Written by | Ray Cornelius
Grammy winning-rapper, actor and reality star, T.I. hosted a preview party Friday evening for his new Atlanta restaurant, Scales 925. The hip-hop mogul and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Harris welcomed a number of the city’s elected officials, tastemakers and influencers for a behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant which features upscale southern cuisine with stunning design and amazing downtown views.
According to T.I.’s publicist, Nikki Barjon, the preview party was a candid look into the rapper’s unorthodox way of creating. “We often get request for behind-the-scenes footage just because he has such a creative mind. Tonight was all about walking Atlanta through that process and vision while giving fans a view of how he orchestrates things. We thought it would be a nice touch and it seems to be going over well.”
Scales 925 is totally inspired by architecture from The Harlem Renaissance and features 1930’s décor including tufted seats, herringbone floors, lacquers and vintage wallpaper. Other features include a wine cellar and dramatic spiral staircase leading to the second and third floors. Adorning the walls of the establishment are original pieces of art work from T.I.’s personal collection.
While there, I also had the opportunity to sample items from the menu including Shrimp and Grits, Hoppin John featuring Black Eye Peas, Rice and Turkey, Chicken Skewers, BBQ Shrimp and Raspberry Tea. T.I. also enlisted the award winning culinary skills of Chef Ashely, who is known for serving salmon over 3000 ways.
Following the preview was an official ribbon cutting with T.I. and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed who encouraged attendees to support the restaurant by telling their family and friends.
“Atlanta is a city of dreams and dreamers who actually do it and T.I.’s story represents that as well as any other. I wanted to be here to stand shoulder to shoulder with him and his wife,” said Mayor Reed. “This is going to be one of the best restaurants in Atlanta and what we have to do is make it thrive. We make it thrive by telling, texting, calling, and tweeting all of our friends on April 1. Bless this restaurant and let’s make sure that it breaks records. Let’s go!”
Scales 925 is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta at 30 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd adjacent to the W Hotel Downtown.
Check out more photos below from the preview:
Art on work on the walls comes from T.I. personal collection
Khobi Hall and LaRonda Sutton with Kwanza and Natalie Hall
Atlanta tastemakers and influencers were invited to the preview party
T.I. with his mother affectionately known as “Mama T.I.“
T.I. with Chef Ashley
Behind-the-Scenes look at Scales 925 Kitchen
T.I. with Scales 925 management staff
RC and Nikki Barjon toasting to the opening of Scales 925 #CHEERS
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com