ATLANTA — Many across metro Atlanta are mourning the loss of Helen Brown Harden -- the woman behind the recipes for Bankhead Seafood's famed fried fish and hushpuppies.
She died on Sunday, and the City of Atlanta released a statement saying in part, "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.”
Harden opened Bankhead Seafood in 1968. It quickly became a staple in the community, known for its hearty portions and what some described as the "world's best hushpuppies." The legendary Atlanta restaurant was open for decades before it closed in 2018.
"I used to come here as a kid almost every other weekend with my Aunt to get some fish," Sabrena Thompson said.
Thompson is now the Executive Chef for the restaurant, which Atlanta rappers T.I. and Killer Mike bought in 2018.
Harden made the tough decision to close down after it became too much for her to handle by herself. However, both artists vowed to carry on her legacy while modernizing her vision.
On Nov. 17, Bankhead Seafood opened again with a new look and logo but the same recipes that made it legendary to so many across the city. During the opening, Killer Mike explained how he and T.I. grew up in the neighborhood and that the restaurant was a big part of the community.
"We're looking for the next 50 years of carrying Ms. Harden's legacy into the future in this city and not only this city, other southern cities," Killer Mike said during the opening.
And on Monday, community members stopped by the restaurant to grab a bit to eat and reflect on her legacy. Longtime customer George Adams was one of those people and said that everyone came to the legendary seafood restaurant from all around.
"You had these big platters back in the day like you couldn’t even close the box, you could probably feed three or four people off of it," Adams said.
As time passes, Thompson hopes to make Ms. Harden proud as she continues to cook up her famous fried fish and hushpuppies.
"She was not playing about that recipe, honey. You had to get that recipe down right, or you were not cooking at all," Thompson laughed and explained that one needed to be trusted with the recipe.
She added that they spent hours in the kitchen together to get the recipe down pat. And it's one that only a select number of people know.
"She told me I better die with them, don’t get give them to no one. And, of course, I’m going to keep that for her," Thompson said.
Thompson said she hopes they can do what Ms. Harden did for more than 50 years in this community.
"It was almost like a second home to so many. She gave off that feeling of open arms, you know what I mean," Thompson explained.
On Facebook, the restaurant's current ownership posted a moving tribute to the woman — known in the neighborhood as "Mama" — whose hard work, spirit and great food started it all.
"For over 50 years, Mrs. Harden nourished the City of Atlanta, both with her cooking and her boundless spirit. Her unwavering dedication and compassion touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her," the post read in part.
Bankhead Seafood posted that once her memorial service is planned, it will provide those details to the public.