Hi, food friends.
It’s been a tumultuous couple of weeks; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s food and dining section has been buffeted by news from both sides of the spectrum. Our new editor, Monti Carlo, started last week – of course, while I was on vacation for a destination wedding in Europe. Her energy and drive have been infectious; Monti’s character shines through her introductory column published this past weekend. Her story is one of resilience and reinvention, with food and cooking at the heart of her successful career. It’s hard to think of someone better qualified to lead us forward.
Since I returned on Monday, the AJC announced a round of layoffs. Our team was not directly impacted, but everyone at the AJC has been affected. As someone who bounced around the newsroom during the chaotic months (years) of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ll have to say goodbye to several talented colleagues with whom I closely worked on different teams, most notably during my time on Breaking News. I owe many of them a debt for their guidance (and patience) as I shifted gears from a scrappy, food-focused freelancer into a real journalist covering hard news. I wish all of them soft landings and the best of luck, and they know who to call for a restaurant recommendation.
Now, with the food and dining team intact, we must respond. We have a rare opportunity to transform the way food, restaurants and dining are covered in Atlanta, and we need feedback from our readers. I’ll reiterate the questions Monti asked in her first column: What is most meaningful to you when it comes to food? What do you want to read more about? What should we do less?
Change is inevitable; rather than fighting it, we want you to be a part of it. Our lines are open.
Do you have tips, thoughts or questions for the AJC’s food and dining team? Reach out to me at henri.hollis@ajc.com.
About the Author
Henri Hollis is a reporter and restaurant critic for the Food & Dining team. Formerly a freelance writer and photographer with a focus on food and restaurants, he joined the AJC full-time in January 2021, first covering breaking news. He is a lifelong Atlantan and a graduate of Georgia Tech.
