Bill would make lemon pepper Georgia's official chicken wing flavor

The latest: State Rep. Eric Bell (D-Jonesboro) introduced House Bill 1013, which would make lemon pepper the state's official chicken wing flavor.

What they're saying: Bell said his "lighthearted" legislation recognizes lemon pepper-flavored wings as a "staple in Southern cuisine."

• "Lemon pepper wings are a fan-favorite that bring people together across race, culture, class and community," he said.
• "Just like the peach represents our agricultural roots, lemon pepper wings represent Georgia's cultural flavor and global influence."

The big picture: After "Atlanta" catapulted the flavor into the mainstream, J.R. Crickets added lemon pepper wet wings to its menu, according to the AJC.

• During the pandemic, retired NBA guard Lou Williams stopped by Magic City for some lemon pepper wings while he was granted an excused absence to attend a memorial service.
• Magic City Kitchen now has a signature sauce — Louwill Lemon Pepper BBQ — named after Williams, who also trademarked the nickname Lemon Pepper Lou.

Context: This isn't the first time Georgia legislators have introduced bills that cement certain foods with official designations.

• Last year, Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law H.B. 233, which designated Brunswick Stew as Georgia's official stew, cornbread as the official state bread and the fourth Friday in November as National Sugarcane Syrup Day.

What's next: Bell's legislation has to go through the committee process before it's taken up for a vote.