Weaver D's: Soul Food Made Famous

Weaver and his restaurant

Even non music groupies know the name of Athens most famous band. R.E.M. began their career in a converted church where they lived at the time. The church has since been torn down and all that remains is the steeple but it is noted on a self guided walking tour put together by the Athens/ Welcome Center and Flagpole Magazine.

What many people do not know is the link between R.E.M. and one of Athen's Georgia's best soul food restaurants. Weaver D's was a popular soul food restaurant frequented by R.E.M, the B-52's and many other bands in the late 1980's. It was, and is, a small unpretentious restaurant. The tables are communal and covered with checkered oilcloth tablecloths.. The food is Southern Soul Food at its best, fried chicken, greens, and homemade mashed potatoes and squash casserole, Weaver's signature dish. Best of all for musicians just starting a career, it was cheap.

Weaver presents some of his special food

When the boys from R.E.M. came to Dexter Weaver with a request to use his "Automatic for the People" slogan on their album, Dexter D's suddenly became a part of the R.E.M. legend. Dexter was suddenly besieged with television crews and starstruck fans wanting a glimpse into the everyday life of these music phenomena.. He was offered a contract to write a book, "Automatic Y'all — Weaver D's Guide to the Soul."

Actually, Dexter confined that when he was first offered a book deal, " I was so ignorant of how book publishing works, that I didn't realize how unprecedented it was for  a major publisher to call an unpublished person and make such an offer. I told them I needed to think about it."

Dexter D's now serves over 300 people a day. (No matter how long the line, his food is worth any wait.)