Owner/Operator, Bar Vegan in Atlanta
Behind the popular Bar Vegan, which opened in February 2021 at Atlanta’s Ponce City Market, is the owner and operator Aaron Mattison. But he doesn’t have the traditional hospitality background one might think.
“Out of college, I started working on Wall Street. Traditional investment banking and private equity,” says Mattison, 34. “Once I completed business school, my focus was then on strategy and consulting. Bar Vegan started from conversations with Pinky once I joined the executive team of Slutty Vegan.”
In partnership with Aisha “Pinky” Cole and the team behind her renowned restaurant Slutty Vegan, Mattison’s dream of opening an innovative concept centered around creativity and unique culinary experiences is now a reality.
Every moment inside the restaurant is carefully curated so that guests can immerse themselves in the moment. Mattison calls these experiences bar theater, the idea that each cocktail or meal comes with a unique, “Instagrammable” experience.
“Every day, we blend a balance of different food items paired with an amazing cocktail or mocktail that is equally appealing as it is good,” he says. “The ability to provide the right photo op for social media is something we take pride in. Whether that’s a drink poured through a fire extinguisher, provided in a volcano or airplane, or food placed in lunchboxes or non-traditional serving tins, we aim to provide a special social media moment for our guest.”
But Bar Vegan is more than just an on-trend, fun place to go. Mattison cultivates connection in his team through engaging outings, friendly competitions and mentorships. He listens and values the input from his team, coming up with solutions that create connection and allow each team member’s voice to be heard.
He extends that focus on a sense of community and responsible citizenship outside the restaurant as well, partnering with local organizations such as Youth About Business and Atlanta Transitional Center.
Mattison also ensures that the restaurant reflects Atlanta’s broad spectrum of diversity.
“We have created an in-your-face, loud, vibrant and welcoming culture that is inclusive and diverse,” Mattison says. “It allows our employees to bring their talents to create the best foods, the best drinks and the best customer experience.”
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