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

Hi Greg, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have had the great fortune of having owned several businesses over my career

I am a Medical Doctor, Emergency Teleradiologist subspecializing in Chest Radiology having owned and operated my medical practice for 17 years, after completing my residency at Johns Hopkins, where I served as Chief Resident my final year

After completing my residency I joined the Air Force, where I served as a Major and Director of Cardiothoracic Imaging and Assistant Director of Breast Imaging with the 60th Diagnostics & Therapeutics Squadron at Travis Air Force base in Sunny Northern CA. I was honored to be elected Teacher of the year during my tenure by the Radiology Residents

I am now a minimally disabled Air Force Veteran having served 4 years active duty, and 4 years Reserves

I also previously owned AirBnB’s here in Atlanta, and a Beauty Salon and Barbershop for 13 years
This project, Edgewood Dynasty, is very different, and has been extremely challenging however

I always wanted to own A Supper Club

My parents first date was at The Cotton Club in Harlem

The picture of their first date was in my home my entire life

That photo was a source of inspiration when the prior owners of The Sound Table offered to sell me the business. I was humbled for the opportunity to take over what had been my ‘Cheers’ for many, many years, and a perennial top 10 restaurant in the city for the 10 years it was open
Unfortunately, the entire western wall of the building collapsed 3 days before my Grand Opening in December of 2020 due to a major construction accident

It took 2 years to rebuild, due to Covid and Supply Chain shortages

The repairs, and 2 years being closed, have been financially devastating to be perfectly frank

I worked with consultants, lawyers, architects, general contractors, and had to pull permits with the City of Atlanta, in a Triple overlapping Historic District, to bring the entire restaurant up to current code

Having had no prior experience with a commercial project of this scope, during Covid no less, was a transformative experience.

I completed it, acquired all Licenses and Permits, with the help of my team, and opened in January of 2023

Unfortunately, The cost of the repairs far exceeded the insurance reimbursement

I reached out the many organizations, including Invest Atlanta, but found challenges in getting all the needed resources to help ensure a smooth opening

We have been open since January, and plan to rebound in the next few weeks due to an upcoming partnership with a local experienced restaurant group

What should our readers know about your business?
We are a full service upscale casual restaurant with an entertainment schedule, music, excellent food, and full bar with curated drink menu and Hemp Hookah

We offer services for public and private events

I am excited for what is yet to come

This has been a very challenging process, but I look forward to a bright future in this space and seeing the growth and rebound we expect to experience given the growth in the local area with new restaurants, hotels, condominiums, apartment buildings, and parking

My ultimate goal is to create an inviting space where young entrepreneurs, artists, couples, singles, can come, eat, commune and enjoy an evening out in this great city of ours

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them on a tour of Auburn Ave, starting with The Herndon building, Royal Peacock, Historic Butler St YMCA, SCLC Office, MLK Office, WERD (First Black Radio Station), Madame CJ Walker, Ebenezer Baptist. MLK Jr Memorial and Birth Home, Wheat Street Tower (filming location for the Opening an d Closing scenes of Black Panther), The Eastside Beltline, then have a meal at Edgewood Dynasty Fairley Poplar, The Electric Streetcar,The Underground, Ferris Wheel, Centennial Park, Aquarium, Ponce City Market, High Museum, Rock Steady, Little 5, Jackson Street Bridge, Marriott Marquis Atrium Lobby Glass Elevators

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?
My family has supported me during this very challenging period

Without them I would not have made it

Website: EdgewoodDynasty.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/edgewooddynasty?igshid=MzNlNGNkZWQ4Mg==

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gregory-johnson-edgewood-dynasty

Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gregory-johnson-edgewood-dynasty

Image Credits
Gregory Johnson, MD

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