Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Daniel BROWN of Metro Atlanta

We recently had the chance to connect with Daniel BROWN and have shared our conversation below.

Daniel, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m walking and with intention. Though wandering involves movement and looks similar on the surface, walking reflects purpose, direction, and endurance. I’ve stumbled at times, but never wandered aimlessly. I’m heading somewhere bigger than myself, surrounded by a faithful few who journey alongside me and I with them. Together, we walk a path of obedience, often difficult and unpopular, but deeply fulfilling.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Daniel Brown, Founder and Co-Owner of Gilly Brew Bar, an innovative beverage concept based in metro Atlanta. At gilly, our brews, spaces, and experiences are crafted to spark curiosity, ignite conversation, and cultivate community. Rooted in my Jamaican heritage, shaped by the grind of my Brooklyn upbringing, and grounded in a deep spiritual conviction that business can be ministry, gilly exists to shine light in unexpected and even broken places. Today, my business partner and I are expanding our impact through a dedicated roasting operation and product line, while continuing to reimagine what coffee culture can be.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
There are countless moments that shaped me, but some of the most meaningful came in the quietest ways—like catching Bob Ross’s The Joy of Painting on TV as a child in the ’90s. In the middle of a busy city life, it was mesmerizing to watch him create with such ease: calm, collected, and always approachable. His gentle voice, simple instruction, and steady presence carried a sense of peace that felt rare and inspiring. Bob taught me about “happy accidents,” finding joy in the process, and seeing beauty in the ordinary. With each painting he offered a new perspective, proving that power can live in gentleness, simplicity, and creativity. His demeanor resonated across generations, leaving behind a cultural legacy that continues to inspire. As a child I probably didn’t even know how much of an impact a show like would have on me but as an adult I believe that it helped me see the world.

Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Honestly, I’d say now people are truly listening.

After making the tough call to close what would have been our second gilly location in Castleberry Hill, my business partner and I chose to step away from social media. What started as a three-month sabbatical has stretched into well over a year without consistent posting. That season of trying to expand took a toll (mentally, physically, emotionally, financially ect.) I found myself with nothing meaningful to share, and rather than post complaints and post just to “stay relevant,” we decided to embrace silence and pour our energy back into our flagship store in Stone Mountain Village.

From the outside, it may have looked like we were losing momentum. But in reality, we were digging deeper; hosting frequent community events, collaborating with local artists and makers, re-building an incredible team from the neighborhood, and launched our roasting operation. It’s been a season of rebuilding, realigning, and playing the long game. And ironically, in the quiet, people began leaning in. Stepping back from constantly putting our work on display, we were able to focus on things like renovating our space, rebuilding our team, and fostering genuine connection with our neighbors. The moments we’ve shared during this season remind me of the old days, when people showed up not because you had a large following, but simply out of curiosity and word of mouth, they’d visit because they love what you had to offer, and loved how it made them feel when they got to experience. We let our product speak for itself and have created a rhythm where you sort of have to come to know what we’re up to firsthand. I’m deeply grateful for this season.

While serving the local community has special place in my heart, I understand that my vision and mission wasn’t meant to just be constrained to one area. It has to spread beyond our four walls. So yes, our digital silence is coming to an end. We’ll be back online soon but this time with greater intentionality and authenticity. And that’s only possible because we first chose to be quiet.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
Whoa! very interesting question. I wouldn’t call it a lie, more like an unspoken truth that even many devoted coffee drinkers don’t fully realize:

That higher-priced latte or pour-over still doesn’t reflect the true cost of coffee. Beyond the beans, there’s the cup, sleeve, lid, and straw—plus living wages, environmental costs of farming, operations, and more. Most cafés (mine included) are constantly finding creative ways just to adapt and stay open. Price increases aren’t about greed; most of the time, they’re simply about survival.

Interviews like this remind me how blessed we are. We own the property we operate from, which gives us the privilege of growing slow and steady. Still, the current economy has pushed us to evolve; cutting out middlemen, taking on more production in-house, and reinvesting directly into our concepts. For us, that’s meant roasting our own coffee. Most cafés don’t have the capacity to roast, which can limit long-term growth. But I believe we’ll soon see a major, rapid shift toward small-batch roasting, and I’d be glad to consult with anyone ready to move in that direction or seeking to partner with us. Roasting gives cafés greater control and lays the foundation for a more sustainable business model.

Of course, getting there is no small feat. Buying a roaster, learning the craft, and maintaining it takes time, labor, and serious commitment. Not everyone has the margin for that. We’ve always planned to roast, and thanks to a grant we received, the timing lined up for us to take the leap and we couldn’t have asked for a better time than now. It was a risk, but one worth taking, so we took it. Everyday we step foot into our property “The Mayors House” in Stn. Mnt, it’s like a protest, I have Nothing To Lose !!!

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
If I laid all that I had down, the only thing that would remain is the gospel that I trust in, live by, proclaim and spread. The message of salvation through Jesus Christ is all that will remain. His word endures forever!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gillybrewbar.com
• Instagram: gillybrewbar
• Linkedin: gillybrewingco
• Twitter: gillybrewbar
• Facebook: gillybrewingco
• Yelp: Gilly Brew Bar
• Youtube: Gilly Brew Bar

Image Credits
Photos by Gary Fortner / @garylfortner
Mary Claire / @maryclairephoto