Meet Annette Jones | Dandridges LLC, Tropical Smoothie Cafe Franchisees
We had the good fortune of connecting with Annette Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Annette, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
As a small child growing up in Anniston, Alabama, one of Annette’s mother’s favorite songs to sing around the house was, “If I Can Help Somebody as I Pass Along”. That song and our dream of starting a family business that will have a positive social impact on the community, is the foundation of why the Dandridges, LLC opened their first Tropical Smoothie Café, GA-099.
A shared responsibility and goal amongst our family has always been to “be the best that you can be, daily.” The challenges that accompany a single-parent household of three daughters while serving in the U.S. Army have prepared us in becoming business partners. During the process of deciding which business to start, some of the things that stood out to us about the Tropical Smoothie Franchise were their initiatives such as “Inspiring Better”, the “No Kid Hungry Campaign “, and bringing healthier eating choices to the community. These are the type of goals that we feel are important for our family and business. While we’ve already begun collaborating with schools and leaders in the community, we plan to offer internships to aspiring entrepreneurs, college scholarships and other programs to help instill leadership values.
Hiring teens and young adults within the community allows us an opportunity to become role models and mentors. Just in the short duration that we have been in business, we have created lifelong positive bonds with our employees and the community. The fun, yet professional environment that we create inside the café teaches everyone real life skills and lessons. We are currently working on several plans to develop collaborative projects with county/governmental leadership, focusing on minorities and low-income families. Our goal is to create strong partnerships with schools, churches, neighboring businesses and the entire community.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Prior to starting this business, Annette worked tirelessly to support her three girls. During her career, she became a Chief Warrant Officer in the military as a Human Resources Branch Manager for the Georgia National Guard. There were some very challenging times but she was determined to stay the course. Annette has an Associate in Applied Science and a Bachelors in Business Administration.
Shanita ( oldest daughter), received a full scholarship upon her High school graduation and later received a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She later received an MBA in Human Resources. Shanita currently works at the Internal Revenue Service as a Management and Program Analysts.
LaKesha (middle daughter) attended college graduated college and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She later received a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration and certified in Media Technology. She has served in the classrooms and currently works as the Media Specialist for Douglas High School 9th Grade Academy.
Deidre (youngest daughter), graduated college and received a Bachelor’s in Sociology and Master’s in Library Science a Master’s in Health Science. She currently works at Center for Disease Control (CDC) as a Library Team Lead.
All of our careers have been challenging and tedious, but staying the course have helped us to get to the point of becoming business owners.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1
Start your day off with the most important meal of the day, breakfast at Two Eggs! in Conyers.
Next head over for a fun day of shopping at the Mall of Stonecrest. While there, you can also check out the New Black Wall Street for family fun, shopping, and more. Be sure to check the hours, as they vary day by day. While in the area, grab a scoop of ice cream from “Two Scoops”, a locally owned ice cream shop.
Feel like you’re on the beach for lunch by visiting Tropical Smoothie Café on Panola Road for a made to order Jerk Chick Flatbread, kale apple slaw, and cool off with a Bahama Mama Smoothie.
If you still have enough energy, go for a hike or take a relaxing stroll through beautiful Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve in Dekalb County. They also offer biking, fishing, and other activities for nature enthusiasts.
Wind down with a casual dinner by taking your pick of variety of local restaurants, including Spudz, Pita Mediterranean Street Food, or 15th Street Pizza & Pub.
Day 2
It’s all about downtown Atlanta today! Begin your day by grabbing hot, glazed doughnuts and coffee from Krispy Kreme on Ponce De Leon Ave.
Next, head over to the GA Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the world and referred to as “Noah’s Ark” .
The World of Coca Cola, where you can sample different flavors of Coca Cola from around the world, is up next and is just a short walk next door.
Enjoy lunch (don’t forget the fried fruit pies) as the world famous Varsity or a giant burger from Slutty Vegan before immersing yourself in history at the Civil Rights Museum.
Wrap up your evening at the beautiful Atlanta Botanical Garden. You’ll have your choice of fine dining or grabbing a quick bite from a variety of restaurants or cafes all in walking distance.
Day 3
Begin your morning with a yoga class on the lawn at Piedmont Park or Atlantic Station before grabbing breakfast at Breakfast at Barneys.
Visit the memorial at Centennial Olympic Park. If it’s a hot summer day, you’ll probably catch kids delightfully running through the sprinklers. Right across the street, you can catch a beautiful view of the city on the Sky View Ferris Wheel. Grab a hotdog or cheese steak from a café or food truck in the area.
You’ll need to reserve it in advance, but catch a play, concert, or musical at the famous Fox theatre after enjoying a seafood dinner the Ocenaire or for a 360-degree view with dinner, check out the Polaris rotating restaurant.
End your night with a horse and carriage ride through the city or a drive in move at Starlight Drive In.
Day 4
Atlanta is famous for its delicious breakfast and brunch options. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Nana’s Chicken and Waffles or Milk and Honey before getting your day started.
Bike, Scooter, or walk off your breakfast on the Atlanta beltline, which connects most of the various cities and is a nice way to sight see and people watch. Along the way, you’ll see plenty of cozy places to eat and street art.
Getting around Atlanta is much easier on MARTA, the metro transit system. Catch a ride to Truist Park and cheer on the Atlanta Braves at a baseball game. They also offer great food options in the park.
Day 5
Waffle House is a popular Atlanta stop for breakfast, where the menu options are plentiful and prices are great for those on a budget.
Spend the day playing adult games at Top Golf or Ponce City Market Roof Top, where you can also grab lunch of anything wings, pizza, salad, or burgers OR check out the hipster’s paradise—Little Five Points neighborhood. Here you can do some vintage shopping and check out local bars and unique neighborhood restaurants.
If you’re ready for some night life, check out some of the local breweries for adult drinks and game nights. There are many options available from Marietta, to Alpharetta, to Buckhead.
Day 6
Treat yourself to breakfast or brunch from the Krog Street market.
For lunch, tantalize your taste buds on a Southern food tour. The flavors of Atlanta can’t be compared to anywhere else.
If you still have time and lots of energy to burn, cool off at White Water or enjoy the thrilling roller coasters at Six Flags Over GA.
OR
If you’re looking for a romantic night, you’ll appreciate live music (with dinner options) by candlelight at the Park Tavern in Piedmont Park, The Tabernacle, City Winery, or one of the many venues around town. You normally must book tickets in advance.
Day 7
Get up early to enjoy your last day!
There’s always some type of festival or concert going on throughout Atlanta. Don’t leave before experiencing one or two. Some of the popular places to check some out are Piedmont Park, Adams Park, Suwanee Town Park, and Grant Park.
They always have plenty of food offerings, as well as entertainment. It’s also fun to just people watch.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
We would like to thank God for such wonderful husbands, Cleveland Jones, David Winslow, and Johnny Calhoun. Their dedication and support has helped us to get to this point. We would also like to recognize our children and our entire family and special friends for their encouraging words and help during this journey. And a special thanks go to the late Roosevelt & Gladys Davis (Annette’s parents) for their love, guidance and inspiration.
Other: dandridgestsc@gmail.com
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
