Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Brown.
Daniel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m from Brooklyn and so I will never claim to be an “Atlantan”… Brooklyn will always be home for me. I did however meet the love of my life (Shellane Brown, Owner of Apple-Butter) here; Georgia is dope for that reason and the opportunities here have allowed me to accomplish a few life goals of mine.
Singing/songwriting & brand consulting for others businesses is what I spent most of my life doing professionally. I studied business in college and after meeting Shellane I decided to use the little knowledge I accumulated to help her pursue her passion for cake decorating. Apple-Butter Bakery was Rebirthed, revamped & re-launched. When it grew to a sustainable state, I knew it was time to move on to the next venture.
I have no previous experience as a barista. For me this was and still is just another creative outlet. It was a way for me to help contribute to the economic development of Historic Stone Mountain Village, which is on the way to a complete change of narrative.
Only 7 months in business and already I’ve been approached by numerous owners of bars & coffee/tea shops from all corners across the country, who are interested in me consulting their staff. A plethora of partnerships have been proposed as well as investors desperate to franchise!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all!!!
Some struggles I’ve encountered include a mixture of discrimination, lack of communication & guidance in opening a business in a historic district.
The Village is arguably one of the most negatively branded cities in America when it comes to the racial divide. I’m fortunate to have The Mayor’s House, but in many ways it seems to be as much of a curse as a blessing. My wife and I were called forth and challenged to create authentic community and connection in our historic slice of Atlanta. Little did we know, The Village would become the perfect storm of community revival, history, and opportunity.
For the past three years, we have been battling this project we call “The Mayors House”; The oldest standing structure in Stone Mountain, built by slaves in the 1800s for the first Mayor of Stone Mountain. The vision for this place though is for it to become a community incubator. Restaurant, cocktail bar are a few other services we hope to introduce here in the near future. For now we’ll keep brewing up ideas in our phase one, in the left wing of The Mayors House known as Gilly brew bar.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Gilly Brewing Co. is the official name & is a Innovative beverage brand. The name Gilly derives from my grandfather’s name, Gilbert.
Gilly Brew Bar is my first concept that was officially launched in April of 2016 & is known for its collaborative seasonal menus.
The actual bar was designed to help connect neighbors. It allows us to engage with our guests. My band of baristas and I brew with purpose and handcraft innovative beverages. We’ll collaborate with anyone, product or service that will help further spread and share the stories we have tell through libations.
My vision for the brand is to operate a compilation of bars with different menu concepts.
What sets us apart from others is our innovation; A constantly changing menu requires me to be as creative as you can imagine and more. New themes, techniques, flavor profiles and pairs are constantly going through my head. With the help of my team, in a span of about 3 months we experiment and are able to execute a collection of five drinks we call Elixirs that are one of a kind. We’ve sucessefully launched menus for Spring, Summer & Fall… Wait till you taste and see what we have in store for this coming Winter!
What were you like growing up?
I was raised in a single parent home in a pretty rough neighborhood but with a tougher mum who worked hard so I didn’t become a product of my society. Music and church consumed most of my days and I believe I’m a better iman because of that.
Personality wise, I’ve always been a focused, entrepreneurial, artistic guy. I’m also always trying to figure out ways to produce original ideas and solutions for the future. I’ve been blessed with so many skills and talents, and i’m not sure which venture I will choose next but whatever that maybe, I hope will impact lives across the globe in magnificent ways, all for the glory of my Lord and Savior.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5329 Mimosa Drive, Stone Mountain GA 30083
- Website: gillybrewbar.com
- Phone: 7186448282
- Email: gillybrewingco@gmail.com
- Instagram: @gillybrewbar
- Facebook: @gillybrewbar
Image Credit:
Photos Taken By: Mary Claire Stewart
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David Balzer
December 6, 2018 at 11:14 pm
Thank you for this story! Gilly Brew Bar has a look, a feel, and a taste that elevate the standard of comfortable elegance. Another entire article could be done on their perseverance and patience that enabled them to finally open and continue there now.