Meet Donielle Paden | GM Little Alley Steak, Roswell

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

Hi Donielle, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
By the end of my career I want to be well known as a very successful and established owner of multiple oceanfront restaurants that people (and Zagat) rave about. I want to be financially stable and able to travel the world. I want to be in the state of knowing I’ve done what makes me the happiest.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
It all started when I was bartending years ago. I watched guests looking around for attention, as dishes piled up around them, and as more glasses became empty. It aggravated me knowing that I couldn’t be of help because I was confined to the bar. That’s when I realized what set me apart from the others. I was passionate about going the extra mile to provide the ultimate experience to every guest. I wasn’t just in it for the money and even though this attitude resulted in positive accolades and praise, which is what I’m most proud of, climbing to the top wasn’t easy. On my journey I learned the importance of always striving for excellence and not settling for less. I’ve also learned that if you want things done right the first time, do it yourself. I want the world to know that with resilience, perseverance and faith, anything is possible.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Fall is my favorite season so this is what I would plan when my best friend comes to town. Our first stop is the Gate City Brewing Company in Downtown Roswell for the ultimate craft beer experience. Tuesday, we would visit the Highland Bakery for their delicious fried chicken benedicts topped with the best jalapeno cheddar cheese sauce. Life changing. Midweek we visit JeJu Sauna & Spa for some relaxation and pampering. Thursday we honor one of my family’s old traditions and spend the day in Helen for Octoberfest. There is so much to do, parades, food, music and dancing and of course the beautiful fall colors. Next it’s a concert at one of the many great venues in metro Atlanta. I really enjoy the sound at State Farm Arena. Always a good time. Saturday we enjoy a meal at Poor Calvin’s. I love their deviled eggs and their Korean beef and lobster fried rice. Sunday it’s all about football. We pregame at Fado’s Irish Pub in Midtown and Uber to the Falcon’s game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Afterward we take a stroll through Piedmont Park to see the breathtaking view of the Atlanta skyline and listen to the beats of the local drummers. A visit wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Camicakes for yummy gourmet cupcakes. (my flavor of choice, Red Velvet!!!) For our night cap, we go to Apace Café for Open Mic, to listen to the expressions of open minds from local artists in the community. That would be my perfect week-long staycation.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give a Shoutout to F&H Food Trading Group. They have always believed in me. Most important, I want to thank my mom, Lois Paden, and my sister, Marian Burkes who have both been my rock, my motivation and my inspiration. Their strength, courage and wisdom has been the driving force behind my success and has birthed a spark in me that stands for nothing less than excellence in everything I do. I am truly grateful for their immeasurable support of my vision and for always pushing me to be the best.

Website: www.saltfactorypub.com

Instagram: @thesalatfactorypubatl

Twitter: @saltfactorypub

Facebook: @saltfactorypub

Image Credits
David Danzig