Augie’s: The Origin Story
The Origin Story of Augie’s and the 2 Janie’s
The concept of Augie’s Breakfast Bar intertwines with the legacy of Augie Johnson, an iconic vocalist and creative spirit whose impact on music and culture continues to inspire. Augie’s son and his wife (“Augie’s Café”) collaborated with Eleanor to bring this vision to life, ensuring that Augie’s essence would permeate the restaurant. The atmosphere at Augie’s Breakfast Bar reflects Augie’s love for joy and connection, creating an inviting environment where patrons can come together over delicious food and uplifting music.
Augie’s Breakfast Bar is more than just a restaurant; it is a vibrant testament to the power of food, music, and community. Founded in 2022 by Eleanorjan Green Welcome, a long-time restaurant owner and manager, the establishment was born from a heartfelt desire to create a gathering space that resonates with the flavors and sounds of her youth. Eleanor sought to share not only great cuisine but also the warmth of community, echoing her passion for bringing people together through shared experiences.
In 2025, Eleanor took full ownership of Augie’s Breakfast Bar, deepening the connection to her family’s cooking heritage. This transition included the introduction of the unique culinary legacy known as the "2 Janie’s Legacy Recipes." The mystique surrounding the two Janie’s—Eleanor's mother (Janie Lee Green) and her husband’s first wife’s mother (Janie Carris Landcaster)—adds a fascinating layer to the restaurant's story. Both women hailed from Cairo, Georgia, and their remarkable history is tied to the same midwife, symbolizing an unbroken link through generations. These women were not only connected by their origins but also by an extraordinary talent for cooking that had been passed down through time. However, their treasured recipes remained largely forgotten until Chef Geoff Thomas, the son-in-law of Eleanor’s husband’s first wife, unearthed them.
Chef Geoff’s discovery of these time-honored recipes has provided Augie’s Breakfast Bar the ability to introduce what they affectionately call Nu-American Southern Cuisine. This innovative culinary approach blends the rich traditions of Southern cooking with contemporary influences, ensuring that each dish served embodies both nostalgia and freshness. The 2 Janie's Legacy Recipes now in the hands of our inhouse Chef’s Chef Penny Brumfield and Chef Dontez Menifee the Recipes are more than just meals; they represent a bridge connecting past and present, allowing guests to savor flavors steeped in history and love.
Augie’s Breakfast Bar stands as a vibrant celebration of community, music, and the culinary arts. Through its connections to Augie Johnson and the two Janies, the restaurant fosters a sense of family-friendly belonging, encouraging patrons to gather, share stories, and create new memories over plates filled with family, heritage and heart.