Hired Guns is Back at Gunshow

We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to not only live in a city that had boasted some of the top restaurants in the country, but also to be able to dine at many of them as part of our job. Out of all of the outstanding Atlanta restaurants we’ve been to over the years, I can say without hesitation that Kevin Gillespie’s Gunshow is my very favorite, and most memorable.

For years Gillespie has been putting on a weekly event on select Sunday evenings called Hired Guns. Hired Guns brings in a new top chef each week who brings with them their own special flare to the famous Gunshow small plate menu. Hired Guns is back for 2025, and the lineup is off the hook.

The team at Gunshow will soon showcase the country’s most talked about chefs during its popular Hired Guns dinner series next year. On select Sunday evenings throughout 2025, well-known chefs nationwide will come to Atlanta to showcase their unique flavors and personalities alongside the revered Gunshow chefs.

We will introduce a new set of exceptional chefs to our Atlanta community through this dinner party,” says Chasser. “We’re excited to present some of the country’s most talented chefs—most from the Southeast—who bring varying cuisines and different cooking styles to our kitchen.”

As mentioned, Gunshow tops my list of best restaurants in Atlanta – and beyond! What is it about Gunshow that’s so fantastic? If you’re expecting a fancy-shmancy atmosphere, think again. It’s essentially a concrete-laden, small, industrial looking area with an open kitchen. I’m a big fan of small plates, especially one’s that are as exquisite as these, that are prepared in the open kitchen right before your eyes, camaraderie and stress included. (Not The Bear kind of stress, though!) And best of all is the interactive experience – each chef will make their rounds and offer their wares, along with an explanation.

We had the pleasure of attending a Hired Guns event many years ago, and this brings with it an even more special flare. While the menu at Gunshow is always changing, Hired Guns really brings in a new element with each top-rated chef, guaranteeing something very unique each and every time.

I won’t bother to list all of the chefs here. You can see them on the Hired Guns page. But I did want to call your attention to some special pricing available. Hired Guns is a ticketed event which covers all of your food. Drinks are purchased separately. If you’re really a Gunshow fan consider their season ticket option.

A pair of season tickets for the six-dinner series are $1,500. Season tickets include:

• Two tickets to each of the six Hired Guns dinners
• Each dinner includes 10 courses, perfect for sharing
• Opportunities to take photos with the chefs (don’t forget cameras)
• Autographed menus after each dinner signed by Gunshow chef de cuisine Cody Chassar, the guest chef, and the Gunshow team

More info on Gunshow and Hired Guns can be found here.