Inspiring Conversations with Mark Ferrell of Uncle Butch Chicken -N-Waffles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Ferrell.

Hi Mark, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a passionate restaurateur and the creator of @nanaschickennwaffles and @unclebutchchickenandwaffles, two brands that celebrate Southern comfort food with heart and soul. I’ve been in the hospitality industry for over 10 years, building spaces where people feel at home — through unforgettable dishes, warm service, and a true sense of culture.

What started as a love for food turned into a movement. Our restaurants have been consistently recognized as top destinations for brunch in Georgia, and I’m proud to have built concepts that not only feed people, but bring communities together.

Now, I’m continuing to expand with bold, new ideas like Bourbon & Brunch, blending vibrant New Orleans flavors with an upscale experience. For me, it’s always been about creating something meaningful — food that tells a story, and spaces that feel like family.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Every journey worth taking has its bumps, and mine has definitely had a few. Building a brand from the ground up — especially in the restaurant industry — comes with long nights, tough decisions, and learning on the fly. From staffing challenges and rising food costs to navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, there have been moments where it felt like everything was on the line.

But I’ve always believed that pressure makes diamonds. Each struggle taught me something new — about leadership, resilience, and staying focused on the bigger picture. I wouldn’t trade those lessons for anything. They helped shape who I am today and pushed me to create something lasting, not just successful.

As you know, we’re big fans of Uncle Butch Chicken -N-Waffles . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m the creator and founder behind @nanaschickennwaffles and @unclebutchchickenandwaffles, two Southern-inspired brunch brands known for bringing flavor, culture, and soul to the table. We specialize in elevated comfort food — golden fried chicken, signature waffles, shrimp & grits, beignets, and brunch cocktails that keep people coming back. But it’s more than food — it’s an experience.

What sets us apart is the energy. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with love, music, and a vibe that feels like family. We’ve built a culture that blends hospitality with authenticity — no gimmicks, just real food and real people.

I’m most proud of the way the brand has impacted the community. We’ve become a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike, and we’ve been ranked #1 on Yelp, Google, and OpenTable — which tells me we’re doing something special. Beyond the plate, we’ve created jobs, supported local talent, and represented Black excellence in the culinary world.

Our newest concept, Bourbon & Brunch, takes it to another level — blending New Orleans flavor with a bold, upscale brunch experience. Think cast iron skillet pancakes, crawfish étouffée, and curated cocktails — all with a black-and-gold luxury feel.

At the heart of it all, my mission is simple: to serve unforgettable food, create unforgettable moments, and build something that stands the test of time.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
For me, it’s vision — the ability to see beyond what’s in front of you and believe in something bigger, even when no one else does. I’ve always had a clear picture of what I wanted to create — not just a restaurant, but a brand, a vibe, and a standard that would leave a mark.

That vision is what kept me going during the toughest moments. It gave me the focus to build with intention, to stay creative, and to never settle for average. When you can see the dream clearly, it gives everything you do more purpose — and that’s what drives success.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @unclebutchschickenandwaffles @chuvalomferrell