Community Highlights: Meet Joy Wilford of Marcus Bar & Grille

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Wilford.

Hi Joy, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Joy Wilford, born and raised on the Westside of Atlanta, where community, culture, and connection were part of everyday life. My love for hospitality started early, even though my professional journey didn’t begin there. I launched my career as an educator, learning how to lead, inspire, and pour into people — skills that would later become the foundation of my hospitality leadership style. At the same time, I was always behind a bar after hours, drawn to the fast pace, creativity, and magic of creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Eventually, I realized hospitality wasn’t something I did — it was who I was. I took a bold leap of faith and stepped fully into the industry, which led me to New York City. NYC sharpened me. It pushed me to move faster, think bigger, and stand confidently in my vision in one of the most competitive hospitality landscapes in the world.

Joy is now the General Manager of Marcus Bar & Grille.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road definitely wasn’t smooth. I experienced being overlooked, underestimated, and underpaid. Those moments were painful, but they lit a fire in me. Instead of shrinking, I learned to advocate for myself, demand excellence, and lead with purpose. Those challenges didn’t break me — they built me. Today, I lead with heart, grit, and intention. I’m passionate about people, culture, and curating one-of-a-kind experiences that guests feel long after they leave. Every step of my journey — the wins and the struggles — has shaped the leader I am now, and I’m just getting started.

We’ve been impressed with Marcus Bar & Grille , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Marcus Bar & Grille opened in March 2023 in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward neighborhood and is a vibrant neighborhood restaurant and bar by acclaimed chef Marcus Samuelsson. On the menu, you’ll find an assortment of steaks and barbecue, a selection of Marcus’s signature items (like brown sugar wings and Old Bay crab cakes), and much more, while its lively bar features an impressive wine list, local craft beers, and creative cocktails. The space, menus, and ambiance combine a little bit of everything Marcus loves: food, culture, art, and community, complete with an outdoor patio offering plenty of chances to dine and mingle under the stars. Working closely with Executive Chef Gary Caldwell, Samuelsson aims to create a gathering place for the community in the heart of the historic Old Fourth Ward.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
There’s always something fun going on at Marcus Bar & Grille, whether it’s Pie & Boujee Tuesdays, Knuck if You Cluck Wednesdays, Brisket Thursdays or Sunday Supper Club. It’s also an amazing spot to celebrate a birthday – we have a tableside cake cart!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.marcusbarandgrille.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcusbarandgrille/?hl=en