Decatur about their journey, and what the city offers them.
Catherine Zuber, owner of La Chiquiada, grew up watching her Grandad operate a business in Decatur and always loved the area. After graduating from Auburn University, and working in the restaurant industry in California, she eventually returned to Decatur full of inspiration: thus, La Chiquiada was born. From weekend brunch to coffee, house salads, and mushroom quesadillas she and her team ensure everything is served from scratch, with a lot of love and effort, all fueled by the support of the local community.
Katie McLellan first worked at Café Lily as a hostess during her senior year at Agnes Scott. Now, eight years later, she is the owner! She attributes this long-term success to a love for the community.
“Decatur has a vibrant and diverse population that provides a steady stream of customers. The supportive local community has been instrumental in spreading the word about Café Lily through word-of-mouth recommendations, social media engagement, online reviews, and helping us build a loyal customer base,” says McLellan.
In 2023, downtown Decatur got a new Japanese spot in the form of Takumi Cuisine, founded by Yuen Yuet Chan. An engineer by trade, Chan had also worked as a bartender at the Ritz where she developed a passion for the service industry. Retired and in her late sixties, she decided to open Takumi and realize her dream of opening her very own restaurant.
“When I turned 60, I skied the Matterhorn and took a photo of myself in front of the mountain that I keep on my phone. I thought to myself, when I turn 70, I want another monumental photo to look back at. So, I opened Takumi in 2023, and when I turn 70 next year, I will take a photo of myself under the sign of my restaurant. It is never too late to pursue your calling and serve others,” says Chan.
Catherine, Katie, and Yuen all share a passion for hospitality and the meaningful experiences that can be shared over and through food and drink. If you’re looking for a new spot for an upcoming weekend meal, don’t miss these three. And for some must-have dishes, be sure to try the tiramisu and the gluten-free/Dairy-Free Hazelnut Brownie.at Cafe Lily, the cauliflower taco at La Chiquiada, and the cabbage starter at Takumi.
