Conversations with Tani Horton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tani Horton.

Hi Tani, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a born and raised Jersey girl who found her way south at Clemson University, my first taste of Southern charm and hospitality. After college, I made the move to Atlanta and joined Sweetgreen’s marketing team, leading efforts for our Atlanta and Tampa restaurants. It was there that my passion for hospitality really took root, though, truthfully, I’ve always been a foodie at heart. Long before “influencers” were a thing, I was going to NYC to try new restaurants and share my finds.

Traveling the world with my family and studying abroad in London deepened my appreciation for global hospitality and the magic of a well-crafted guest experience. That passion led me to work alongside Food Network star Marcus Samuelsson, where I led marketing for his international restaurant group.

Now, I’m proud to bring that same love for storytelling and community to FORTH Hotel, blending food, culture, and connection in the heart of Atlanta. Over the years, I’ve met incredible chefs, hoteliers, and restaurateurs, but what I love most is that at its core, hospitality is about people. It’s about creating moments that make someone’s day just a little more memorable.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Moving to a new city was hands down the hardest part. Leaving family and everything familiar to start fresh was both nerve-racking and thrilling. But looking back, it was easily one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The beauty of working in hospitality is that you’re constantly connecting with people, and through that, I found my community. I always tell anyone on the fence about moving: just do it. Growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone, and the connections and experiences waiting for you on the other side are so worth it.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
It’s always hard to sum up what I do in one word because marketing is a blend of art, science, and people. I’m a marketer who leads multi-channel campaigns from concept to execution, helping restaurants and hotels come to life. My specialty lies in pre-opening and newly opened properties, that magical window where you get to build buzz, tell the story, and create meaningful connections between a space and its community. During my time at Sweetgreen, the Marcus Samuelsson Group, and now FORTH Hotel, I get the chance to do just that, connecting locals to our brand through community-driven events. One of my proudest moments was leading the Teyana Taylor x Sweetgreen collaboration bowl, a true labor of love that combined cultural relevance, creativity, and strategy. I’m a risk-taker at heart and go with my gut when it comes to running campaigns and partnerships. This has given me the ability to trust my instincts, take creative risks, and build authentic campaigns that resonate with communities.

How do you think about happiness?
There’s so much that brings me joy, but my community here in Atlanta is at the top of the list. Whether it’s meeting people through church, bible study, restaurants, on the Beltline, or even over a cup of coffee, I always seem to find genuine connection. In a world that can often feel heavy, it’s comforting to be surrounded by like-minded people who are simply doing good and spreading light. Volunteering with organizations like Atlanta Mission also fills me with joy, purpose and connection are at the heart of everything I do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tanihorton.com
• Instagram: @tanihorton_
• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tanihorton_
• Other: tiktok: @thorton_

Image Credits
*it did not show all 4 of my images, only 2, so please let me know if you are missing the other 2!