Meet Dr. Quiana Shamsid-Deen | Social Entrepreneur, Restauranteur

Our goal is to give our children freedom through exposure, example, and experiences. We have exposed our kids to different countries outside of the US in order to show them that there are not just American citizens, but global citizens. As parents, we are people of good character and thoughtfulness. We represent that in front of our children so they can prioritize character above everything else. And lastly, we have gifted them with experiences versus things. Experiences are what children remember. Experiences are what shape them, and leave imprints on their lives. Experiences are what show them that the possibilities in this life are limitless. Life is not about working to survive, but life should be about working to live. That is true freedom.

Supreme Burger is a second-generation restaurant concept founded by my husband Ambassador Waleed Shamsid-Deen and I, Dr. Quiana M. Shamsid-Deen. My husband is the son of Lawrence & Edith Shamsid-Deen, who founded Supreme Fish Delight back in 1980 and grew Supreme Fish Delight to 25 locations throughout Atlanta before the recession. The original Supreme Fish Delight was previously Supreme Burger in 1978. Waleed’s parents later converted it to Supreme Fish Delight. In 2015, my husband and I decided to pay homage to the legacy of his parents and created the “throwback’ concept Supreme Burger, a quick-service, halal, burger restaurant. We recently opened a location in Charleston South Carolina, Playa del Carmen Mexico and we have a kiosk in the Gateway Arena. We serve our signature Supreme Burger, Greek Lamb Burger, Wo “Shrimp” Burger, and the Jamaican Jerk Burger. We also have a salmon burger, chicken burger, veggie burger, and beyond burger. We pride ourselves on having a burger for everyone. However, we are more than a burger restaurant. We are a purchase with a purpose. This business is just a catalyst for us to serve through our non-profit Supreme Family Foundation. During the pandemic, we have lost 50% of our revenue. Customers’ counts have decreased and the current impact of the supply chain has impacted our business significantly. However, despite the challenges, our commitment to service remains at the forefront. We have delivered up to 15,000 meals a week to senior citizens and youth throughout Metro Atlanta to do our part to eradicate food insecurity. Additionally, we have committed to launching a lunch program for a private school to make sure that every student has a meal while in school. We recently were awarded the Giving Award during the Small Business Impact Awards sponsored by Bank of America and Mastercard. Additionally, my husband was recently appointed Special Envoy for the Republic of Sierra Leone by His Excellency President Juilus Maada Bio. So despite all of the challenges we faced and continue to face being a small Black-owned business during a pandemic, opportunities like the above have confirmed for us, that the work we do is necessary and worth it. These are the reminders we need to keep pushing and keep going. Because at the end of the day, this work is not about us. It’s about what can be done through us.

On Monday my friend and I have to see the sites that are famous in Atlanta. Therefore, the Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola, Civil Rights Museum, and the MLK historical site are imperative for the trip. Eating will be the ultimate experience for us because we love to eat. For Breakfast, we absolutely have to go to Le Petite Marche, Supreme Fish Delight in the Camp Creek Marketplace (of course), Milk and Honey Decatur and, Grits and Eggs Breakfast Kitchen. We will keep it light for lunch options, but we absolutely have to head over to My Potato Factory for a delicious loaded potato, Chef Rob’s Caribbean Cafe, and obviously Supreme Burger (it’s only right). Lastly, for the night out our list will consist of The BQE Restaurant & Lounge, Suite Food Lounge, and Negril ATL. Activities: will include a stop for some pampering to Tu La 2 Nail Salon, a bike ride on the Beltline after some fun on the rooftop of Ponce City Market, and experience a Drive-in movie at Starlight on Memorial.

On this journey of building a legacy for our community, we need community. Therefore, there is no one person to recognize, there is a whole team. Team Supreme is made up of staff, volunteers, community, and donors who all play a pivotal part in not only us still being here today but also the reason we do what we do. We are nothing without our team. They have been grinding with us, sacrificing with us, and they deserve to be here building with us.