Proof of the Pudding joined the excitement as the Jim Ellis Volkswagen Lighthouse opened its doors in Chamblee, Georgia, marking over 50 years of family legacy and Volkswagen heritage. The new four-story facility—an impressive 304,000 square feet—showcases state-of-the-art technology and celebrates the journey of Jim Ellis Automotive.

The grand opening event took guests on a time-traveling adventure to the 1970s, paying homage to the roots of Jim Ellis Automotive with retro-inspired food and a nostalgic ambiance. The celebration kicked off with a festive, vintage atmosphere that channeled the spirit of 1971, the year the Ellis family opened their first Volkswagen dealership.

With every bite, attendees were immersed in a sensory experience that blended vintage appeal with Proof of the Pudding’s modern flair.

A Retro Menu for the Ages

Proof of the Pudding designed a menu that offered elevated takes on classic 1970s favorites. Guests enjoyed a culinary journey back in time with reinvented dishes inspired by the era’s most beloved comfort foods:

Hand-Passed Hors d’Oeuvres

• Beet Arancini: Red Beet Risotto, Creamy Goat Cheese, Pickled Beet, Balsamic
• Smoked Bacon Wrapped Shrimp with Louie Sauce
• Beet Pickled Deviled Egg Cups with Mustard Caviar
• Pimento Cheese Ball Lollipops Rolled in Candied Pecans and Herbs
• Smoked Salmon Pinwheel on Hydro Cucumber
• Lamb Meatballs with Raisin Pesto and Greek Yogurt

Groovy Grazing (Chef Attended on 3rd Floor)

• Adult Lunchables: Triple Cream, Semi-Soft, Bleu & Hard Cheeses, Cured Meats, Salumi, Grapes, Berry Bundles, Artisan Breads, and Gourmet Crackers

A Delish “Scene” (Chef Attended on 3rd Floor)

• TV Dinner Re-Invented: Meatloaf Carving, Jive Turkey Salisbury Steak with Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, Sweet Onion Gravy, Crispy Onion Straws, Hawaiian Rolls

Peace, Love & Pot Pies

• Mini Pot Pies: Braised Beef with Hash Brown Topper, Herb Chicken with Rosemary Puff Topper, Roasted Vegetables (VEG) with Risotto Topper
• Truffled Mac n’ Cheese with Crunchy Cracker Crumble

VW Trattoria Circa 1971

• Pasta Primavera with Tagliatelle, Seasonal Fresh Vegetables
• Right On! Risotto with Mushrooms, Parmigiano, Truffle Crumb
• Slammin’ Salad with Arugula, Kale, Cranberries, Heirloom Tomatoes, Micro Herbs, Blood Orange Vinaigrette
• Served in Torched Parmesan Wheels

Good Vibes Grill Out

• Rollin’ Retro Dogs: Mini Gourmet Hot Dogs with Coca-Cola Caramelized Onions, Mustard, and Relish
• Tight! Tacos: Mini Spiced Pulled Beef Asado, Fajita Chicken, Grilled Veggies with Guacamole, Assorted Salsa, Hot Sauces, Crema, and Corn Salsa
• Funkadelic Nachos: Build-Your-Own Nachos and “Totchos” with Beer Nacho Cheese, Pickled Jalapeños, Sour Cream, Guacamole, Tajin, and Pico de Gallo

Hippie Harvest Desserts

• Spaced Out Shooters: Funfetti Dessert Shooter, Go Bananas Pudding Dessert Shooter
• Pie in the Sky: Lemon Blueberry Pie, Dutch Caramel Apple Pie
• Boogie Bundt Cakes: Red Velvet Baby Bundt Cake, Double Chocolate Bundt Cake
• Funky Floats: Cherry Coke Ice Cream Floats with Liquid Nitrogen, Served with Chocolate Chip Cookies and Mini Cherry Coke Ice Cream Sandwiches

Bar + Beverages

• Specialty Cocktail & Mocktail: “The Beetlejuice” with Vodka, Peach Schnapps, Blue Curaçao, and Sprite (with Mocktail Version Available)
• Full Bar Service with Various Cocktails and Beverages

As Proof of the Pudding helped bring this unforgettable event to life, guests celebrated not only the new facility but the lasting legacy of Jim and Billie Ellis. This grand opening embodied the dedication, innovation, and family spirit that continue to drive Jim Ellis Automotive into the future.

Vendor Partners

• Event Design: Yes Event Designs | @yeseventdesigns
• Event Design: Active Production & Design | @activeprod
• Caterer: Proof of the Pudding | @proofthepudding
• Brand Activation: Events by Digital | @eventsbydigital