We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tony Jackson . Check out our conversation below.
Tony, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something that has truly brought me joy has been building and growing Pat’s Promise, the nonprofit component of Pat’s Poutine. What started as a way to give back has turned into something much deeper — a chance to create meaningful experiences for the community, especially for children and families who need a little extra support. Seeing the smiles, the impact, and the genuine connections we’ve made through that work continues to remind me why I started in the first place. It’s a source of constant fulfillment and purpose.
On a personal level, one of the greatest joys in my life recently has been watching the tremendous progress my son has made in his journey with autism. Seeing him become more expressive, confident, and engaged has been both inspiring and humbling. His growth fuels my commitment to keep pushing forward — as a father, a business owner, and a community leader. Together, both my son’s journey and the mission of Pat’s Promise keep me grounded in gratitude and driven by love and purpose every day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Tony Jackson, founder of Pat’s Poutine, born and raised in Fulton County, Atlanta, with deep Canadian roots. I spent part of my life going back and forth between Atlanta and Ottawa, which inspired me to bring authentic Canadian flavors to the South. About eight years ago, I started Pat’s Poutine as a small passion project, and it’s now grown into a brand that bridges cultures and communities.
We’re proud to be the only minority-owned poutinerie in the nation and the first and only dedicated poutine brand in the Southeastern United States. What makes our story unique is not just the food — it’s the blend of Canadian tradition, Southern hospitality, and a mission-driven focus through our nonprofit, Pat’s Promise, that keeps us connected to the community we serve.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a kid running the streets of Atlanta — learning life the hard way, but gaining a deep understanding of people, struggle, and resilience. I’ve lived many lives before finding my place in food. I’m a black belt, a Morehouse graduate, a former mortgage banker, a music manager who helped companies land distribution deals overseas, and even a public relations manager for local government officials. I’ve hosted parties, built cleaning companies, and found ways to stay creative and connected long before Pat’s Poutine ever existed.
My journey has never been straight. I lost my father at nineteen, during my freshman year at Hampton University, and it took me twelve years to earn my degree from Morehouse — because I paid my own way, step by step. I’ve lost friends to violence, seen the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and learned what it means to rebuild yourself with purpose. Those experiences shaped the man I am today — layered, tested, and driven. They led me to create the first dedicated Poutinery in the Southeast United States, not just as a business, but as a reflection of every lesson, loss, and leap of faith that made me who I am.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have been many times I’ve wanted to give up. As an entrepreneur, it often feels like every day brings a new test — from personal challenges to professional setbacks. There are moments when the weight of responsibility feels heavy, when you’ve lost people you love, made costly decisions, or faced situations that seem impossible to fix. The truth is, entrepreneurship constantly asks you to solve problems you didn’t see coming, and that can be mentally and emotionally exhausting.
But even in those moments, when it feels easiest to quit, something in me refuses to stop. The same fire that made me start my business keeps me pushing forward. I remind myself why I began — to build something real, to create opportunities, to inspire my son, and to honor everyone who believed in me. So yes, I’ve thought about giving up more times than I can count — but I’m even more driven to keep going, and I know that persistence is what separates dreamers from doers.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
I would think so — but honestly, you’d have to ask the people who know me best. I’ve lived enough life to realize I don’t have the energy or the interest to create different versions of myself just to fit someone else’s idea of who I should be. My world has been too complex, my pace too fast, and my journey too real to live behind a mask. What you see publicly is what you get privately — the same man, just in different settings.
From my tattoos and earrings to the way I speak, move, and think — I’m fully myself. I’ve lived in different places around the world and adapted to many environments, but I never had to become someone else to do it. I believe my ability to connect with people everywhere I go comes from that authenticity. So yes, the public version of me is the real me — because there’s only ever been one version.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’m doing what I’m being led to do. I’ve never been the type to just follow what I was told — my life has always moved on instinct, faith, and purpose. I don’t claim to know exactly where the path leads, but I trust the direction. Every step, every challenge, every success has been part of something bigger than a plan I could’ve written myself.
I live my life one day at a time, trying to make each day meaningful in its own way. I’ve built, stumbled, rebuilt, and kept going — not because someone told me to, but because something deeper pushes me forward. So maybe I’m not doing what I was “born” to do or “told” to do — I’m doing what I’m meant to do in this moment, and that’s enough.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.patspoutine.com
- Instagram: @pats.poutine
