Today we’d like to introduce you to LaToya Franklyn.
Hi LaToya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My mom, Chef Emily James, has always been an entrepreneur. She’s owned everything from a salon and spa to a real estate brokerage, daycare, and event venue back in Brooklyn. So I grew up watching her build things from the ground up, and that definitely shaped how I see business.
I took a different path at first. I became an attorney and built my career helping others structure and protect their businesses. But when my mom finally decided to open the restaurant everyone had been encouraging her to start for years, I knew I wanted to be part of it. That’s how Miss Conduck was born. We are a true mother-daughter venture bringing Caribbean fusion to downtown Atlanta.
I used my legal and business background to help build the foundation (everything from contracts to operations to brand development), while my mom focused on the culinary side. Together, we created a space that feels like home but still has this elevated, modern energy.
For me, it’s about more than just running a restaurant. It’s about helping my mom turn her lifelong passion into a legacy, showing what ownership and excellence look like when culture and creativity come together.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road! There have been moments when I’ve felt completely stretched—physically, mentally, and emotionally. The restaurant business will test every part of you. You can plan all you want, but there’s always something unexpected—equipment breaking down mid-service, staff changes, food costs skyrocketing, or simply trying to keep the doors open when the numbers don’t add up the way you hoped.
Coming from a legal background, I was used to structure, clarity, and predictability. Stepping into hospitality was the complete opposite. There were days I questioned if I was built for it. But then I’d see my mom in the kitchen, cooking with so much love, and it reminded me why we started—to build something lasting, something that honors our culture and creates opportunities for our family and community.
One of the hardest parts was visibility—getting people to find us and understand what Miss Conduck is about. Atlanta has a vibrant food scene, and as a small, family-owned Caribbean restaurant, it took a lot of perseverance and creativity to carve out our place.
Through it all, I’ve learned that growth doesn’t happen in comfort. The tough days taught us resilience. Every happy customer, every event that went beautifully, every “this tastes like home” moment made the challenges worth it. It’s been a journey of faith, grit, and grace—and it’s made us stronger than we ever imagined.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Miss Conduck?
Miss Conduck is a Caribbean fusion restaurant located in downtown Atlanta. We’re a mother-daughter team, and at the heart of everything we do is family, culture, and excellence. Our goal has always been to create a space that feels like home—but elevated. When guests walk in, we want them to feel embraced by the warmth of the islands while experiencing the kind of service, flavor, and presentation you’d expect from a fine dining restaurant.
We specialize in taking classic Caribbean dishes and giving them a modern, creative twist—whether it’s our jerk chicken egg rolls, oxtail Rasta pasta, or our signature cocktails that capture the spirit of the islands. Everything is made with intention, love, and quality ingredients.
What sets us apart is the experience. Miss Conduck isn’t just about the food—it’s about how people feel when they’re here. The music, the atmosphere, the energy—it all comes together to make people smile, dance a little in their seats, and feel connected.
Beyond dinner service, we also offer full-service catering and private events. We’ve hosted everything from corporate dinners and birthdays to weddings and brand launches. We love helping people celebrate life’s moments, and we take pride in customizing every experience so it feels special and personal.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of how authentic we’ve remained. We didn’t build Miss Conduck trying to copy anyone else—we built it from the heart. Our story, our food, our design—it all reflects who we are as Caribbean women creating something beautiful in Atlanta. I want readers to know that Miss Conduck isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a love letter to our culture, our journey, and everyone who believes in the power of good food and good energy.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The restaurant industry is evolving a lot. Over the next few years, I think it’s going to be less about trends and more about sustainability, consistency, and real connection. Guests want good food, but they also want to know who’s behind it, where it comes from, and that they’re supporting something genuine.
Technology will keep growing, but the human side still matters most—how people are treated, how they feel when they walk in, and whether the experience feels authentic.
For us at Miss Conduck, that means staying focused on quality, hospitality, and community. We’re not chasing fads—we’re building something solid, something that can stand the test of time. I think that’s where the industry as a whole is headed: back to basics, but done with heart and excellence.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://missconduck.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missconduckatl/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558503398430
