Lemon pepper wings, a staple of Atlanta food culture, may soon receive official recognition at the state level. During a recent appearance on the 'Wake Up With Dee Morning Show" with host Dr. Dee Dawkins Haigler spoke with State Rep. Eric Dale about proposed legislation that would designate lemon pepper wings as Georgia’s official wing flavor.
State Rep. Dale explained that the idea emerged while observing how Georgia already honors various symbols, including its state bird, fruit, ice cream and even soup. As lawmakers continue to pass legislation recognizing cultural touchstones, State Rep. Dale said the iconic wing flavor deserves similar acknowledgment due to its deep connection to Atlanta and its growing recognition across Georgia.
State Rep. Dale noted that while lemon pepper wings are now widely associated with Atlanta, their cultural significance becomes even clearer outside the state. Through his travels, he observed that the flavor is far less common beyond Georgia’s borders, reinforcing the argument that lemon pepper wings are uniquely tied to the state’s identity.
“As a cultural icon, as the golden, dusty, peppery poultry is, I thought it would know better than to make sure that they know that lemon pepper is home for Georgia,” State Rep. Dale said.
The conversation also addressed the seriousness behind the legislation. State Rep. Dale emphasized that the bill has bipartisan backing, with co-sponsors representing different regions of Georgia, including metro Atlanta, North Georgia and South Georgia. He stressed that the proposal is not limited to Atlanta pride but reflects a statewide appreciation for the flavor.
Critics, State Rep. Dale acknowledged, have questioned whether lawmakers should focus on symbolic legislation amid more pressing issues. In response, he pointed to recent House rule changes limiting the number of bills representatives may introduce and highlighted his broader legislative efforts this session. State Rep. Dale explained that alongside the lemon pepper proposal, he has introduced multiple bipartisan bills addressing public health and accessibility, including initiatives related to food standards in schools and identification accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
According to State Rep. Dale, the lemon pepper bill is intended to complement, not distract from, substantive policy work. He described it as a unifying measure designed to celebrate shared culture while reminding residents that common ground can exist across political, racial and socioeconomic lines.
“This is a lighthearted deal to help bring Georgia together, regardless of your race, culture, creed, or class,” State Rep. Dale said.
To listen to the full interview, click the link above.