Written by | Ray Cornelius 

The stars of the Oprah Winfrey Network’s new series, “CHECKED INN,” hosted a special Atlanta lunch this week and RC/UPFRONT was in the mix. The event took place at the historic Wimbish House on Peachtree Street and was attended by members of the press and more.

As previously reported, “CHECKED INN” follows former ESSENCE Magazine Editor-in-Chief, Monique Greenwood, as she builds her Bed and Breakfast empire with her husband Glenn. The show is set at her plush Akwaaba Mansion at Noble Lane in the Poconos, Pennsylvania, (the former Woolworth Estate) where couples go to push back the world, re-ignite passion and celebrate life’s most exciting events. Things may not always go smoothly, but Monique—with her daughter Glynn under her wing—and the hard-working staff, make sure their guests have an experience they’ll never forget. The show will feature a number of celebrity guests over the course of the season including Grammy winning singer/songwriter Peabo Bryson, black hair care entrepreneur Lisa Price of Carol’s Daughter and Pastor John Gray and his wife Aventer.

Greenwood and co-star Chef Shawn Osbey took part in a lively question and answer session where they talked about the show, the importance of generation wealth and why they decided to do a reality series. Greenwood also opened up about the big difference between a “Bed & Breakfast” and an “Airbnb.”

“The problem with Airbnb’s is that they co-opted our name. It’s called ‘Airbnb’ but you’re lucky to have a bed and there is no breakfast!  (LOL) So they’ve co-opted the name and created consumer confusion in the marketplace to the extent that most people who never knew what a Bed and Breakfast was before now thinks that it’s an Airbnb and it’s nothing like that. There is no one standing there with a warm smile asking you, ‘How was your trip? Let’s get you a drink.’ That’s what we do,” said Greenwood.

Other notables in attendance included “Sister Circle” co-host Kiana Dancie and TV personality Torrei Hart.

Check out more photos below and click here to watch the first episode. Also don’t forget to tune into my 11/25 #UPFRONT show, where I’ll talk exclusively with Greenwood about her journey and much more.

Chef Shawn Osbey provided us with Southern charm and hospitality

Torrei Hart 

Howard University Alumnae Karma Jonez + Monique Greenwood 

Chef Shawn Osbey + Kiana Dancie 

Chef Shawn Osbey + Monique Greenwood 

“CHECKED INN” premieres on Tuesday, November 21 at 10 p.m. and

on its regularly scheduled night beginning Saturday, November 25 at 10 p.m.

THANKS OWN!

Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com