Georgia Considers Making Lemon Pepper Wings the State's Official Wing Flavor

Bipartisan bill aims to enshrine Georgia's signature dish as a cultural and culinary icon.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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A bipartisan bill sponsored by state Rep. Eric Bell is being considered by Georgia lawmakers that would make lemon pepper wings the official wing flavor of the state. Bell argues that lemon pepper wings have become a 'cultural and culinary phenomenon' in Georgia, with references from hip-hop artists helping to grow the dish's renown nationwide.

Why it matters

Designating lemon pepper wings as an official state food could help attract more tourists to local Georgia restaurants and cement the dish's status as a source of state pride and heritage.

The details

The bill is being considered by the House Special Rules Committee, whose chairman, Rep. Mitchell Scoggins, R-Cartersville, expressed his support for lemon pepper wings as his personal favorite. If approved by the committee, the bill would advance to a full vote in the state House of Representatives.

  • The bill was introduced and is being considered by lawmakers on Wednesday, February 21, 2026.

The players

Rep. Eric Bell

A Democratic state representative from Jonesboro, Georgia, and the sponsor of the bill to make lemon pepper wings the official state wing flavor.

Rep. Mitchell Scoggins

The Republican chairman of the House Special Rules Committee, who expressed his support for lemon pepper wings as his personal favorite.

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What they’re saying

“Lemon pepper is something that's synonymous with the state of Georgia, and people across our nation have come to know Georgia as famous for its lemon pepper wings. This is a homegrown identity.”

— Rep. Eric Bell, State Representative (The Current GA)

“I'll have to agree with you that is my favorite wing too is the lemon pepper wing. I do like them better than any other kind.”

— Rep. Mitchell Scoggins, Chairman, House Special Rules Committee (The Current GA)

What’s next

The House Special Rules Committee is expected to vote on the bill soon, and if approved, it will advance to a full vote in the state House of Representatives.

The takeaway

Georgia's embrace of lemon pepper wings as an official state food highlights how regional culinary specialties can become sources of state pride and identity, potentially boosting local tourism and economic development.