Warren Bruno of Atkins Park Dies After Battle With Cancer

Metro Atlanta lost a beloved community man Wednesday morning.

owner Warren Bruno, 64, died after an eight-year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife and four children.

Bruno helped open Smyrna's Atkins Park Tavern with his friend, owner Kevin Drawe, in 2003. Drawe told Smyrna-Vinings Patch that proceeds from Atkin's crawfish boil last month benefitted the Georgia Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in Bruno's honor. 

Bruno founded what is now known as Virginia-Highland Summerfest in 1983, the same year he purchased Atkins Park Tavern on N. Highland Avenue. He later helped open . Overall, Bruno was involved in more than a dozen eating and drinking establishments in Atlanta, but his commitment to people and neighborhoods is what people will long remember him for.

“He will be missed, he will be loved and he fought the good fight,” said David Laws, who first began working for Bruno some thirty years ago at the former Buckhead estblishment, Aunt Charlie’s. “He helped launch the careers of a lot of people in the business. He improved a lot of lives.”

Much like he did for others, Bruno helped Laws own his first business as one of the proprietors of former Buckhead restaurant and bar, Mike N’ Angelo’s.

“His care for his own family was paramount, but in Warren’s way, he made everyone feel like family,’’ Laws said.

With an infectious grin, Bruno was a champion of the Virginia-Highland community. He ran for Atlanta city council, served on the various license boards and was a founding member of the Virginia Highlands Business Association. To say he was civic minded would be a gross understatement.

Simply put, Bruno was a pillar of the neighborhood known for his many years of public service.

Information about services is not yet available. Stick with Patch for information when it becomes available.

What’s your favorite memory of Warren Bruno? Share it in the comments.