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6 ventures in Middle Georgia now open or preparing to offer unique food, drinks

Stories by Macon Telegraph journalists, with AI summarization

Middle Georgia offers a diverse range of community-driven dining and unique experiences in cities like Macon, Warner Robins, and beyond.

This list of stories illustrates the region's culinary creativity, from wood-fired pizzas at Smokin’ Oak in Warner Robins to the traditional flavors of Q Time Barbeque by South Houston Lake Road. Village Coffee in Macon embraces warmth and affordability, creating a haven for coffee enthusiasts, while initiatives like JBA’s Sober Social offer non-alcoholic social spaces with inventive mocktails. Some of these spots are already open, while others are in the process of getting started.

Cultural influences are also represented through ventures like Maharaja Market, catering to Indian and Pakistani tastes, filling gaps in the local grocery landscape.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Known for wood-fired pizza and self-pour taprooms, Smokin’ Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom is coming to Warner Robins and then to Macon. By Olive Juice Studios

NO. 1: WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & SELF-POUR TAPROOM BRAND NEW TO GEORGIA COMING TO WARNER ROBINS, MACON

“It’s an experience that’s very unique ...You’re able to just go grab a glass, pour your own drink,” said Nimesh Patel, one of the franchise owners. | Published January 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becky Purser

Decadent Dessert Bar will be moving across the street to the corner of this new plaza in Warner Robins and joining a host of new restaurants and businesses either open or coming to the plaza. The future spot for Decadent Dessert Bar includes a drive-thru. By Becky Purser

NO. 2: BUFFALO WILD WINGS GO, DECADENT DESSERT BAR TO JOIN NEW SPOTS IN WARNER ROBINS PLAZA

Here’s a look at each of the new restaurants and businesses now open or coming to the new plaza. | Published January 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becky Purser

Five families are opening soon the Maharaja Market, an Indo-Pak grocery store in Warner Robins. The Maharaja Market is at 4025 Watson Blvd., Suites 180, 190 and 200, in the former Tuesday Morning space in a shopping center that also includes an Indian restaurant. By Becky Purser

NO. 3: FLAVORS FROM SOUTH ASIA: 5 FAMILIES WILL OPEN INDIAN-PAKISTANI GROCERY IN WARNER ROBINS

Shoppers can expect to find essentials to make authentic Indian and Pakistani dishes as well as ready-to-go frozen meals. | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becky Purser

I just tried Village Coffee for the first time and here’s what I thought.

NO. 4: I TRIED THIS MACON COFFEE SHOP FOR THE FIRST TIME & SPENT LESS THAN $10. HERE’S MY REVIEW

The coffee shop opened in September 2024, but I just got around to trying it. Here’s my review and what I ordered. | Published February 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Chelsea Madden

A “Snow Beach” mocktail sits inside of the JBA lounge during the bar’s weekly Sober Social on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in Macon, Georgia. The drink features coconut cream, a non-alcoholic spirit, lime and pineapple juice, topped with cinnamon and nutmeg. By Katie Tucker/The Telegraph

NO. 5: MACON SPOT HOSTS ‘SOBER SOCIAL’ WITH A CREATIVE MENU. ARE THE DRINKS AS GOOD AS COCKTAILS?

A Macon bar is offering a sober night out once a week with trivia and a rotating mocktail menu. | Published March 19, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lucinda Warnke

Q Time Barbecue Food Company owner Robert Parker flips chicken on his barbecue grill on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Q Time Barbecue in Warner Robins, Georgia. Parker affectionately calls his pit “Big Bertha.” By Katie Tucker/The Telegraph

NO. 6: ‘Y’ALL ARE MISSING OUT.’ FANS SAY DON’T PASS BY POPULAR BARBECUE SPOT IN WARNER ROBINS

This hidden gem is known for its good food, ample portions and affordable pricing. | Published March 27, 2025 | Read Full Story by Becky Purser

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.