Neutral Ground

My cooking seamlessly weaves together my Afro-Creole heritage and New Orleans roots. I seek to pay homage to the stories of my mother and ancestors, all while making my guests feel seen and understood. 

This is the vision of Neutral Ground—a place where tradition meets nuance and where each dish becomes a tribute to my roots. 

For me, success is not measured by personal gain alone; it lies in the transformation of my staff's lives and contributions to my community.

I dream of empowering others, igniting their passion for the culinary arts, and nurturing young minds from underserved communities. By giving back and investing in the next generation, I aim to create a network of Neutral Ground alumni who will carry the torch of inspiration forward.

My journey is a testament to the power of persistence, thoughtfulness, and unbridled giving. As I strive to create a legacy for Chattanooga’s culinary arts, I invite you to join me. 

Help me bring Neutral Ground to life. Together, let’s create a space where heritage and creativity merge, and where the simple act of sharing a meal becomes the ultimate expression of hospitality.

Check out our Instagram page for more pictures of our food and team.

Investment Opportunity

Neutral Ground offers an opportunity for impact-minded investors to empower developing communities and contribute to a narrative of economic hope and prosperity. 

• 1.5x return to investors
• Expected payback in 9 years (5% IRR)
• Quarterly payments of 6% of revenues, starting in Q3 2024

Revenue Projections for year one are $900k.  We’re expecting a 12% yearly growth rate after that.  

Here is an economic model that shows revenue projections and a payback schedule for investors.  

We strive to achieve a positive economic outcome for our investors and community through our venture.  We aim to create a sustainable investment opportunity and deliver high value to all those invested in our mission.

*Forward-looking projections are not guaranteed.

Use of Funds - Restaurant Buildout

Neutral Ground is seeking investment to transform an empty space into a fully operational restaurant. 

The total cost estimate, covering all necessary expenses from conception to opening day is $450,000. The costs include the following:

• Equipment & Furniture: Equip Neutral Ground with top-notch stoves, ovens, coolers, chairs, tables, and small-wares
• Licensing & Permitting: Obtain licenses and permits including liquor license, food service license, certificate of occupancy, health permits, etc. 
• Renovations: Engage an architect and contractor to design and build out the space.
• Salaries (first 6 months): Support a dedicated team during the critical launch phase.

Location, Location, Location

Neutral Ground will be strategically located between Highland Park and Southside, in a part of town that’s known for high quality cuisine.  

Participating in this location highlights our respect for the area's history and positions us at the heart of a thriving dining scene.

We’re offering a unique menu that caters to our diverse target audience, offering authentic and creative meals that are inspired by my Afro-Creole heritage. 

Progress to Date

– We opened in a shared kitchen incubator in Chattanooga in June of 2020, and generated $42,095 of revenue. 

– In 2021, our first full year of operations, we generated $231,704 in revenue from a pop up. The space had 25 tables that were shared by 3 other restaurant concepts.  

– Neutral Ground has maintained a loyal following after exiting the incubator.  We’ve continued catering private events, and operating in specialized pop up events in Chattanooga, which allowed Neutral Ground to finish 2022 with $206,479 in revenue.

– I was the winner of Chopped Time Capsule 90's episode (available on Apple TV), which secured invitations to numerous other nationally syndicated food shows, further solidifying my presence in the culinary world.

– I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and I have over 16 years experience in high-end restaurants. I’ve worked at a number of respected restaurants around the country. I was also a James Beard Foundation JLP work study grant winner, which enabled me to travel to Ghana, Benin, and Cameroon, where I garnered new skills and refined my cooking style. 

- In 2018 I established the 4 Courses Supper Club. Over the past 3 years, I’ve fostered relationships with Public School culinary arts programs, and used my culinary connections to bring renowned celebrity chefs of color to host four-course meals in Chattanooga. These events are designed to allow the chefs, students, and paying diners to engage in meaningful conversations addressing pressing issues within the Black community. By actively involving students in these events, I’ve helped raise over $50k for public school culinary arts programs and provided students with hands-on experience and introductions to positive role models. 

Beyond the Food - Vision for Neutral Ground

At Neutral Ground, our vision is to play a pivotal role in shaping Chattanooga's culinary scene by focusing on authenticity and unwavering quality. In contrast to many of the existing food options in Chattanooga, we are dedicated to offering a richer dining experience that delves into the essence of diverse cuisines. Our dream is to showcase new cultures through enlightening and immersive dining experiences, creating a vibrant culinary destination that sets a new standard for excellence in the city.

Moreover, we envision Neutral Ground as more than just a restaurant; it will be a dynamic learning kitchen. Recognizing the gap in opportunities for aspiring chefs in Chattanooga, we aim to bridge that divide. By collaborating with local high schools' culinary programs, we offer young people a chance to gain practical experience in fine dining without incurring expensive debts from traditional culinary schools. Our goal is to train and nurture skilled workers who will contribute to building the burgeoning culinary scene in Chattanooga. By providing a pathway for these talented individuals to join our team, we foster a sustainable and thriving culinary community.

Working with the youth in the community

A sample menu

Pictures of our food