Local couple wants to ‘make their own footprint’ with new brunch spot in Macon. See it.

Rick Howard is a restaurant veteran starting another endeavor with a new breakfast and brunch restaurant in Macon.

Howard will launch the new spot, Toasted Kitchen + Cocktails, with his fiancé Weatherly Haslam. The restaurant will be under the Lofts at Bass located on 5437 Bowman Road, Suite 100.

Howard says Toasted will be a “steak and seafood restaurant turned into a breakfast and brunch concept.”

Toasted will also have opportunities for people to host events after hours.

Howard said the breakfast and brunch concept has thrived downtown but is “underserved” in North Macon.

There will be traditional southern breakfast items, toast boards and shareables on the menu. One of the most anticipated items on the menu is The Butcher Shop Board, Howard said. Teaming up with The Butcher Shop, a local business in Warner Robins, Toasted will have revolving options of meat roughly every month to include on the board.

Howard is the owner of two Wild Wing Cafes in the area. One is located in Warner Robins and one is in Macon. Toasted will be the first restaurant he will open that is entirely his own, and not a chain. Haslam said Toasted is a way for them to “make their own footprint” on the community.

Haslam describes Toasted as her and Howard’s “own little brainchild.” The idea of the restaurant is a merging of both their dreams: Howards dream of closing early and Haslam’s dream of elevated dining, fun food and cocktails. Haslam said they “married the two ideas” to create Toasted.

Howard says he is hiring some of his staff from Wild Wing Cafe to assist him at Toasted. He emphasizes that a positive culture within his businesses and staff has been essential for his success. He is still looking for employees and kitchen staff to hire before opening.

“Take care of your staff and they will take care of everything else,” Howard said.

Haslam led the charge for decor and style of the restaurant, picking moody greens and colors that reminded her of the morning. She was inspired by a 1920s cigar lounge aesthetic.

“I wanted the building to be dressed in its best outfit, so you could be dressed in whatever you are in,” Haslam said.

The goal is to create a customer base that feels like family which is similar to the dynamic Howard has established at Wild Wing Cafe.

The details of opening day are to be announced later on, but the restaurant will open sometime in mid-to-late November, the couple said.