We’re celebrating some of the many wonderful black-owned businesses in Sandy Springs, and the people behind them, who help make our city vibrant and welcoming for travelers. For this blog post, we focused on businesses that visitors may encounter during their stay, including restaurants, shops and event spaces. We know this is just the tip of the iceberg, however, when it comes to talented black professionals currently thriving in Sandy Springs and metro Atlanta. If you think we’ve missed someone that should be included on this list, please email us at hospitality@sandyspringsga.org.

Chef Rob's Caribbean Café

A long-time staple in the Sandy Springs restaurant scene, Chef Rob’s serves authentic Caribbean cuisine with a gourmet twist. Owner and Executive Chef Robert Gayle’s award-winning food includes braised beef oxtails, curried goat, ackee and saltfish; and his signature spicy jerk seasoning. Chef Rob’s has continued to expand his brand and presence in the community by offering private cooking classes, special event catering, and operating a successful food truck. 

 

 

Plant Based Pizzeria 

Paul Jordan and Marisa Acoff, owners of Plant Based Pizzeria, are dedicated to bringing flavorful vegan foods to metro Atlanta. Plant Based Pizzeria serves a variety of pizzas, calzones, and flatbreads made with 100 percent plant-based ingredients. Their menu also includes sandwiches, pastas, and soul food on Sundays. The demand for their flavorful and creative plant-based food has led to them opening two locations, one in Sandy Springs and one in midtown Atlanta, and a food truck.

 

 

Havana Cigar Lounge

Havana Cigar Lounge is a chic spot for food, drinks, cigars, and live music. They serve a menu of Caribbean cuisine with a Nigerian fusion. Ade Erinkitola owns Havana Cigar Lounge, and he has turned it into a local favorite for cigar aficionados and music lovers alike with special themed nights where you can hear R&B, Neo-Soul, Afro House music, jazz, and more.

 

 

Mobile Event Venues of Atlanta (MEVA)

MEVA is a luxury party bus that makes for the perfect Instagram and TikTok worthy venue with colorful lights, stylish seating, and murals of music icons like Beyonce. There's even a secret photo booth in the back that has a beautiful flower wall. This unique bus that doubles as an event venue is the brain child of entrepreneur Lucits Dean.

 

 

Scotchie’s Sandy Springs

After 20 years in the restaurant industry, Chef Kevin Boothe decided to open his own restaurants and provide metro Atlanta with authentic Jamaican flavors. At his restaurant, Scotchie's in Sandy Springs, guests can enjoy flavorful island-inspired dishes in a laidback setting. Diners rave about Scotchie’s oxtails and brown stew chicken!

 

 

Beautiful Curly Me

Created by mother and daughter team Evanna and Zoe Oli, Beautiful Curly Me is a shop offering dolls, sleep caps, toys, beauty products and books designed for young black girls. CEO and Chief Muse Zoe inspired the products after she asked her mom if they could make dolls that girls like her could relate to and to help empower them to love their curls. The Oli’s are Sandy Springs residents who now sell products online at https://beautifulcurlyme.com/.

 

 

Cigar City Club

Cigar City Club was the dream of owner Julius Bolton, who wanted to provide metro Atlanta with an upscale but relaxed cigar experience. This cigar enthusiast club enhances their guest experience with a full bar and gourmet menu with steak, seafood, and several vegetarian dishes. It’s now a popular destination for guests looking to celebrate a special occasion or just a lively night out on the town. 

 

 

Young Chefs Academy

Young Chefs Academy is a children’s cooking school franchise company with locations across the US. Kia Coachman owns the Sandy Springs school and provides kids with a creative and hands-on way to learn about food and cooking. Young Chefs Academy offers many classes, workshops and events and is available to book for private parties.

 

Luminous Gatherings

One of the newest venues in Sandy Springs, Luminous Gathering Event Space, is located in the quiet Marsh Creek Village shopping center right off Roswell Road and has ample parking. This stylish and modern venue can seat 80 people comfortably, and is a great location for more intimate meetings or celebrations. Keyondra Garvin opened luminous Gatherings after gaining nearly a decade of experience in the hospitality and hotel industry with Hilton.

 

A Space in Time

Owned by Ebony Hamlet, A Space in Time is an event venue located in heart of Sandy Springs, just blocks away from City Springs on Hilderbrand Drive. It doubles as an art gallery, featuring works from emerging artists. Hamlet skillfully renovated two spaces into spacious and adaptable suites available to rent for special events. Both suites are well suited for a variety of gatherings including birthday celebrations, holiday parties, and wedding showers.

 

 

Twin Brothers Gallery Twin Brothers Gallery is a charming art gallery and shop that celebrates African art and culture. It has a variety of art from east, west, central and southern Africa including paintings, figurines, jewelry, masks, and sculptures. Abdoulaye Biteye, who loves to share his vast knowledge of African art with his customers, started the gallery.

 

 

Find more restaurants, things to do, and places to stay when you visit Sandy Springs, GA.