Tag Archives: Atlanta Restaurants

Restaurateur Damon Johnson Pays Homage to Father Opening “Augie’s Breakfast Bar” in Atlanta

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.

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!

Tapas restaurant “SLUSH” on Edgewood hosts private Sneak peek soft opening

Guests were given a COVID friendly greeting with hand sanitizer and temperature checks at the door. According to the Press Release by publicist Diane Larche , the HVAC was upgraded with a new high-tech UV lighting and air-purifying filtration system which was created to reduce indoor odors and kill volatile organic compounds and other biological contaminants such as mold, bacteria, and viruses (including the virus that causes COVID-19). Masks are required when not eating or drinking.

nouveau bar and grill owner Ebony Austin speaks on teaching your staff how to boss up during a pandemic

Nouveau Bar & Grill Photo Credit Ebony Austin

Nouveau Bar & Grill CEO, Ebony Austin, takes pride in celebrating her one-year anniversary in Atlanta on Oct. 24, 2020. Austin shared three techniques she implements in her daily regimen that allows her to “weather the storm” on any occasion. These tools were very essential during Atlanta’s shutdown in March and April and essentially prepared her to re-open in phases with COVID-19 restrictions specific to the restaurant business.

The rolling out AM Wake-uptalk show recently invited Austin to discuss the importance of leadership, adaptability and how she’s navigating through this pandemic successfully amidst the new restaurant dine-in experience.

Continue reading nouveau bar and grill owner Ebony Austin speaks on teaching your staff how to boss up during a pandemic

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

3 People shot at Old Lady Gang restaurant in East Point on Valentine’s Day

Police are looking for the suspect in a shooting at the East Point restaurant ‘OLD LADY GANG’ owned by Atlanta housewife Kandi Burruss & her husband Todd Tucker. The suspect entered the restaurant and targeted another man during the shooting in which 2 innocent bystanders were shot according to East Point Captain Allyn Glover.

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Police are investigating a triple shooting inside a popular East Point restaurant on Valentine’s Day. Story developing.