Today we’d like to introduce you to Billy Kelly.
Hi Billy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Chicago, IL, on the south side in a neighborhood called Englewood. My dad decided when I was around the age of seven to move us to GA so we can have a good and safe environment to be raised in. I loved and missed Chicago so much because most of my family was there. So growing up, every chance we get to go back, we would. Every time we get to the city of Chicago, my dad will always stop and get an Italian beef sandwich. He says that lets him know he is back home.
I recently hurt myself at my truck driving job and because of COVID 19 and my knee injury I have been out of work. I had to figure out a way to generate income. I had some money in my saving so I decided to take a chance and live my dream of being a restaurant owner. I have a lot of restaurant experience and business as well. I wanted to bring the taste of Chicago to Atlanta because our food is so rich with taste that I know they will love it. I have to two restaurants in Atlanta right now. Chi-Talian Beef Sandwiches and Chi-Talian Vegan Sandwiches. We are also opening up in Orlando and Houston, TX in the next few weeks.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not a smooth road at all. It’s have been a lot of roadblocks along the way. The first thing is lack of funding bc of the pandemic and I really believe because I am a black business owner, it has been a lot harder for my business partners and me to find loans and finances. I was relying on big events in Atlanta to get the word out about my restaurant but it’s haven’t been a lot of those going on right now. This had to be one of the worst time for me to start this business but I was told by God to start it and have faith it will all work out… we have everything in place to survive, we are keeping the faith and hoping people will love our food and we will become a household name and provide good food for years to come.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My biggest accomplishment so far was my previous business of five years. I was known as The Phone Doctor. I was the owner and CEO of The Phone Doctor a cell phone repair and sales place in my local town of Barnesville, GA. I was a hometown hero as you would called it because I played sports in my local high school and went to the Army. I coach little league football/track in Atlanta and very active in my community. I was a general manager for two different restaurants so I know the ins and outs of the business. This is my first time owning a restaurant but as a general manager, you pretty much run the restaurant.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
My family and my kids makes me the happiest. Just being able to provide for them and see their growth. Also being able to provide for my wife and give her all the things she wants makes me happy as well. I love the fact they have both their grandparents in life and can visit them whenever they want. I just want to make my kid’s life better than mines was. Also, take care of my mom and dad bc they sacrifice so much in order for us to have the life we do today. It’s wasn’t a lot but it was full of love and loyalty.
Pricing:
- (15% for all VoyageAtl readers) visit out website www.chitalianbeefsandwiches.com and enter code (voyageatl) at checkout
Contact Info:
- Address: 800 Forrest St NW Atlanta GA 30313 18 North Dollins Ave Orlando, FL 32805
- Email: chibeefsandwiches@gmail.com
- Website: www.chitalianbeefsandwiches.com
- Instagram: Bigbeefbaby
- Facebook: Chi-talian Beef sandwiches
