Category Archives: Events

Ebony Austin, Nouveau Bar & Grill, Hiz Creations Provides Housing & Rent for 1 Year for 3 Deserving Families

3 very happy families left the 3rd Annual Toy Drive hosted by Ebony Austin, Nouveau Bar & Grill and her non for profit Hiz Creations. Not only is she able to use her organization to acquire real estate but she is now able to help those in need from living in motels paying more money weekly. The tenants will undergo an education process and be provided resouces to understand how to maintain their home and balance their finances.

JP Morgan Chase bank in the city of College Park will be opening accounts for each of the ladies and Dennis McKinley franchise owner of the Original Hot Dog Factory and CRU Lounge will be contributing the first 100.00 as their first deposit.

The ladies thought they were showing up to receive choices of the plethora of toys from karaoke machines, bicycles, Layla dolls, trucks, hot wheels tracks, board games, portable basketball goals, clothing, Xboxes, laptops, BEATS by DRE, Timberland and UGG boots but they received the keys to their newly renovated townhomes along with Televisions and fully stocked refrigerators. More than the happy holiday is what they rode away in the sprinter that drove them to their respective new homes where all their other gifts were under their Christmas tree.

“This year, we wanted to make Christmas special for the children & families. We also gave away college scholarships to four Spelman students” said Ebony Austin.

Teaming up with Girls Who Brunch nonprofit, JP Morgan Chase Bank VP of College Park, the G.O.A.T. Sports Lounge, Socu, KaLi Soul events, and V-103; the Nouveau team and a host of volunteers were able to pull off an amazing evening. Celebrities spotted showing support and volunteering to help hand out the toys were VH1 reality stars Yandy and Mendecees Harris, Bravo TV “Married to Medicine” reality television stars Dr. Scott and Dr. Contessa Metcalfe and their children, Original Hot Dog Factory/CRU franchise owner and reality star Dennis McKinley, philanthropist Violetta Morgan and her son rapper-activist Clifford “T.I.” Harris, artist Swayvo Twain, “RHOA” reality star Ralph Pittman Jr. and Jazzy McBee of Streets 94.5.

Not only did the mayor of Atlanta attend this amazing holiday celebration, but he presented Ebony Austin with a special letter and proclamation from the city of Atlanta for her consistent work in the community and philanthropic commitments. Dickens also expressed his full support for a Nouveau Bar & Grill opening in the city of Atlanta.

Camping, Glamping and Jammin Festival returns on 8/27 with the Slutty Vegan Truck

Tickets begin at $89 per vehicle up to 5 occupants plus taxes and fees; that’s less than $20 per person.

Camping , Glamping & Jammin Overnight Festival Returns to the Georgia International Horse Park in Conyers on August 27th With Slutty Vegan Food Truck

“During the pandemic I went to a drive-in movie theater that played old movies and films that most people weren’t familiar with. However, the drive-in was full to capacity and the cars kept coming. People were partying around their cars and not really paying attention to the movies. I immediately thought if this was a concert instead of these movies it would be off the chain,” – Mark Skeete

Glam Out Your Tent Any Way You Like!

Camping , Glamping, & Jammin Atlanta’s only overnight music festival is an idea that was brought to fruition when event founder Mark Skeete came to the realization that he was already surrounded by a community of people who enjoy partying under the stars all night long. All he needed to do was execute the process to get things rolling.

“During the pandemic I went to a drive-in movie theater that played old movies and films that most people weren’t familiar with. However, the drive-in was full to capacity and the cars kept coming. People were partying around their cars and not really paying attention to the movies. I immediately thought if this was a concert instead of these movies it would be off the chain,” exclaims Mark Skeete.

It was at that very moment Skeete realized that he could capitalize on the drive-in movie audience but instead, he could offer a new concept and came up with the overnight drive-in festival, “camping, glamping & jammin.” This would be a drive-in concert, stand-up comedy show, silent after party and more. It would take place from sundown to sunrise, 6pm until 6am. DATDRIVEIN was created and “camping, glamping & jammin” became the staple event.

