Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaamshad Zarnegar
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Iran and moved to England at the age of 12 to attend a private school. Later, I came to the U.S. for college, attending UNC Greensboro. My first introduction to the restaurant industry was washing dishes in the university cafeteria. From there, I got a job as a dishwasher at the Dogwood Room. I worked my way up—busser, server, room manager—learning firsthand how every role in a restaurant is essential. The most valuable experience came at Southern Lights, a restaurant that opened in the ‘80s. That’s where I truly honed my skills—learning formal service, bartending, and eventually moving into the kitchen. I started creating specials, trained as a line cook, then sous chef, and later transitioned into management. My culinary foundation was shaped by my head chef, John Drees, the restaurant’s owner, Beth Kizhnerman, and another fellow employee, Anne Steketee.
After a summer trip to Athens, GA, I landed a job at The Georgian, which led me to Last Resort Grill. I walked in, met owner Melissa Clegg, and three hours later, I was the General Manager. That marked the start of a 30-year journey with Last Resort, where I became part-owner in 1999. After a leadership transition, I decided it was time for something new.
During the pandemic, I relocated to Atlanta, uncertain about opening a restaurant but keeping an open mind. Through a mutual connection, I met Chef Giuseppe Esposito, and that’s where the vision for Kitty Dare took shape. We opened in November 2021 with a small, dedicated team—many of whom have been with us from day one.
Last year, I wasn’t looking to open another restaurant. After years in the industry, I knew how much heart and energy it took, and I was content focusing on Kitty Dare. But then a close friend—who’s now my landlord—offered to show me a space in Cascade Heights. The moment I walked in, I felt something. It reminded me of the early days of Kitty Dare—the chance to create a space that was more than just a restaurant, but a gathering place filled with meaning and connection. That feeling stayed with me, and in August 2024, Natalie Bianca was born, honoring the community and bringing people together over food.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s never a smooth road in the restaurant industry—Murphy’s Law always applies. Opening in late 2021, in the aftermath of the pandemic, presented its challenges. It took us two to three years to reach a stable level of business, which is longer than usual for a new restaurant.
Staffing was a major challenge early on—finding people who not only had the skills but also the passion for providing high-quality service. Beyond that, running a restaurant in a city comes with logistical hurdles: securing the right space, dealing with road work, and navigating Atlanta’s parking challenges.
We’ve also had to make tough business decisions—one example being Saturday brunch, which just didn’t work for us. But through it all, we’ve remained committed to our vision, and we’re proud to be part of the communitiy we serve.
We’ve been impressed with Kitty Dare and Natalie Bianca , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Both of my restaurants—Kitty Dare and Natalie Bianca—are deeply personal. They are named after women who profoundly shaped my life, and through them, I honor their spirit and the connections that make hospitality so meaningful. Kitty Dare is a tribute to my dear friend, Kitty Dare Etheridge, whose passion for food, wine, and adventure inspired my own. In her memory, we’ve created a space that reflects our love for hospitality and a strong sense of community.
Natalie Bianca carries the same sense of purpose. When I walked into that space in Cascade Heights, I knew I wanted to create something special—just like we did with Kitty Dare.
At Kitty Dare, our approach to Mediterranean cuisine is uniquely broad, incorporating influences from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. But beyond the menu, what truly sets us apart is our team. Our core staff has been with us from the beginning—it’s a family, not just a business. At Kitty Dare, the wine program is another defining feature. We offer a thoughtfully curated selection at fair prices, with wines from all over the world. I personally select the wines and stay connected with the Atlanta wine scene, frequently visiting tastings and working with shops like VinoTeca and 3 Parks Wine Shop. Most importantly, we’re committed to the communities we serve. We strive to be a neighborhood fixture, building strong relationships with our guests and fellow businesses.
I’m proud that we’ve created something truly unique for Atlanta. Kitty Dare isn’t the kind of restaurant you’ll find in every city—it’s a reflection of our team’s passion, our community, and the stories that have shaped us.
Kitty Dare and Natalie Bianca are built around good food, great drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, the focus is always on creating a space where people can connect and enjoy the experience.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Boarding school meant I was often separated from much of my family, but one of my fondest memories is when my father would return from medical conventions. He always brought back a present and hugged me tight—it was a small but deeply meaningful gesture.
Another cherished memory is traveling through Europe with my father. We were apart for many years—from 1979 to 1992—so every moment together was incredibly special. Those experiences shaped my love for travel, culture, and hospitality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kittydare.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kittydareatl
- Other: https://resy.com/cities/atlanta-ga/venues/kitty-dare?seats=2&date=2025-03-25
Image Credits
Photos (011,026,120) Credit – Heidi Harris @heidiface
Photo (4L8A6358) Credit – @atlantacoffeeshops
