Founder and namesake at Famous Mike’s of Macon has died, family says

Mike Seekins, the founder and operator of Famous Mike’s of Macon in downtown, died Wednesday evening, according to a post from his family to the Famous Mike’s Facebook page.

Seekins was a native of Macon and attended Stratford Academy. He attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, before returning home to try his hand at opening a restaurant.

His first venture was Biscuits, Burgers & More off Mercer University Drive. The business eventually rebranded as Famous Mike’s and moved to its current location on Poplar Street in 2018.

A staple in the community, Famous Mike’s is known for its classic diner fare including burgers, breakfast biscuits and pork chops. Seekins could often be found in the restaurant, greeting customers as they settled in for a bite to eat.

Gov. Brian Kemp made a stop at Famous Mike’s in 2021, and the restaurant placed third for its burger for Macon Burger Week in 2019.

Maconites left messages remembering Seekins under the post announcing his death, recalling everything from his dedication to helping people experiencing homelessness to his love for the Georgia Bulldogs.

“The restaurant will be closed for the next few days and we are going to take this time to discuss next steps,” Seekins’ family wrote in the post announcing his death. “I’m sorry to give you all this terrible news.”