Ryan Gravel’s Next Big Idea: Eat, Drink, Save The World

Ryan Gravel stands in front of a window that will be the backdrop to the bar at his planned restaurant Aftercar. It’s immediately parallel to the BeltLine’s Eastside Trail.

Jim Burress / WABE

Ryan Gravel.

If you don’t immediately recognize the name, chances are you know his vision. The mastermind behind Atlanta’s BeltLine hopes you won’t stop there, though.

Gravel is almost evangelical in his belief that common, everyday folks have the answers to Atlanta’s — or any other city’s — big-picture challenges. Sometimes, we just need a catalyst. And Gravel is betting his latest venture will be just that.