Meet Tony Jackson | Founder Pat’s Poutine

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tony Jackson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tony, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
There were so many thoughts that crossed my mind when starting Pat’s Poutine. Initially I was solely motivated to introduce the American public to the Canadian poutine. I first tasted the dish in 2011, while visiting family and friends in Ottawa, Canada. I fell in love! Not only was this delicious “…Tasty Mess”, but I witnessed how integral it was to every aspect of the Canadian food scene, from private to public. Poutine is a culinary, albeit whimsical, staple served at festivals and sporting events, restaurants, pubs, clubs, bars, and family functions. My taste buds were triggered and his entrepreneurial eye was opened and I began to formulate plans to recreate this yummy and unique Canadian classic and serve it here in the US! In my home “test kitchen”, I got to work formulating my own version of this classic dish. And as I am to my mother, Pat Jackson, a first- born son, Tony premiered Atlanta’s first- born, pop-up poutinerie, Pat’s Poutine in 2017. But soon after this thought of grander passed, thoughts of worry and intimidation due to challenges I knew were up ahead soon followed. Along with all things in life, there will be challenges. Life had already taught me this lesson lol. So I had to prepare and get ready. Some of these worrisome thoughts were “how can I start this new venture alone`?” and “Where can I get the money and time to start this endeavor?” Pat’s Poutine is a “pandemic baby,” so it was truly an uneasy time across the country. But I decided that may be the best time to start. I mean there is never the right time to start a journey right? So I took a step out on faith, the wisdom from friends I knew and authors I didn’t, Ted Talks , and even “motivational talks” I found online. And took the step to make Pat’s Poutine come true.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My name is Tony Jackson. I’m from South West Atlanta. Schooled in the Fulton County public school system and a graduate of Morehouse College. So, I guess I’m what some can call a “native son” of ATL. I’m an entrepreneur by every definition, having created in the spaces of real estate, retail, commercial cleaning, and marketing to name a few.. I have always had the desire to pursue my own dreams. So luckily and organically I fell into this new love of my life, Pat’s Poutine. Pat’s Poutine is a boutique eatery founded in 2014. I learned of the dish in 2011 by family and friends visiting from Ottawa, Canada. Upon visiting Canada, I saw how the dish was incorporated in almost every aspect of social life. From festivals, restaurants, clubs, bars, family functions, and sports events. After tasting the dish, I knew this was something we would love here in the USA. So, I decided to serve the great Canadian Classic poutine under the premise of serving great quality fun food to the public. This sounded easy and all rainbows and marshmallows, but this wasn’t the easy of tasks. I had to motivate myself, especially even more so because, with this uncertainty, most people thought this was not the time, especially with a product no one has heard of. I had to remind myself every day that dream was possible. In Canada, rarely is piping, hot poutine served without an ice-cold beer somewhere close by. So I strategized that duplicating this natural pairing in the US, would not only format Pat’s Poutine’s debut, but would be an essential supporting element of it’s business and its success. I shared Pat’s Poutine’s pitch and poutine samples with the come-at-able folks at Atlanta’s, Monday Night Brewery. Located on the newly opened West Side Beltline, these hip brew-crafters realized immediately that partnering with Pat’s Poutine would introduce a tasty provocative fare for their thirsty clientele, and ultimately, amplify their profits. We furthured this on-going culinary duet by featuring Pat’s Poutine at their Sunday Funday Fair, in the Spring of 2020. Since then, Pat’s Poutine has become a sought- after delectable, “pop(ping) up” at breweries in and around the state of Georgia, numerous festivals, fairs, sporting events, concerts, and various catered affairs, e.g., film and television production sets, private celebrations. During this journey I would literally look myself in the mirror and talk to myself. Yes, it sounds a bit corny, but it’s literally what I had to do to keep this dream ongoing. I didn’t know how I was going to execute. But I knew I could do it with a planning, consistency, and having a motivation “bigger than Poutine” with Pat’s Promise. PAT’S PROMISE has intensely personal beginnings to me. In June of 2017, my then, then three-year old son Zak was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Immediately my family and I, promised two things: First, to dedicate our parental energies into researching exactly what this diagnosis meant for our son, and for our family; and what programs, therapies and facilities existed to assist us in navigating this new challenge. Second, to fulfill what was always to be an integral feature of the family food business’ infrastructure, the creation of a charitable-service component of PAT’S POUTINE. Thus, the birth of PAT’S PROMISE, dedicated to the “Exposure, Education and Empowerment of the children, families, programs and professionals in the ASD community. Then came the struggle of finding a team. You cannot do anything alone despite what some may think. Every strong business has a core team. I looked for creative thinkers, people that “get off” on problem solving, those who are entrepreneurs at heart like me. There will one day be 1,000’s of Pat’s Poutine’s worldwide. I can’t manage this by myself. So, putting together Pat’s team was so imperative. It took both time and a bit of staffing turnaround. This is an ongoing obstacle even now. But lessons are learned and our team is being assembled. There will always be new struggles to overcome. We will be ready! One Tasty Mess at A Time lol.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta has so many layers to it. Its a city full of the best nightlife with world renowned clubs and venues, museum, so much culture, along with beautiful landscapes to enjoy. BOTH OTP and inside metro ATL. So this is like a loaded question. lol But let me give this shot. Well knowing myself I would start the trip off outdoors. We would start off with a trip to sweet water creek. Eat lunch on the lake and take the canoe out or a take nice walk on the river. i probably would be talking about Pat’s poutine and how our brand blends perfectly with outdoor activities. (I’m always working lol) Then maybe double around to Cascade Nature Preserve and see who is vibing at its water fall. Next its time to change clothes regroup and head to grab lunch in east atlanta villiage, Ponce city or Krog Market. There are so many great eateries and restaurantes in this area of the city. From there we are taking days to visit the High Museum, the MLK Center, and one of the galleries of ATL underground artist. You can see these artists work across the city on wall murals and cool hidden galleries through the westside and downtown. Obviously it wouldn’t be right if we didn’t pull up on one of Atlanta’s premier clubs with a dope promoter on the mic. We would have to hit up Buford highway or Duluth for a good Hot Pot, Korean BBQ, or the Best Mexican. Oh and we are hitting the zoo, and pet stores and chilling out at the parks, cause I’m legit 12 years old lol. Atlanta is cool. So whatever they are into we will find it.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dr. Glenn Toby. Founder of The Book Bank Foundation, considered a “founding father of Hip Hop”, a previous manager for musicians, professional boxer, NFL players and current television/movie actors. A true motivator and philanthropist. Also a true friend to myself and others.

Website: www.patspoutine.com

Instagram: @pats.poutine