When we started our event planning company, finding venues was challenging. JUAN: We are very social people, and we love for people to experience our love.
Why venture into the notoriously difficult restaurant industry? The Advocate recently sat down with the couple at Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar to discuss the impact of their creation. While the restaurateurs understand the importance of giving back, for them, providing food and building community have always gone hand-in-hand. Next year, they are celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Gentlemen’s Ball, a gala that’s been described as a “second chance prom” awarding youth scholarships and honoring community advocates making contributions to Atlanta’s LGBTQ community. Juan and Gee, who were the first Black gay couple to appear on HGTV’s House Hunters, also started their own YouTube webseries Love Works, which premiered in September 2013. Their nonprofit, The Gentlemen’s Foundation, provides mentorship and support for GBTQ and same-gender-loving men. It’s also helping to build community and combat stigma. Smalls, the chic eatery provides customers with more than signature cocktails and soul food. Five years ago, the husbands and entrepreneurs opened Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar, located in downtown College Park just outside Atlanta. Juan and Gee Smalls are on a mission to change how small businesses give back to their communities.
