MEDIA ADVISORY – PRESS CONFERENCE
ATLANTA MAYOR, ATLANTA BELTLINE, THE VILLAGE MARKET
Ribbon Cutting for BeltLine MarketPlace with Focus on Creating More Equitable Access to Affordable Commercial Space
July 13, 2022 at 3 p.m.
Join City of Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s President & CEO Clyde Higgs, The Village Market’s Founder & CEO Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon for Ribbon Cutting and Unveiling of The BeltLine MarketPlace Pilot Incubator Program
WHO:
- Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens
- Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s President & CEO Clyde Higgs
- The Village Market’s Founder & CEO Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon
- Six Minority Business Enterprises, as part of Pilot Incubator Program, whose owners include Black men, women, veterans, families and members of the LGBTQ+ community – this will be the media’s first opportunity to interview the six businesses
WHAT:
- Ribbon Cutting and Unveiling of The BeltLine MarketPlace Pilot Program and Container Business Locations
WHEN:
- 3 p.m. Ribbon Cutting, Unveiling & Press Conference
- Opportunity to meet six selected local, minority-, women- and Black-owned businesses
(Media, please arrive by 2:30-2:45 to get set up)
WHERE:
- Atlanta BeltLine MarketPlace on the Eastside Trail
- Address: 830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
- The containers are located under the Freedom Parkway Bridge
- Easiest parking is at the Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park (see address above)
BACKGROUND:
In April, the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and The Village Market announced a pilot incubator program called Atlanta BeltLine MarketPlace to address commercial affordability and help incubate Minority Business Enterprises. Six businesses were selected from more than 200 applicants.
The businesses are going through an intensive incubator training through The Village Market to help them achieve their business goals throughout the MarketPlace Pilot Program. The businesses will open in phases in custom containers at two locations on the BeltLine from July through November. The locations are under the Freedom Parkway bridge on the Eastside Trail and at 1089 Allene Ave. SW on the Westside Trail. Days and hours of operation will be updated at www.beltline.org/marketplace.
BUSINESSES:
EASTSIDE TRAIL BELTLINE MARKETPLACE
Located under the Freedom Parkway Bridge at 830 Willoughby Way NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
Kina Morgan wants everyone on the BeltLine to grab one of her custom cake slices, on the go. In business for six years, she will use the BeltLine MarketPlace location to “test our new concept of ‘build a chunk,’ which will allow a customer to select cake and a variety of toppings for a unique dessert experience.” The shop also sells whole cakes and has soft drinks, water, milk and coffee. She currently has one location.
On social @cococakesbycoco
Cornoy Watkins’ is the CEO and creative genius behind Good As Burgers (GAB’S). His vision is to build a worldwide chain like McDonald’s – for vegans as a cook to order restaurant. “We create a fun and tasty way to make the plant-based lifestyle mainstream, saving the lives of hundreds of animals and reducing damage to our environment, one Good As Burger at a time.” In business for two years, the eatery offers all plant-based delicious menu including burgers, sloppy joe sliders, plus sides and desserts. GAB’S currently has 1 location and a food truck in Atlanta. He accredits much of his success thus far to his partners Talia Jones, Jevon Kinloch, Tionne Watkins, and his incredible team. Cornoy wants everyone passing through on the Beltline to stop by and remember “Be Better, EAT GAB’S”.
On social @goodasburgers
Online apparel company founder Alexander Albritton says Grady Babies have changed the world, secured civil rights for all and achieved educational success. (“Grady baby” is a term for people born at Atlanta’s Grady Hospital.) From music moguls and superstars to world class athletes – many started as Grady Babies. “It’s our mission to spotlight and celebrate that greatness. The Grady Baby Brand represents the soul of Atlanta, the heartbeat of a culture, and you don’t have to be born at Grady to wear it,” he says. Known for the classic “We Full – Atlanta” t-shirt, the brand sells tees, hoodies, shorts, jogging suit sets and accessories and aims to become a national brand.
On social @gradybabyco
WESTSIDE TRAIL BELTLINE MARKETPLACE
Located at 1089 Allene Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA. 30310
Founded by Ashley Carlton seven years ago, the cookie company now has one location and 12 employees. “We’re a gourmet cookie shop that specializes in scratch made cookies, artisan cookie sandwiches, handcrafted shakes and deep dish cookie skillets. We make a better cookie!” She hopes to grow the company into a national brand.
On social @notasfamous
Lakeisha Jones wants to add visual interest to people’s space, one plant at a time. “I sell custom-made fabric plant pots.” She’s looking to expand into her first retail location selling plants and accessories. Currently only on the web, this will be her first physical location.
On Instagram @pinkpothosatl
A sixth business will be announced soon.
MEDIA KIT
A media kit with all of the businesses is available here
Find renderings of BeltLine MarketPlace at this link
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About Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.
Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s vision is to be the catalyst for making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable city life. As one of the largest, most wide-ranging urban redevelopment programs in the United States, the Atlanta BeltLine is building a more socially and economically resilient Atlanta with our partner organizations and host communities through job creation, inclusive transportation systems, affordable housing, and public spaces for all. For more information on the Atlanta BeltLine, please visit www.BeltLine.org.
About The Village Market
A community-driven economic vehicle, The Village Market, founded in 2016, steers a direct pipeline for Black-owned businesses’ economic growth and placement. With the opening of Village Retail – sub-company located at Ponce City Market – The Village Market has made a 6.3-million-dollar impact in the city of Atlanta through seasonal marketplaces, retail and campaigns. From theory to practice, The Village Market ensures that Black business owners are positioned for unmatched access and economic equality. For more information, please visit https://thevillagemarket.com/.
About BeltLine MarketPlace
BeltLine MarketPlace is a program that provides more equitable access to affordable commercial space for local small businesses, with a focus on Minority Business Enterprises in the pilot year. From July through November 2022, participating businesses lease commercially affordable BeltLine-facing storefronts with direct access to the Atlanta BeltLine’s roughly two million annual visitors while also receiving business service support and coaching. A joint initiative of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and The Village Market, it is organized in alliance with Atlanta BeltLine Partnership and Atelier 7 Architects and made possible with the generous support of the Kendeda Fund. Learn more at beltline.org/marketplace.
