GOOD TIMES ARE ON THE MENU WITH HOST KELLI POTTER AT SOUTHERN FRIED

Kelli Potter’s grandmother ignited her love of cooking. Waking up to the smell of Nana Shirley’s banana bread is a sense memory so strong for her that it continues to lives in her head, nose, and mouth.

Over the years, Potter’s Nana has been woven into every aspect of her career, from inspiring the name of her two restaurants to influencing the recipes in her cookbooks.  

Kelli Potter, 41, is more than a reality TV personality, she’s an accomplished author, restauranteur, and loyal family member. Her family’s love and authenticity impact everything in her life, especially in the kitchen.  

Though not originally from Atlanta, Potter has made the city her home.  

She’s a full-time cast member on Real Housewives of Atlanta and she operates Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles in the city and Nana’s McDonough outside city limits.

Bringing purpose to every dish, Kelly Potter returns to Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by Invesco QQQ as the host of Sunday’s Southern Fried: A Fried Chicken Affair.  

Ahead of Southern Fried: A Chicken Affair, we caught up with Potter about Atlanta’s food scene, her plans for this year’s festival, and what’s next.

Q: What are you most excited about for this year’s Atlanta Food & Wine Festival?

A: For my event, of course. I look forward to hanging with the VIP attendees, having a great time, and enjoying amazing food. Please come hungry.

Q: Atlanta has become one of the country's most exciting food cities. What do you think makes its culinary scene so special?

A: We are in the south, so flavor is at the top of that list. Whether you are having chicken and waffles at a restaurant, barbecue from a stand, or wings at a bar, you are going to get tons of flavor. Every bite is going to be delectable.

Q: What does serving as Host Chef for Southern Fried: A Chicken Affair mean to you?

A: It means so much to me since my restaurant has participated in AFWF so many times in the past. I look forward to interacting with the food enthusiasts who will pour in from across the country.

Q: And finally, what’s next for you?
A: “My cookbook, Kooking with Kelli: The Kookbook & Kocktail Guide, will be out this fall.”

Visit and meet chef Kelly Potter on Sunday, September 13 for a taste as she hosts Southern Fried: A Chicken Affair, a walk-around tasting at the Home Depot Backyard that celebrates one of the South's most beloved dishes. GET TICKETS!

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