This event aims to introduce the culture to a new experience. It’s an alternative to the club that allows for a group of attendees to congregate outdoors within the confines of their own space, a campsite, tent, car or RV. Attendees can catch a concert, comedy show, dance, sing, laugh, eat, sleep, wake up and party some more. Not intended to be the boy’s scouts camp of yesterday, some attendees’ tents are decorated with blow up couches, living rooms and queen size mattresses, and bedrooms. It’s better than some folks’ homes . You can glam your tent out anyway you like for a chance to win a Free Slutty Vegan meal at ‘Camping Glamping & Jammin’. That’s right! This year the crew with the best tricked out tent receives a free Slutty Vegan Meal package for up to 5 people.

On August 27th ‘Camping Glamping & Jammin’ will take place at the Georgia International Horse Park from 6pm-6am. 5 DJ’S, 5 COMEDIANS, LIVE BAND, SURPRISE Artists Tribute to The YO! MTV RAP & VIDEO SOUL ERA and more. The Slutty Vegan Food Truck is Rolling in to ‘Camping Glamping & Jammin’ from 7pm til 12am. Tickets are available for sale at http://www.datdrivein.com.

Tickets begin at $89 per vehicle up to 5 occupants plus taxes and fees; that’s less than $20 per person.

Tents Fit Full & Queen Size Bed, Sofa, Breakfast or Coffee Table,

Security Will Be On Site! It’s going to be an awesome time!

Restaurateur Ebony Austin had an amazing 2021 despite worldwide pandemic

(l-r)(Former Mayoral Candidate Antonio Brown, Mayor Joy B Day, Jr. Restaurateur ,Owner Ebony Austin, Actress Naturi Naughton, City of Jonesboro Manager Ricky L Clark

Owner of Nouveau Bar & Grill Ebony Austin has had an amazing 2021. Despite national pandemic conditions. In a city where social justice was top of the list, riots and rallies month after month, waterboys attacking the public, a wing shortage and mask mandates were mask on then mask off; Austin refused to let anything stand in her way.

From giving back consistently Ebony truly believed in the quote “If you do good to others God will definitely do his part to make sure you prosper.” (The elaborate version of karma)

Let’s go down Memory Lane and see how it started and where we are now. In January 2021 Ebony Austin was a part of her first docs-series where she got to tell her story in, “Making of a Mogul” an independent film project. Tanya Sam former (Real Housewives of Atlanta castmate was Host). February there was Valentine’s Day for couples at Nouveau with an entire Valentine Day menu. In March Ebony was offered a board member position with the BIRTHRIGHT organization. Also it was on the night of February 22, 2021 Austin agreed to a mentorship program and to employ the kids of the Birthright organization and participate in Motivation Monday every Monday night going forward.

In March the Nouveau Owner had the pleasure of welcoming the Baddest Chick “Rapper Trina” to experience the Mimosa Jam Sunday Brunch on the Balcony. There was even a surprise visit from Rapper Flo Rida. That Sunday was definitely one for the history books. Later that month she celebrated her first national feature in Sheen Magazine’s April issue featuring Influencer/reality star Pretty V on the cover. The the month ended with a fundraiser to help several families who were victims of “child sex trafficking” . The event was very emotional as families told their experiences. Ebony donated her event for 4 hours so families could gather and gain support from each other while the organization went live with media to raise funds.

April Showers not only brought in May flowers but also brought in Reality Star from OWN TV Martell Holt who absolutely loved the Nouveau experience and even had the viewing party for season 2 at the establishment. The month of April was the bittersweet end of the ad campaign Nouveau rain for 3 issues of the “Buckhead Life Magazine.”

Clearly Nouveau had a stellar first quarter of 2021 coming off of a terrible year in 2020 of lockdowns and longtime business owners having to shut their doors for good. The springtime zipped by and by summer Nouveau’s patio was packed and the upstairs balcony patio dining was booked and busy. Weekends turned into 2-hour waits and lines wrapped around the corner. Nouveau was now the official lunch hot spot.

Ebony was a regular Monday morning face on the (23 year old ) infamous Rolling Out A.M. show for several weeks discussing what’s new on her menu, worldwide events and local news. The IGNITE RESOURCE CENTER of College Park held a Charity Gala for the BIRTHRIGHT TEEN AGILE Leadership Program. Then the Mayor of Jonesboro declared July 25th Ebony Austin Day! It was also the day the 2nd Nouveau location was birthed! How beautiful to see this Chicago native live out her dreams and get her flowers while she is alive and has many years to go.

