As the world's top golfers gather for the prestigious TOUR Championship August 29th to September 1st in Atlanta, a unique culinary experience is unfolding at East Lake Golf Club. While the best in golf take on the course, fans have the chance to experience something equally special: the rich, diverse, and authentic tastes of a city as dynamic as the sport itself.This year, through Mastercard's Foodies & Fairways program, the championship is celebrating Atlanta's vibrant food scene, spotlighting the small businesses that define its culinary landscape.
Mastercard’s Foodies & Fairways, in collaboration with Capital One Business, is a competition designed to spotlight small food service businesses within local communities. This year, the focus is on entrepreneurs within a 50-mile radius of Atlanta, with two standout businesses, Guacamole by Freddie and T’s Coffee & Brews, each receiving a $10,000 grant, access to Mastercard’s small business tools, and a personalized mentorship session with Ginger Siegel, Mastercard’s North America Small Business Lead.
But the real highlight is the chance for these businesses to showcase their best products at the TOUR Championship in The Landing, a new fan hub on hole 17.
Freddie Lee Wallace, the visionary behind Guacamole by Freddie, has quickly become a rising star on Atlanta’s food scene. After leaving a corporate career in 2021, Freddie pursued his passion for creating fresh, sustainable, and delicious guacamole. His offerings, from Classic Freddie Guac to the adventurous Pineapple Freddie Guac and Fresh Freddie Guac ‘D Eggs, have become hits at networking events and pop-up shops across the city, earning him a substantial following of over 35,000 Instagram followers.
— Freddie Lee Wallace, Founder of Guacamole by Freddie
“Winning Foodies & Fairways and partnering with Mastercard and Capital One Business is a major milestone for Guacamole by Freddie,” he said. “The financial support from both companies, along with the tools, opportunity and mentorship they provide, will help us scale our business and build even stronger customer trust and loyalty.”
As he prepares for the TOUR Championship, Freddie is meticulously selecting the freshest ingredients, refining his recipes, and ensuring his team is ready to deliver a top-notch experience.
The program isn’t just about money or mentorship—although both are crucial. It’s about visibility and connecting with a wider audience. Freddie’s presence at the TOUR Championship offers him a platform to introduce his unique guacamole creations to a broader customer base while his association with Mastercard can open doors to networking opportunities with other businesses, influencers, and potential customers.
Tawanay Bryant, the founder of T’s Coffee & Brews, brings a different but equally compelling story to the table. Her family-owned coffee business blends the warmth of a neighborhood café with the vibrancy of a brewery, creating a unique offering that has quickly become a local favorite. Specializing in ethically sourced Indonesian and Arabica beans, T’s Coffee & Brews offers a diverse menu that includes gourmet sandwiches, artisanal soft pretzels, craft beers, and their signature coffee and espresso drinks.
“This prestigious honor validates our commitment to delivering exceptional coffee and brew experiences,” she says. “The exposure that comes with participating in the TOUR Championship is invaluable and will propel us to expand our reach, introduce innovative products, and strengthen our position as a leading coffee and brew brand.”
Preparation for the TOUR Championship has been both exciting and intense for Tawanay and her team. They’ve been busy designing an on-site café concept that reflects the spirit of their brick-and-mortar shop while catering to the unique atmosphere of the tournament.
“The exposure that comes with participating in the TOUR Championship is invaluable and will propel us to expand our reach, introduce innovative products, and strengthen our position as a leading coffee and brew brand.”
While the spotlight during the championship will be on these emerging businesses, the TOUR Championship also celebrates Atlanta’s well-established eateries like Poor Hendrix. Located in Decatur, Poor Hendrix is a neighborhood bar and restaurant that has become a community staple. Founded by Aaron and Jamie Russell, Poor Hendrix offers a cozy dining space, a bar with an impressive drink selection, and a dog-friendly patio that draws locals and visitors alike.
“A community eatery like Poor Hendrix is just one small part of Atlanta's amazing restaurant scene. The quality and diversity of the food and chefs in this city is absolutely on par with much larger (and more famous for their dining) metropolises,” Jamie Russel said. “While East Lake Golf Club is a stunningly beautiful place, all golf fans need to do is take a short walk up the street to our other local dining options including those in the Hosea + 2nd development!”
As visitors explore both the fairways of East Lake and the flavors of the city, they'll discover that in Atlanta, excellence extends well beyond the golf course. Whether you're drawn by the drama on the greens or the delights on the plate, the event promises an unforgettable fusion of sport and cuisine that truly captures the spirit of Atlanta. Sign up for the Mastercard Small Business Community to access the latest resources and support to protect, manage and grow your business.
— Jamie Russel, Founder of Poor Hendrix
