Richard Thomas, owner of Buckhead’s R. Thomas restaurant, has died

In addition to its menu of healthy items, which was before its time in Atlanta, R. Thomas is also known for being open 24 hours and for its colorful collection of parrots, flowers and plants outside the restaurant. The restaurant marked Thomas’ 350th venture in the restaurant industry when it opened.

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Sign the guestbook for Richard Thomas

After years working in the fast food industry, he said in a 1985 interview with the AJC that he
“just didn’t want to do anymore fast food.” 

Thomas, who himself was a trained chef who graduated from the
Culinary Institute of San Francisco
, left most of the operation of the business to his children and grandchildren.

“I’ve been in the food business all my life, ” Thomas said in 1998. “But I’ve never had people come up and thank me for the style of food we are doing, like they do now. It’s rewarding.”

Customers and friends remembered Thomas on the restaurant’s Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/rickeybe/posts/10210038771898803

https://www.facebook.com/douglas.mccroskey/posts/1382319145132830

https://www.facebook.com/rthomasdeluxegrill/posts/10154765268045491

https://www.facebook.com/singinsiren4him/posts/10211695122074449

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