(l-r)Ricky Clarke, Mayor Joy B Day, Ebony Austin, City Council Members 

At the Grand Opening Ebony Austin presented one of the High School Bands in Clayton County with a check for $5000.00. In the month of November for Thanksgiving, Nouveau Jonesboro gifted over 600 turkeys and full meal packages to families in the community. Actors Naturi Naughton and Marlo Hampton were on deck to help along with several volunteers.

Ebony Austin, Naturi Naughton and Marlo Hampton

To top the ending of 2021 on a very high note the owner Ebony Austin (female African American Business Owner ) was announced and presented with an award from the city of College Park as “Business Person of the Year” for all her Charitable Contributions to the community and running her business with style and grace. A true asset to the community.

This award from the City of College Park for “Businessperson of the Year” is where all the efforts of 2021 led to

Ebony blessed the children of the community with over 80,000 worth of toys. From Huffy Bikes, flatscreen vizio televisions, chromebooks, toys, games, trampolines, video games and everything a child could dream of to make their Christmas Day the best day ever. There were 50 Christmas full dinners given away as well as six $1000.00 scholarships to students in college and preparing to go to college. Truly Ebony Austin and Nouveau Bar & Grill Restaurants are a Class Act addition to the community.

Check out the Photo Collage below

Photos Courtesy of Jonell PR – Thank You!

The Atlanta Cast of Beyond the Pole hosts Extravagant Purple Carpet Premiere in Buckhead

"June 3rd was an amazing night to be in Atlanta on the purple carpet for the Beyond the Pole WE tv Premiere of Season 2" 

Executive Producers Shanté Paige and Mark E Stevens have done it again. Season 2 WE tv Every Thursday Night at 10pm Eastern Tune in

Cast Member Empress Wildflower and Executive Producer Mark E Stevens

WE tv’s Reality Star Trina Braxton and her husband attending the event.

“As a reality star, artist, content creator and business woman, I am always down to support my WE tv family. I’m looking forward’ to this season of ‘Beyond the Pole'”

Trina Braxton
Reality Star ‘Martell Holt’ & Beyond The Pole Executive Producer Mark E Stevens

Special celebrity invited guests to this exclusive private affair included OWN television network reality tv star Martell Holt from ‘Love & Marriage Huntsville”; former Bravo network RHOA ex husband of Cynthia Bailey and restauranteur Peter Thomas, Iconic hip hop legend Rapper Smooth B(Nice & Smooth) and a host of Atlanta socialites and friends of the cast from the Exotic Dancer Entertainment Industry and the family member of the cast.

Below is the details we gathered from the Press Release from WE tv:

This season, Ms. Dime, Angel Kake, Empress, Lyric, Virgo, Gigi Maguire, Ya Ya, Treasure, and Milk Marie are dealing with a world that is changing along with their businesses. Everyone is feeling the stress of quarantineB, staying masked-up, healthy, and keeping the bills paid in this new COVID reality. Now that the city of Atlanta has reopened, the women face these challenges as well as the pressure on their friendships, relationships and professional lives. 

Always hustling, the women embark on their own individual journeys to transition from the club and establish new and better lives. However, with these changes come secrets and a web of lies the women have kept hidden from the world, and sometimes from themselves. 

Executive produced by Lauren Gellert and Ashley McFarlin Buie for WE tv alongside show creator and executive producer Shante Paige, of She’s A Movement Media Group for Sonic Dog, LLC.

About WE tv

With compelling, can’t miss unscripted shows, WE tv’s programming is fueled by personalities and relationships filled with purpose and passion. WE tv welcomes everyone and creates an inclusive experience across all platforms: on TV, online, on demand, and social media, embracing how today’s digitally savvy, socially engaged audiences connect through content, using it as a catalyst to drive conversation and build community. WE tv is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and its sister channels include AMC, BBC America, IFC and SundanceTV.

