Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Plummer.
Hi Mike, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Southbound wasn’t something I set out to build as a grand plan. It started with a building and a gut feeling. Back in the early 2010s, Chamblee was quiet and overlooked, but I have always believed that good neighborhoods are built around places where people can gather. I came from a construction background, and I had spent years working on projects that required problem solving, patience, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. That mindset carried over into this.
The building itself had clearly lived a long life before we got to it. It was not pretty, and it definitely was not easy, but it had character. I saw potential in restoring it rather than replacing it, and the idea became less about opening a restaurant and more about building something solid that could serve the neighborhood for the long haul.
Getting there took time. A lot more time than expected. Renovating a late 1800s structure meant constant surprises, long delays, and plenty of moments where quitting would have been the easier option. There were no shortcuts, and most days felt like steady, unglamorous work. Along the way, we built a team that believed in the vision and was willing to put in the same effort. Many of those people have been with us since day one, and they continue to be the backbone of Southbound. What I am most proud of is the Southbound family. One of the most meaningful outcomes of building that team is that Southbound has become a place people trust with their most important moments, from weddings and rehearsal dinners to milestone birthdays and family celebrations. Over time, private events have grown into the heart of our business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No, it has not been a smooth road. Not at any stage.
From the very beginning, restoring a late 1800s building came with constant challenges. Structural issues, outdated systems, shifting code requirements, and long stretches of waiting on approvals all slowed things down. Working through multiple layers of government was the biggest challenge and city processes in Chamblee at the time added another layer of difficulty; it often felt like progress required more persistence than support. Every time we thought we were close, something new would surface. It tested our patience and our resolve more than once.
Even after opening, the challenges did not stop. Running a restaurant is a daily exercise in problem solving. Staffing, rising costs, equipment failures, and the pressure to stay consistent while everything around you changes are just part of the job. There is always something that needs attention, and rarely a clean finish line.
COVID was its own kind of test. Overnight, the rules changed and there was no playbook. We were forced to adapt quickly while trying to protect our team, serve our guests, and keep the business afloat. It was exhausting and uncertain, but we showed up every day and kept moving forward.
What carried us through all of it was grit and people. A team that believed in what we were building and was willing to push through the hard parts together. The road has been anything but smooth, but it has been honest work, and that is what made it worth sticking with.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At its core, my work is about building places that last. I focus on creating restaurants that feel rooted in their communities, where the food is honest, the service is genuine, and people feel comfortable coming back again and again. We are not trying to chase trends or reinvent the wheel. We aim to do the basics really well and stay consistent.
Southbound is known as a dependable neighborhood gathering place. People come to celebrate milestones, meet friends after work, or simply enjoy a reliable meal in a space that feels familiar. A lot of care goes into the environment, from how the building was restored to how the room feels when it is full, because atmosphere matters just as much as what is on the plate.
Our private events are at the center of the business, and that is what we are most proud of. Southbound has become the backdrop for weddings, rehearsal dinners, birthday celebrations, corporate gatherings, and family milestones that people will remember long after the night ends. Being trusted with those moments is not something we take lightly.
What I am most proud of is the team. Many of our people have been with us since the early days, and that kind of longevity does not happen by accident. It comes from mutual respect, shared standards, and a commitment to doing things the right way even when it is harder. That consistency is what guests feel when they walk through the door.
What sets us apart is independence and accountability. We are not part of a chain, and we do not answer to investors or a corporate playbook. We answer to our guests, our staff, and the neighborhood we serve. That keeps us grounded and allows us to make decisions with a long view rather than focusing only on the next quarter.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I have learned is to stay focused on solving the problem in front of you and to make sure you are not trying to do it alone. In this business, challenges are constant, and learning how to approach them calmly and methodically makes all the difference.
Equally important has been finding a community of fellow professionals who understand the realities of the work. Being able to talk things through with people who have faced similar challenges helps you make better decisions and avoid unnecessary mistakes. That shared experience becomes a support system you can rely on when things get difficult.
Over time, that perspective has led me into consulting with other owners and operators. Helping people work through build outs, operations, or early growing pains has reinforced how valuable shared knowledge can be. It has also sharpened my own approach by forcing me to think clearly, listen closely, and focus on practical solutions.
Progress comes from persistence, good judgment, and surrounding yourself with people who are willing to share what they have learned. That combination has been essential to building something that lasts.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.southboundatl.com
- Instagram: southboundatlanta
Image Credits
Hailey Sheffield and Michelle Scott Photography
