Augie’s Breakfast Bar Closing Out Black History Month With a Toast to Greatness!

 In the past decade of working in every aspect of the Hospitality Industry of Restaurants, Damon Johnson CEO of Doe Nation Hospitality and Restaurant Development is very passionate when it comes to providing excellent customer service to all patrons of every establishment he owns.

Augie Johnson, Damon’s father, was an exceptional entrepreneur who owned the family Dry Cleaning Business. In addition to his business ventures, he was a talented songwriter, music producer, and the lead singer of ‘Side Effects’, a group formed in May 1972. Augie’s musical journey began in childhood, and he achieved significant milestones early on. He was part of the Robert Mitchell Boys Choir, performing on Frank Sinatra’s hit ‘High Hopes’ in 1959, and later, he had the honor of singing at Marilyn Monroe’s last public appearance on June 1, 1962, at Dodger Stadium.

Augie was also one of the Doodletown Pipers between the 1960’s and 1970’s, who made numerous appearances on network television such as their first appearance being on “The Red Skelton Show” and thereafter, “The Ed Sullivan Show.” As one of the Doodletown Pipers, Augie had the opportunity to work with such luminaries as Count Basie, The Carpenters, Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Frank Gorshin, Alan King, Mike Post, Sarah Vaughan, John Wayne, and Rowan and Martin.

When the opportunity presented itself to open Augie’s Breakfast Bar located at 1220 Caroline Street NE in Atlanta, GA 30307 off Moreland Ave; CEO Damon Johnson did not hesitate to create a family oriented environment playing throwback music that took patrons back to a time when music had real meaning. There is a collage wall of old school artists, television shows, and actors that date back to the 70’s and 80’s when a certain joy and energy permeated through the air when African Americans ran businesses and led careers with a sense of pride. 

“Celebrating the opening of Augie’s Breakfast Bar during Black History Month just seemed appropriate,” exclaimed his son Damon Johnson, restaurant developer. Augie Johnson was also featured in the biopic titled, The Mikki Howard Story ‘Love Under New Management’ (played by actor Gary Dourdan) as he is also the father of Mikki’s 2 sons. Their relationship took place during a very pivotal stage in the beginning of her musical career. 

“I’ve always been proud of my dad Augie Johnson’s career as an early entrepreneur and a change maker to the culture. His life impacted mine in so many ways that I’m elated to celebrate the opening of Augie’s Breakfast Bar during Black History month,” – CEO Damon Johnson.

Augie and his band members have worked with superstars such as Michael Jackson, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Mathis, The Temptations, Gloria Trevi, Elton John, Bette Midler, Barry Manilow, Lance Bass of *NSYNC, Warren G “Midnight Hour” and a host of others. Sadly Augie passed away on October 11, 2014, at the age of 66, unexpectedly. Augie was a man who befriended many, and assisted those who were in need. He always had words of good cheer, ready to put a smile on someone’s face, and always ready to sing and light up the room. Augie’s legacy will continue to live on through his music. 

Damon Johnson CEO of Doe Nation Hospitality and Restaurant Development, Inc extends a special thank you to all who supported the celebration of this new establishment ‘Augie’s Breakfast Bar’ during Black History Month.