WE tv’s jaw-dropping series “Beyond the Pole” returns for an explosive season two set to premiere Thursday, June 3 at 10 PM ET. Friendships are tested, finances are strapped, but through the turmoil, laughter and tears, these ladies are the ultimate survivors and their stories prove there is never a dull moment in the hustle.

Franchisee Owner Lashaun Drew’s Towel Drive for local Homeless shelter Successful

Lashaun Drew business owner of The Original Hot Dog Factory in Voorhees, NJ had an amazing run with her “Towel Drive” she started mid January and extended through the end of Black History Month (February). What started off as an attempt to collect towels for at least 300 people for the Homeless Shelter “The Joseph House of Camden” turned into over 1000 towels and blankets as well being collected from people who donated all over the world.

Those who were not able to come in and donate locally actually asked for the address and mailed in their donations. Others were able to contribute funds through a donation button located on Lashaun Drew’s facebook page. Vinny Curry (defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles) was even able to spread the word through his social media story. When you are collecting goods for any drive, it stands true everyone’s efforts to spread the word is a good deed done.

The towels will be delivered in the month of March. Please check back for updates. Job well done Lashaun Drew & congrats on the bravery to open up a new business during these pandemic times. You are the real M.V.P.

Meet Lashaun Drew the Owner of The Original Hot Dog Factory, Voorhees, NJ

If you are in the South Jersey area please visit The Original Hot Dog Factory, 910 Haddonfield-Berlin Rd Suite 3, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043 located in the Ritz Center.

Dennis mckinley set to open CRU HEMP LOUNGE in Houston

Minutes after the Houston Eater posted an article expressing how 2020 was a “devastating year for Houston’s restaurant industry” ; news also broke that Dennis McKinley will continue his Houston takeover with the opening of CBD-focused lounge in Downtown.

In August of 2020 McKinley also opened an Original Hot Dog Factory in Houston and he appears to be setting up double shops in cities worldwide. The CRU LOUNGE is very popular in Atlanta. One decade ago the first CRU LOUNGE opened and 2020 seems to be the year that McKinley has been on franchise fire.

Atlanta just opened a new CRU Lounge on Edgewood open 7 days a week until 4am. The streets of Edgewood are known for heavy foot traffic. Restaunteur Pinky Cole also opened a new Slutty Vegan location on Edgewood as well. Apparently this is one of the restaurant row hotspots in the streets of Atlanta.

Best wishes to Dennis McKinley from the Producers Channel. We also got wind that CRU Lounge will be opening a location in Washington DC on inauguration day on 316 H Street January 21, 2021. “Don’t meet us there,” says McKinley.

Congrats for an outstanding year in business.

Slutty Vegan CEO Pinky Cole opens second location in Jonesboro, GA

Pinky Cole Day
Pinky Cole – Founder of Slutty Vegan

Restauranteur and philanthropist Pinky Cole is the proud owner of her second location of the infamous Slutty Vegan burger Slut House in Jonesboro, GA. The Grand Opening kicked off July 11, 2020 which will always be a monumental day as the Mayor Joy B Day presented Alisha “Pinky” Cole with a Proclamation from the city of Jonesboro declaring 7/11 “Pinky Cole Day!”  Continue reading Slutty Vegan CEO Pinky Cole opens second location in Jonesboro, GA

Governor Brian Kemp declares State of Emergency, authorizes 1,000 National Guard troops to Atlanta

Governor declares State of Emergency, authorizes 1,000 National Guard troops to Atlanta

Screen Shot 2020-07-06 at 10.13.26 PMAccording to WSB TV news :

The goal, according to the governor’s office, is to free up state troopers from those locations so they can help patrol the streets of Atlanta.

The troops will be deployed as needed to protect state buildings, including the State Capitol, the Georgia Department of Public Safety headquarters, the governor’s mansion and the Georgia World Congress Center.

Continue reading Governor Brian Kemp declares State of Emergency, authorizes 1,000 National Guard troops to Atlanta

UK artist KS organically gains fans – ‘No Hook’ Video

 

Most new artist find it difficult to amass a large fan base without help from a major label or without having already established social media pages with tons of likes and follows. The UK artist who goes by the name ‘KS’ exclaims I want to have a big influence on people, just like the people who’ve influenced me.’ Continue reading UK artist KS organically gains fans – ‘No Hook’ Video