Creative Concept
By David Walton | Photos by Evermore Photo Co.
The food scene in the Athens area is plentiful. When Hospitality South owner/operator Jason Dunn and director of restaurant operations Hank Sewell began to imagine what would expand the offerings in downtown Athens, from this brainstorming session came Union Fare, a new food truck park concept. The motivation came from customers at Paloma Park, which the pair also owns and manages. Customers enjoy the large outdoor areas but often request food trucks that Dunn and Sewell cannot accommodate with their current space. The pair envisioned a space that will allow the local food trucks to shine.
With the concept formed and location secured, Dunn and Sewell moved forward began working on a name that would represent their vision while reflecting on the history of the space. According to Sewell, Union Fare was derived from the space on Clayton Street which was once a Union Hall building. Additionally, they liked the concept of “unity” with food and drinks alongside friends and family. The Fare pays homage to the variety of food trucks that they plan to bring in and their varied fares. Their goal is to find a balance of consistent trucks that customers can rely on, while incorporating a variety of rotating ‘exotic’ options. To complement the food trucks, the Union Fare kitchen regularly serves traditional favorites such as a giant pretzel with whole grain and yellow mustard, dips and chips like their traditional Buffalo dip and flatbreads including one with vodka sauce and mozzarella, then topped with pepperoni.
In addition to the outdoor food truck area, the space features a cocktail bar and indoor event facility. Along with familiar local brands, Union Fare offers three types of cocktails. These concepts will be layered in to provide the highest quality experience possible. With Director of Bar Operations Conor Busby leading the way, Union Fare started with a “Smash Bar,” which is a choose-your-own-adventure option. The “Spritz Bar” and “Martini Bar” are similar in nature to the choose-your-own-adventure options. Sewell explained that the best way to truly experience their vision is to see it in person, with the promise of an exciting cocktail menu keeping people coming back for more.
This spring, Union Fare is introducing their signature Old-Fashioned drink on tap. Sewell explained that consistency is key, and preparing this drink on tap will allow for faster and more consistent service. Inside they aim to serve more elevated events like rehearsal dinners, receptions, galas, wine/whiskey/tequila tastings and pop-up kitchens.
On Georgia game days, Union Fare will host “Tailgate Tickets.” Sewell expects this to be popular with fans that may be tired of setting up tailgates but are also unwilling to miss the food and game day atmosphere. Guests can enter the inside space after purchasing tickets and be treated to all-inclusive tailgate experience, complete with a large LED wall inside that has all the game coverage a football fan could ever want!
With all the work that has gone into the planning and implementation of Union Fare, Sewell admits that they are excited to finally be open. With two years of planning and preparation, they are glad to put all the struggles to open behind them. Dunn and Sewell love doing business in Athens for both the permanent and temporary residents and want to give people a reason to be excited about coming downtown.
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As seen in the Summer 2026 issue of Athens Magazine.