Automatic No More: Athens Icon Weaver D's Serving Final Plates After Nearly 40 Years

The lime-green soul-food joint that helped name an R.E.M. album is about to serve its last plates. Weaver D’s Delicious Fine Foods, the beloved Athens counter where “Automatic for the people” became part of rock history, will close this week as owner Dexter Weaver retires after nearly 40 years behind the line.

Weaver plans to serve his final meals Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with the restaurant’s last day set for Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. Loyal regulars are already lining up for farewell orders of fried chicken, squash casserole and pork chops, trying to squeeze in one more plate before the doors shut for good.

The building and the quarter-acre lot were sold last week to Joe Nedza, founder of Baddie’s Burger House, and Weaver confirmed the short final run to local reporters. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the sale closed Friday and Nedza said he may convert the space to a new concept or another Baddie’s location while keeping the site active for the neighborhood.

Buyer says he wants to preserve the spot’s role

Nedza announced the purchase on social media and told neighborhood outlets he has no interest in seeing the corner turned into a parking lot or more student housing. As reported by Flagpole, he said he hopes to “inject as much life into this space as I can,” though he is still finalizing plans for what exactly will go into the building once Weaver D’s serves its last meals.

An Athens institution

Weaver D’s has been a local landmark since 1986, when Dexter Weaver first started dishing out meat-and-threes to neighbors and University of Georgia students. It jumped from town favorite to national curiosity when R.E.M. borrowed Weaver’s signature catchphrase for the band’s 1992 album title, turning “Automatic for the people” into an alt-rock calling card.

The James Beard Foundation has highlighted Weaver D’s as an American classic, noting its role in Athens culture and menu staples like fried chicken, collard greens and sweet potato soufflé that kept lines steady for decades.

Final plates and what’s next

In recent days, patrons and UGA students have been stopping by to say goodbye, trading stories across the counter and snapping photos with Weaver. Local outlets captured neighbors talking about how the food and Weaver’s personality shaped the community around the restaurant.

WSB‑TV recorded the outpouring, noting that the sale will hand the lime‑green landmark to a new owner while closing a major chapter in Athens dining history. For anyone hoping to get one last meal, Weaver D’s will be open Tuesday through Thursday this week before the final service on Feb. 26, 2026, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.