‘Working Hard’: T.I. and Killer Mike Move Forward with Revival of Historic Bankhead Seafood Restaurant In Atlanta

T.I. and Killer Mike are continuing their mission to give back to Atlanta communities by moving ahead with their previously announced plans to revitalize local restaurant Buckhead Seafood.

After purchasing the business in 2018 shortly after its original owner closed the doors, the duo announced plans to reopen in January 2020, just a couple of months before the COVID-19 pandemic forced closures across the globe. With life adjusting in the face of the new normal, the artists have decided it’s time to continue with their business plan for Bankhead Seafood.

T.I. (left) and Killer Mike (right). (Photo: @killermike/Instagram)

According The Atlanta Business Chronicle, the rappers filed a building permit application with the city of Atlanta on Dec. 7, which would allow the space to undergo almost $2 million worth of renovations. In June, the pair filed a special administrative permit application with the Atlanta Department of City Planning, so it appears as if they’re making sure all is in proper order ahead of their yet-to-be-announced opening date.

Killer Mike excitedly shared the news on his Instagram page and made sure to give props to his wife Shay and their business partner, real estate broker and developer Krystal Tyler-Peterson, for helping to close the deal, as well as the Bankhead Seafood staff for their “grunt work.”

“Me and @troubleman31 working hard! Salutes @shaybigga & @krystal_dynasty for getting the deal done! Ya’ll some real leaders!” he captioned his post. “#WhyRapperHatersNeverMentionThisStuff #WestSidePride it takes a TEAM! #TeamWorkMakeADreamWork Thank @chakacooks & All The Crew from The @bankheadseafood Truck Too. Ya’ll Grunt work has not been overlooked. Ya’ll are appreciated. #WhenTheyTalkAboutUs #TheyBetterMentionWeBringingJobsHome #WeAintTryingToPlaySmallWeGoingBIG #LoveAndRespect”

The business has been successfully running as a pop-up shop and food truck throughout the pandemic, and Killer Mike said that making the decision to take over so that its doors didn’t remain closed was a no-brainer for him.

“It’s been a part of my life as long as I’ve been on earth,” he told WSB-TV Atlanta. “If you’re writing a show or a book about Michael Render and his family, (Bankhead Seafood) would definitely be one of the characters.”

Killer Mike and T.I. are moving forward with their plans to reopen Bankhead Seafood after they were stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. @killermike/Instagram

The landmark Atlanta restaurant, which opened in 1968, was formerly owned by Helen Harden, who decided to close shop in 2018 because it became more difficult for her to continue running. “I felt like I wasn’t doing my customers a good service when they wait a little longer than they used to have,” former owner Helen Harden told 11Alive.

When the Bankhead Seafood restaurant reopens, patrons can look forward to their classic menu and recipes, like its famous fried fish, as well as a few new additions, including grilled and steamed options, alcoholic beverages, biscuits made according to Killer Mike’s aunt and grandmother’s recipes, and possibly even a sweet potato pie that’s one of T.I.’s own specialties.