These are the biggest metro Atlanta restaurant openings, closing and news from the past week:

Executive Chefs Jamie Lynch (left) and R. J. Cooper at 5Church Atlanta. (BECKY STEIN PHOTOGRAPHY)

Credit: Bob Townsend

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Credit: Bob Townsend

News

RJ Cooper is no longer serving as executive chef at 5Church in Midtown, according to Eater. Cooper has reportedly moved into a "consulting chef" role, splitting his time between the restaurants other locations in Charlotte and Charleston. AJC food editor Ligaya Figueras gave the restaurant one star when she reviewed it in September , writing that "it has work to do." On a semi-related note, 5Church partner Jamie Lynch recently announced he'll be part of the cast of "Top Chef" season 14 when it starts in December .

Venkman's is now offering a Chef's Table Tasting Menu that will run every Tuesday through Saturday. The four-course tasting menu by Chef Nick Melvin.  The menu is $60 per person with drink pairings for an additional $20.

Openings and closings

Where to eat, what to buy and what to cook this week

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Inventor Lonnie Johnson stands with his Super Soaker water guns at JTEC Energy on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, in Atlanta. Johnson, a former NASA engineer, is currently working on a new energy technology through his company’s JTEC device that turns thermal heat into usable energy. (Natrice Miller/AJC)