Who co-founded Atlanta’s Paschal’s restaurant with his brother James in 1947?

Robert Paschal co-founded Atlanta’s Paschal’s restaurant with his brother James in 1947.

The Paschal brothers began their business in Atlanta and built it into an important restaurant associated with African American dining and civil rights history. Paschal’s became known for Southern and soul food, including fried chicken, vegetables, and other traditional dishes served in a restaurant setting.

The restaurant also functioned as a gathering place during the Civil Rights Movement. Activists and leaders met there, and the business became part of Atlanta’s broader history of Black entrepreneurship, political organizing, and community life. Its significance therefore extends beyond its menu.

Robert Paschal is sometimes confused with other Atlanta restaurant founders, including Lucy Jackson of Busy Bee Cafe. Paschal’s and Busy Bee are separate institutions with different founders. The brothers’ partnership is the key fact: James and Robert Paschal established Paschal’s together.