For our latest Sonder City Chat, we connected with Chris Alexander, General Manager of Atlanta, who has lived in The Big Peach for many years. First moving to Atlanta for undergrad, Chris has been a longtime fan of the city. Known as the “Capital of the South”, Atlanta “attracts diverse people, influences culture, and spurs innovation in business, technology, and policy” says Chris. Joining Sonder in January of 2019, Chris has launched and grown Sonder’s presence in the city to dozens of spaces. Here, he shares some of his favorite spots for visitors.
What’s the best-kept secret about Atlanta? Atlanta has one of the best restaurant/food scenes in the US. It’s more than just southern, soul or fried, although JCT Kitchen, Busy Bee, Twisted Soul Cookhouse are all delicious. We have a wide range of top quality chefs, concepts and tastes across various cuisines and price points. Some of my favorites are: Marcel, Gunshow, Superica, and Taqueria Del Sol, Barcelona, Storico Fresco, Bar Mercado and UMI. Interestingly, one of my favorite meals is Todd Richard’s Pork Belly and Collard Green Ramen at One Flew South in terminal E of Atlanta Hartsfield Airport – I can’t wait to travel again!
What’s your favorite thing about living in Atlanta? In 1995, Outkast’s Andre 3000 prophesied, “The South got something to say.” His pulpit was Atlanta, and it was as true then as it is now. Atlanta’s culture is truly diverse – with our leaders, institutions, ideas, and people, it’s a place where everyone can win. Atlanta has tech and innovation, Fortune 500 companies, movie stars and movie sets, hip hop and outdoor concerts, and many sports. It is the home of the Civil Rights Movement and has amazing colleges and universities, including Morehouse, Spelman, Georgia Tech and Emory. “Atlanta influences everything” is an expression to some, but it’s a way of life here.
What are three social distancing activities you recommend for people in Atlanta right now/in the near future? Take a stroll, run, or bike on the Atlanta Beltline. My wife and I like to grab tacos and Rosé on Saturdays for picnics in the park, and going to an outdoor brewery with proper social distancing precautions can be great right now too.
Where’s the first place you take family and friends when they visit? First to our place in Atlanta’s West End – my wife and I love to host family and friends. Then out for a night on the town, starting with dinner at Barcelona Wine Bar in West Midtown, with Tapas and great drinks. Then out to the oAK Night Club on a Saturday!
Which Sonder unit in Atlanta is your favorite? I love the designs at 549 Peachtree (like this space), but the units and views at 1 Baltimore Place are hard to beat. Check out this beautiful Penthouse. Fun fact, this is a historical building and considered the first apartments in Atlanta. We will also have two new properties coming online in 2021, including The Grant Building in Downtown ATL.
