Today we’d like to introduce you to Keitra Bates.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Keitra. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My family ran a small neighborhood pizza shop on the Westside of Atlanta. Our building was purchased and the new owners had a new vision, higher rent for less space than our original lease. We decided to look for another location. Our community is rapidly gentrifying so we knew that we had to buy whatever we could find this time or be forever priced out of our neighborhood. We found a forgotten about cinder block building that needed a lot of work. We actually had to borrow the earnest money at the time but we just had a feeling of urgency that it was now or never.
We weren’t the only Black business in our community to close. Several businesses that had been operating for years were forced to make way for the new vision of the Westside. Barbershops, hair salons and tiny second-hand shops that catered to hat wearing church ladies disappeared too. This doesn’t make sense if you believe that gentrification brings in new money. Shouldn’t these businesses be experiencing an influx of new customers? People eager to support the businesses in their new neighborhood. It isn’t that simple.
That New money comes with new “taste” and fear. Couple those elements with a strange cognitive dissonance that allows them to believe that they have not moved to a Black Community. The census, abundandance of Black churches and mosques, African Hair Braiding Shops, fish and wing spots all point to the obvious conclusion. This is a Black Neighborhood.
Instead of reopening our pizza spot, we considered the other small food businesses that were being affected by impending development. Our main concern was for the food entrepreneurs that depended on the patrons of the small mom and pop shops. They primarily prepared goods from home and “peddled” them in shops.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Our building has been vandalized twice. Funding has been challenging at times. Old buildings always have a “new surprise” waiting in the wall.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Marddy’s offers businesses development for food entrepreneurs as well as a licensed facility to prepare their goods. We are conveniently located within the community so that our vendors are able to continue to serve the Westside. We are bridging the gap between the established community and newcomers through our Marketplace which is a permanent location and outlet for amazing traditional food.
What were you like growing up?
I was into trading books with my friends. I was the church Sunday school treasurer and I only had one boyfriend throughout high school. He taught me how to drive and we are still friends.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1017 Fair St. Atlanta Ga 30310
- Website: Marddy’s.com
- Email: info@marddys.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/marddys
- Facebook: Facebook.com/marddys
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
