BINKY’S

Celebrity Chef to Migos, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Baby Opens Binky’s: a New Atlanta Restaurant Chef Baul brings an eclectic soul food fusion of Japanese, European and Caribbean flavors to the community

By: Kirby Carroll

On April 7, Bleu had the opportunity to attend Binky’s soft opening, a new restaurant created by Celebrity Chef Bryant Williams, better known as Chef Baul. The celebration was held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and had a line down the street from the moment they opened their doors.

With an online audience of over 150,000 people and the chef’s notable list of clients including Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane, Migos and more, it’s no surprise that they were met with excitement. However, even Chef Baul admits he didn’t expect the turnout to be as big as it was. We caught up with the entrepreneur to learn more about the restaurant and how he’s feeling about the big endeavor. Check it out below and make sure you attend the lavish grand opening in May.

How do you feel? How was the big day?

It’s been a wonderful day. I’ve worked in other kitchen environments and a lot of times people can feel stressed and pressured when things get really busy but we were all on the same page and rhythm. It went better than I imagined and planned – the volume and how smooth it was. The vibe was good and the team was happy. We worked together and we sold out!

That’s amazing. And the restaurant is named after your father, right? Was he influential in your journey to becoming a chef?

Binky is his nickname and, yes, he was. My dad cooked every Saturday. He’d make a breakfast spread with biscuits, gravy and everything you can think of. He showed me you can be a man and really cook and provide for your family.

Speaking of family, what’s it like owning a restaurant with your wife? I know a lot of couples want to go into business together. Do you still make time to balance

It’s something that has to be done. You have to do it. Balance is needed. If you’re not doing that, you’ll feel all over the place. We take time out separately for us, the kids and the business. That works out great for us.

Let’s talk about the celebrity element. You’ve cooked for so many big names. How did the entertainment element happen?

I went to school with an artist from QC and he told me I could come into the studio where he records at. Once I got there I was around A-list artists and they enjoyed my food. From there it spread and they just kept calling.

Speaking of good food, what is your signature dish?

If you come to Binky’s, you have to get the lamb chops! Also, I’d recommend the oxtails, turkey wings and salmon. After lamb chops, those are the top three.

Finally, what advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

First, find God. Trust God. Find the right partner or spouse and grow with them. Put your two brains together to make something that can be better than both of y’all by yourselves. The most important thing is letting God lead you and finding your partner to help take what you got and build it up into one strong machine.

To learn more about Binky’s, visit their social media page @BinkysATL