Restaurateur Gee Smalls Blends Food, Advocacy, and Black LGBTQ Empowerment in Atlanta

Gregory “Gee” Smalls and his partner Juan are the proud co-owners of Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen and Bar, an upscale restaurant dedicated to Gullah Geechee cuisine, the oldest African American culture in the United States. At 48 years old, Smalls embodies a multifaceted identity as a father, activist, and entrepreneur. Born and raised on James Island, many of the restaurant's recipes come from cherished family traditions. The establishment, named in memory of Smalls' late father, features a mural by Atlanta artist C. Flux Sing.Since its launch in summer 2019 in College Park, the restaurant has expanded to West Midtown and Conyers, highlighting dishes like Smotha’d Poke Chops and Motha’s Spaghetti. Smalls aims to preserve and promote Gullah culture, aligning with his philanthropic endeavors, including the Gentlemen’s Ball, which celebrates Black LGBTQ individuals. He plans to relaunch their annual gala and is also developing a podcast about his love story. Emphasizing self-acceptance, Smalls shares, “You are enough just the way you are.”