FATZ Cafe completes major renovation in Lexington

Updated layout celebrates heritage, enhances fun and casual atmosphere

Individuals who visit the Lexington FATZ Cafe will be the first to experience the restaurant’s reenergized layout and offering. Guests can expect to enjoy the quality Southern-inspired food that FATZ Cafe is known for in a space that provides updated décor, more flexible seating and new menu items from which to choose. The restaurant reopened on Saturday, March 26.

“We’re having fun with the new look and are eager to introduce these updates to all guests who walk through our doors,” said Zac Painter, Vice President, Marketing for FATZ Cafe. “While we take our food seriously, we don’t necessarily take ourselves too seriously. FATZ Cafe started as a brand that focused on providing a casual and comfortable environment – and these changes help us stay true to our roots.”

Initiated by FATZ Cafe CEO Chris Thomas, the redesign accommodates a continuing desire for guests to socialize, celebrate and gather in a warm and welcoming environment. New improvements also continue to recognize and honor the humble origins of the first restaurant, which began in a converted peach shed.

New dining and design trends

FATZ Cafe removed static tables throughout the main dining room and bar area. Lighter building materials, updated eclectic décor and light fixtures were selected to enhance a guest’s comfort, while more flexible seating options allow a guest to customize the space to their specific group and occasion.

Southern-inspired menu offerings with local flavor

The restaurant continues to feature FATZ favorites, such as their World Famous Calabash Chicken® and Baby Back Ribs. They’ve also introduced a Georgia Pecan Trout, a Fried Bologna Sandwich and a Carolina Burger with chili, sweet Vidalia onion coleslaw and mustard. 

In the Lexington location, South Carolina beers are on tap, the Carolina Peach Cobbler contains South Carolina peaches, and the grits in the Low Country Shrimp & Grits are from Columbia, S.C. The Pimento Cheese Plate Appetizer, also a new menu item, features jalapeño pimento cheese from Spartanburg, S.C.

Casual atmosphere with local ties

New uniforms will also make their debut in the Lexington location, which embrace the casual environment it sets out to offer. Servers will wear t-shirts that feature southern sayings, such as “Talk Southern To Me,” “Around Here Y’all is a Proper Noun” and “As Southern As Possible” – a twist on the famous acronym, ASAP.

Guests will enjoy seeing murals throughout the Lexington restaurant that were handcrafted by South Carolina artist Sean Williams, as well as interesting and vintage artifacts. Other locations undergoing renovations will also incorporate murals that are representative of their local communities.

FATZ Café has plans to remodel all other 44 locations across Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and the Carolinas.

About FATZ Cafe

FATZ Cafe was founded with humble beginnings in 1988 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, serving guests Southern-influenced food out of a converted peach shed. Its cravable, quality food, served with sincere Southern hospitality in a warm, welcoming atmosphere has allowed the concept to grow, and today there are 45 FATZ Cafe restaurants across the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. With a strong group of operating partners and a support team of seasoned professionals, the company is poised for continued growth in the Southeast and beyond.