For Cassidy Jones, entrepreneurship is about more than just business – it’s about passion, creativity and making a meaningful impact. As CEO of LOL Burger Bar, located in Atlanta’s Upper Westside community, Jones is melding all those aspects into a successful concept that is planning to grow.
“For me, entrepreneurship is about chasing your passion,” Jones says. “I’m a builder. I love building things from scratch.”
That drive to create led her from the land of entertainment, where she managed artists for a record label, to the culinary world. She first became a franchisee of CRU, a hemp lounge and restaurant concept. But after over three years of hands-on experience, she felt ready for the next step in her culinary venture.
“I wanted to have something that afforded me more creative control over the direction of the business,” says Jones. She sold CRU and began to explore other options, which led to launching LOL Burger Bar in 2023.
The name LOL Burger Bar is an acronym for “Live Out Loud” and reflects Jones’ belief to be the best version of one’s self. It’s a philosophy she encourages both her team and guests embrace.
The menu reflects the whimsical restaurant name. Inspired by text messages, the menu features playful acronyms like OMG and YOLO, setting the tone for a fun customer experience.
Giving back is important to Jones, too. So much so that the Big OG Burger is a fundraiser for the Lonnie Love Foundation, a nonprofit that supports gun violence intervention, physical and mental health remediation, and esteem building.
Navigating the challenges of marketing an independent eatery, Cassidy has embraced social media by working with influencers to spread the word about LOL Burger Bar. “There’s a lot of foodies out there doing TikTok and Instagram videos,” she says. “The power of collaboration is amazing.”
As CEO, she’s committed to nurturing a culture of excellence. Jones’ leadership style is to empower her staff by providing the tools they need to be successful and offering one-on-one coaching.
“I am not a micro manager,” she says. “I first figure out what someone cares about, so my management style changes with each person’s individual needs.”
Incorporated into LOL Burger Bar’s training is fostering a strong commitment to ensuring every guest feels welcomed and appreciated. Jones believes hospitality goes beyond a smile and warm greeting to connecting on a personal level through conversations that let guests know they are important and part of the brand experience. But Jones’ aspirations extend beyond a single restaurant. She envisions franchising LOL Burger Bar, offering others the opportunity to share in her culinary vision. She also has plans to produce signature sauces and expand the concept into new locations across metro Atlanta.
By Toby Bloomberg
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Thank you to our presenting sponsor, Performance Foodservice, and table sponsors, Society Insurance and Savannah Distributing, for making this event possible:
Presenting Sponsor
Table Sponsors
Savannah Distributing and Society Insurance
