Miami Hospitality Group Brings Michelin-Starred Concept to Atlanta's Westside

Grassfed Culture Hospitality to open contemporary Italian restaurant Fum at Stella at Star Metals

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Michelin-recognized Grassfed Culture Hospitality, known for acclaimed restaurants in Miami, is expanding to Atlanta with the opening of Fum, a contemporary Italian restaurant focused on seasonal, local, and sustainable ingredients. Fum will open on February 14th at Stella at Star Metals on Atlanta's Westside, featuring an open kitchen, pasta-making room, and other design elements to provide diners visibility into the culinary process.

Why it matters

The arrival of Grassfed Culture Hospitality's Michelin-starred expertise in Italian cuisine represents a significant culinary addition to Atlanta's dining scene, particularly on the rapidly developing Westside. Fum's emphasis on transparency, locality, and natural wines aligns with growing consumer demand for more sustainable and thoughtful restaurant experiences.

The details

Fum will offer a menu of house-made sourdough focaccia, crudo, tartare, oysters, cheeses, charcuterie, salads, and antipasti. Handmade pastas will be available in half portions to encourage sampling, and there will also be plated meat and seafood entrees. The beverage program will highlight biodynamic Italian wines, eight house cocktails, and a negroni cart. The 150-seat restaurant features warm, cozy design elements like an open hearth, and will also have a spring-opening patio and a separate breakfast-lunch cafe.

  • Fum will open on February 14, 2026.
  • The patio will open in the spring of 2026.
  • A cocktail bar called Rabbit Ears is also slated to open on the 17th floor of the building in the spring of 2026.

The players

Grassfed Culture Hospitality

A Miami-based hospitality group behind acclaimed restaurants including One Starred and Green Starred Los Felix, and Bib Gourmand-awarded Krus Kitchen.

Sebastian Vargas

Cofounder and executive chef of Grassfed Culture Hospitality, bringing his Italian-inspired, seasonal, and sustainable culinary approach to Atlanta with the opening of Fum.

Esther Merino

A respected Spanish mixologist leading the beverage program at Fum, developing cocktails that highlight Italian ingredients and techniques.

Joseph Hackler

Cofounder of Grassfed Culture Hospitality, who emphasizes the group's focus on doing things the right way rather than chasing Michelin stars.

Stella at Star Metals

The mixed-use development on Atlanta's Westside where Fum will be located, providing the restaurant with a prime location.

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What they’re saying

“Italy is such an inspiration. I grew up with an Italian stepfather, and our summers in Italy were always very impactful.”

— Sebastian Vargas, Cofounder and Executive Chef, Grassfed Culture Hospitality (atlantamagazine.com)

“We've never aimed for Michelin. We've just done things the way we think they should be done, and the accolades have come naturally. If it comes to us here, we'll be super grateful, but there's no formula we follow because we want a Star.”

— Joseph Hackler, Cofounder, Grassfed Culture Hospitality (atlantamagazine.com)

What’s next

Fum is set to open on February 14, 2026, with a patio opening in the spring of that year. A cocktail bar called Rabbit Ears is also slated to open on the 17th floor of the building in the spring of 2026.

The takeaway

The arrival of Grassfed Culture Hospitality's Michelin-recognized expertise in contemporary Italian cuisine represents a significant culinary addition to Atlanta's dining landscape, particularly on the rapidly evolving Westside. Fum's focus on transparency, locality, and sustainability aligns with growing consumer demand for more thoughtful and responsible restaurant experiences.