Pam Ledbetter is the owner of Wahoo! Grill—a local bistro that’s been in the neighborhood for 7 years. Pam shares with us what it’s like to be a business owner here as well as what makes Oakhurst the suburban-urban dream neighborhood.
Can you describe this neighborhood for folks that have never been here before?
Well the thing that I like about Oakhurst is the community support. There is a lot of diversity here. There are young hip people, seniors and everything in between—families, it’s a real nice cross mix. Because of the diversity, it is very forward thinking, so in that way it has all the benefits of being in a city, but it also has a homey, safe feel. The police ratio per capita is very high. There are a lot of community activities that bring people together, so everyone tends to know one another. It has great characteristics of a small town and a large city. Since it’s tucked away it’s been sheltered from growing too quickly; the local government does a good job of that.
How would you describe the types of people that live here?
There are a lot of creative people here. People who work from home, and a lot of families. There are also people who like to go out a lot. But overall everyone is community minded and environmentally conscientious. We support local produce and farms—that seems important to people.
Is this your ideal neighborhood?
Yes, it definitely is. I love Oakhurst; I think it’s magnificent. And again, for all the reasons I’ve mentioned, you know I think it’s forward thinking and accepting and really just a good mix. I like that they allow growth and expansion but keep the integrity of historical architecture.
Were you surprised by anything when you moved here?
The community support. I was completely blown away by how strongly people feel about the businesses, and that’s why I think businesses are so successful…. I started adding comment cards, and it has been the best tool for me to figure out what the people in Oakhurst want—by listening. They really respond well to that.
What was the area like when you opened 7 years ago on College Avenue? What was it like coming here as a business?
Well, there was/is a MARTA station [East Lake station] on one side and a probation office on the other side (which is no longer there). There was not a lot of traffic on this street, and people looked at me, popped their head in and said, “You’re going to open a restaurant here?” and I said, “Yes, I am. It will be magnificent. All you naysayers move along.”I had been studying Oakhurst and all the traffic, and what types of people were moving into Oakhurst. After seeing what types of restaurants were already here, I discovered that there weren’t really any nice, sit-down restaurants.
I looked at other areas—Morningside near Smith’s Olde Bar, Virginia-Highland because that was the area I lived in before coming here. But I really wanted the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of a neighborhood and be a part of turning it around. Being on College Avenue, I think I have been a part of doing that.
You mention Virginia-Highland, do you think Oakhurst is becoming the next Virginia-Highland?
I think so. Oakhurst Village would need some expansion, especially on College Avenue. Getting some retail around here would really help because there is still a lot of room for growth. I moved to Virginia-Highland in 1988, and there were these gorgeous old homes, and you could get them for a song. People moved out to the suburbs, and I think that is some of what happened here [Oakhurst].
There were these big mansions in Virginia-Highland, but then people were still selling crack on the street corners. That’s why I loved it; I was watching it transform, and that’s why I love Oakhurst. I love watching the gentrification happen, and it’s mainly happening on the business end. The residential side of Oakhurst is very established.
What’s your favorite part about this neighborhood?
I love the location and these great little pockets of nearby neighborhoods—Kirkwood and Reynoldstown. I love the architecture too… the craftsman style is really pretty. They’ve done a good job of not mowing down and over-landscaping it.
Is there anything about this neighborhood that you’d like to change?
I’d like more retail. I’d like to give people more reasons to come here. They’ve definitely done that with reasons to move here. I’d like to draw these other neighborhoods into Oakhurst where people come to shop, go to dinner, and then go to a show. I think that’s starting to happen further down College Avenue near where PushPush Theatre is. There’s some retail stuff, restaurants, and bars.
In order to do this they need to make the sidewalks wider; I think that will make it easier to walk around.
Also, I’d like easier access to public transit. I know a cable car has been talked about, and I would love to see that because I think that is what every area of this entire city is missing.
What’s the real estate like here?
There are more homes than apartments. I don’t really know much about what is going on in the real estate scene. There are usually more homes to buy than rent, but with the economy I think there are a few more rentals, but mainly it’s stuff for sale. The price range is on the higher side, but I think there are still some good deals. Also, the homes here retain their value really well, and there are great schools, so it’s sought after.
Are there any disputes or new developments happening in your neighborhood?
There’s not really any disputes. I think there is debate on how to develop areas in Oakhurst. There is some undeveloped retail space, and there is discussion on what it should be, whether it’s a grocery store or something else.
If you were forced to leave this neighborhood, what neighborhood would you move to and why?
I love Decatur [a small city on the eastern side of Atlanta], so maybe the Decatur square area. I would pick it because the way the government runs the city and community support and loyalty there. The government and the community are very loyal; it’s like an urban Mayberry.
Are there neighborhoods in this city that you would never live in? What are they?
I wouldn’t live in the suburbs. You couldn’t pay me to live there. I love the city feeling. So anywhere north of Midtown… like Buckhead and north of that. It’s too crowded, too slick, too developed.
Are there any hidden secrets about Oakhurst?
It itself is a hidden gem. It may be unclear to some people how easily accessible it is, transportation wise. Getting Downtown is pretty much a straight shot; there’s just one turn.
Oakhurst has many festivals. What is one of your favorites and why?
I love the Jazz festival that they have every Spring and Fall [April-May and September-October]. I love the music and supporting local talent. It’s at the Solarium, and it’s free. Everyone comes out to it, and it’s like a church picnic. I love all the festivals; they do so many cool things.
A little about Wahoo! Grill—Wahoo! is a casual European-influenced neighborhood bistro with elegant and warm dining. Check them out over the holidays as there are some cool happenings including Brunch with Santa on December 10th from 10AM-Noon. Reservations are strongly recommended. Please call 404.373.3331 to make one today!
