When disaster strikes, some businesses throw in the towel. But not Bryan Furman Barbecue or OK Café, two Georgia institutions that refused to let fires and setbacks extinguish their passion for serving up good food and good vibes. These two local eateries have made it onto a list of the most inspiring business comebacks in the country, and their stories are a testament to the power of grit and community spirit.
🌟 What We Know: MarketBeat.com surveyed thousands people to identify the most inspiring small businesses in America that have rebuilt and reopened after facing disasters like fires, floods, and tornadoes. Bryan Furman Barbecue and OK Café are the two Georgia businesses that made the cut.
🔥 Who Made it Happen: Bryan Furman, the pitmaster behind Bryan Furman Barbecue, kept his business alive after fires destroyed his restaurants in Savannah and Atlanta by hosting pop-ups and catering events. Meanwhile, OK Café’s owners worked tirelessly to restore their beloved Buckhead diner after a kitchen fire gutted the building in 2014.
💪 Why It Matters: These businesses prove that with determination and community support, even the most daunting setbacks can be overcome. As Matt Paulson, founder of MarketBeat.com, notes, “These businesses remind us that resilience isn’t just about weathering a storm – it’s about rebuilding something even stronger.”
📸 Why This Should Catch Your Attention: The stories of these businesses are a reminder that our community is full of people who refuse to give up, even when things seem impossible. From rebuilding after natural disasters to persevering through economic downturns, these businesses are a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
👍 Remember The Golden Rule: As we celebrate the bravery and determination of these businesses, let’s not forget to support our local community by shopping small and eating local. Your dollars can help make a difference in the lives of business owners like Bryan Furman and the team at OK Café.

B.T. Clark
B.T. Clark is an award-winning journalist and the Publisher of The Georgia Sun. He has 25 years of experience in journalism and served as Managing Editor of Neighbor Newspapers in metro Atlanta for 15 years and Digital Director at Times-Journal Inc. for 8 years. His work has appeared in several newspapers throughout the state including Neighbor Newspapers, The Cherokee Tribune and The Marietta Daily Journal. He is a Georgia native and a fifth-generation Georgian.