Helen Brown Harden, the founder of legendary Westside restaurant Bankhead Seafood, died over the weekend, just weeks after its reopening in Grove Park under the ownership of Atlanta rappers Michael “Killer Mike” Render and Clifford “T.I.” Harris.
According to an announcement posted to Bankhead Seafood’s Instagram page, Harden died on Sunday, Dec. 1. The post now includes scores of condolence messages and memories of Harden at her restaurant. Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens also expressed his sympathies in a public tribute to the iconic restaurateur.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends mourning the passing of Ms. Helen Brown Harden, the visionary founder of Bankhead Seafood. For over 50 years, she gifted our community a culinary treasure that grew into a beloved institution,” he wrote in a press release.
“As we recently celebrated Mike and TI’s reopening of Bankhead Seafood, we are reminded of Ms. Harden’s contribution to our city. Her legacy will endure, not only through her food but also in the hearts of all who were touched by her vision and dedication to serving our community,” Dickens added.
Harden first opened Bankhead Seafood in 1968 on what was then Bankhead Highway, later renamed Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway. Known for its generous fried fish plates and $5 seafood boxes served with two large hush puppies, Harden operated the modest restaurant for 50 years – many days cooking and packing orders by herself. Atlanta rap group Goodie Mob immortalized Harden’s rule of not selling extra hush puppies upon request at Bankhead Seafood in their 1995 song “Soul Food”.
Harris grew up in the area, and he and Render attended Frederick Douglass High School three miles east of Bankhead Seafood on H.E. Holmes Drive. When they took over ownership of Bankhead Seafood in 2018, Harris and Render promised Harden it would remain an affordable dining option in the neighborhood. They also committed to reinvesting in the community, including hiring residents and local students to work at the restaurant.
Bankhead Seafood will share plans for Harden’s memorial service on its Instagram page.