The Lawerence Hotel Introduces Bellfire and Old Nick's, Bringing Two Distinct Dining Destinations to Downtown Lawrenceville
Friday, October 30th, 2026
Now open in the heart of historic downtown Lawrenceville, The Lawrence Hotel is welcoming guests and locals to experience its two signature dining concepts, Bellfire and Old Nick's. The newly opened dining destinations bring fresh culinary experiences to Lawrenceville's vibrant dining scene, reflecting The Lawrence's vision of creating much more than just a place to stay, but also welcoming gathering places where visitors and locals alike can connect over exceptional food, handcrafted cocktails and thoughtfully curated experiences.
Led by Executive Chef and Director of Culinary for NorthPointe Hospitality, Chef Dominic Simpson, Bellfire represents more than just a restaurant, but a dining concept that for the first time in his 25-year career, tells his own story through food.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Simpson grew up surrounded by Southern cooking, spending time with his grandparents hunting, fishing and enjoying meals prepared from family recipes. Throughout his career, he also developed an appreciation for Mediterranean cooking techniques that emphasize fresh ingredients, vegetables, herbs, healthy fats and vibrant flavors. At Bellfire, those influences come together, creating a culinary experience that is both nostalgic, comforting and forward-thinking.
"Every dish at Bellfire has a personal connection to my life," said Executive Chef Dominic Simpson. "Some are inspired by meals I enjoyed growing up with my family, while others reflect techniques and ingredients I've embraced throughout my career. My goal wasn't to reinvent Southern cooking, but to honor those traditions while presenting them through a lighter lens that lets exceptional ingredients and wood-fired flavors shine."
Named after Lawrenceville's historic bell tower and firehouse, Bellfire centers around the unmistakable aroma of its wood-fired grill, where Southern-inspired cuisine meets Mediterranean influences through thoughtfully crafted dishes and locally sourced ingredients. Throughout the menu, familiar flavors are reimagined with fresh perspectives.
Chef Simpson's signature cornbread reimagines the recipe his grandmother prepared using bacon fat, instead incorporating Mediterranean-inspired ingredients for a lighter interpretation. His wood-fired quail pays homage to the buffalo wings he remembers enjoying as a child in Atlanta, while the vegan farro served with the restaurant's signature ostrich dish draws inspiration from New Orleans-style dirty rice and showcases one of the leanest, most flavorful proteins available. Guests will also find vegetable-forward dishes, fresh seafood and thoughtfully prepared meats that celebrate seasonal ingredients and clean, balanced flavors.
Bellfire's commitment to quality extends beyond the kitchen through partnerships with regional farmers and producers whenever possible. Trout from North Georgia's Bramlett Trout Farms, is featured in The Lawrence's signature fire-grilled trout, beef from South Georgia's Châtel Farms serves as the backbone of hearty dishes like the menu's Steak & Potato, mushrooms from Ellijay Mushrooms appear throughout the restaurant's vegetable-forward dishes, and Chef Dominic's modern, vegan take on dirty rice is prepared with grains from South Carolina's Anson Mills. Throughout the menu, fresh regional ingredients and seasonal produce reflect the agricultural richness of Georgia and the Southeast while supporting nearby communities. More information about Bellfire's local producers and purveyors is available here.
Complementing Bellfire, Old Nick's offers a relaxed, yet elevated gathering place inspired by one of Lawrenceville's own local legends. Named after the hardworking mule who helped pull buggies and firefighting equipment through the city in the early 1900s, Old Nick's celebrates craftsmanship, conversation and community with an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails, fine whiskey, curated wines, local Georgia beers and shareable small plates. The lounge's indoor bar is now open, inviting guests to unwind with signature cocktails like the Hearth Old Fashioned, Mediterranean Mule with a pinch of thyme or the Fig & Olive Martini.
The outdoor courtyard portion of Old Nick's is currently under construction and expected to debut mid-November, introducing an inviting, all-weather outdoor space designed for year-round enjoyment. The courtyard will feature infrared heaters, outdoor firepits and a custom handcrafted bar created by local Lawrenceville millworkers at Century Caseworks, a company with longstanding ties to the community. Blending thoughtful design with local craftsmanship, the new space will offer guests and neighbors a welcoming setting to gather, linger and connect throughout the seasons.
Together, Bellfire and Old Nick's further The Lawrence Hotel's commitment to creating experiences that are elevated, memorable and connected to the community. Whether enjoying breakfast before exploring downtown, gathering for dinner with friends, relaxing over cocktails after a performance at the Lawrenceville Arts Center or celebrating a special occasion, the two concepts invite guests to experience Lawrenceville through exceptional hospitality, locally inspired cuisine and welcoming spaces designed for connection.
Reservations for Bellfire are available on OpenTable.
