'RHOA' Star Drew Sidora Throws Shade at Her Costar After Her Business Closed Down

Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” is expected to return for its 17th season in the coming months. Now, ahead of an official trailer, one of the show’s stars, Drew Sidora, is going after fellow cast member Kelli Ferrell. This comes after the latter has apparently suffered a business setback, with one of her restaurants closing. Drew Sidora poked fun at Kelli Ferrell's resturant closing down.

Sidora posted a video on her Instagram Story on January 31 of herself attempting to patronize Ferrell's restaurant, Nana's Chicken N' Waffles. However, upon arriving at the eatery, she discovered it had been closed. It's important to note that reports had previously surfaced on social media that the location was no longer in operation. Luckily, several social media accounts, including The RHOA Talk on X, posted the clip.

She said in the video, "Okay, I am so confused because I did not get the memo. My kids wanted chicken and waffles, so I came to support my girl. I get here, and [there] is a lockbox on the door. No one is here. No one is answering the phone. There is no one inside. Did anybody know about this? Because I didn't. I'm just trying to get my kids some chicken and waffles."

Sidora then noted that they "were just at the grand opening a few months ago." She then said, "I guess I gotta go to Waffle House."

Ferrell learned of Sidora's visit to her now-closed restaurant and responded on social media. She said on Instagram Stories, "I get it, you're scrambling for a storyline. WE know you GAVE NOTHING all season. Unfortunately, I'm not available. I actually have 'real life' things going on."

The "RHOA" star then said, "So continue with the low-budget movies, unpaid promo tours, and imaginary business ventures. If you ever plan on operating an ACTUAL vysuness [sic], let me know- I'll consider supporting in 'real life.' Until then... keep my name out of that dry mouth of yours. (Maybe you can get a man that actually claims you.)"

She later referred to Sidora as "drowning Drew." Additionally, Ferrell explained that the restaurant Sidora visited is being "relocated" and that her other location is currently open.

The drama between the two "RHOA" stars wages on as Sidora has issued a response to Ferrell. She stated on Instagram, "Sorry, I was resurfacing for air. I must've missed something while I was drowning. Low-budget films? Interesting take, considering TWIN just charted #5 on the Variety charts. So help me understand why exactly I would be getting fully glammed and showing up anywhere for free."

She continued defending her legacy, saying, "I have multiple business ventures, wins, lessons, and everything in between. That's life, right? I don't have a man. I'm not looking for one and won't be until my divorce is finalized. But I wish you the best, you little spicy chihuahua."

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" fans are weighing in on the online discourse between Sidora and Ferrell. One person said on X, "Lmfao Drew is messy as f-ck, but this is how you promote a new season." Someone else wrote, "This is the type of boots-on-the-ground journalism we need."

Another person found Didora's actions distasteful. They said, "This is mean…not cool at all. You’re trying to support her? Why not call her? Cmon Drew!!! 'WE ARE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU'….one step forward and two steps back…smh." Someone else compared Sidora's tactics to peak "Real Housewives," saying, "Drew has grown, not her throwing OG housewives type of shade."

Finally, another X user defended Sidora, writing, "People saying this is wack and mean, but this is just typical housewives shenanigans. The way y’all see some housewives' behaviors vs others is definitely a choice."

The cast of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" filmed season 17 during the summer of 2025. They were featured at BravoCon 2025, and most assume that the season will premiere in Spring 2026, as was the case for season 16. During BravoCon weekend, Andy Cohen was asked about the upcoming season on the red carpet and confirmed the cast.

In the clip, he names most of the ladies, in additon to Sidora and Ferrell, who fans were already expecting to return. However, the news came when he named the singer K. Michelle and restauranteur Pinky Cole. Both ladies had been rumored to join, and other cast members had previously mentioned filming with them.

Still, it's unclear in what capacity they will appear on the hit Bravo series.