ATLANTA, Ga. — Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) will recognize three new inductees during the 24th annual Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame ceremony on Nov. 1 at The Fox Theatre.
The event will honor Tracy Gates, David Marvin, and Frank Poe.
“Our three new inductees have had an immeasurable impact on not only our visitors but also those who call Atlanta home,” says William Pate, president and CEO of ACVB. “We are proud to welcome these individuals to the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame and celebrate their contributions to the destination.”
Gates is owner and head chef at the Busy Bee Café which was founded in Atlanta in 1947. Many of the city’s civil rights leaders were known to enjoy a meal at Busy Bee Café, and the restaurant continues to be a beloved spot among visitors and locals. Gates’ father passed down the restaurant to her in 1987 and she’s been expanding the Busy Bee brand since.
“Her passion for supporting the community and delivering authentic soul food was recognized when Busy Bee Café won a 2022 America’s Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation, making it the first restaurant in Atlanta to earn this accolade,” an ACVB press release states.
Marvin serves as chairman and founder of Legacy Ventures, the company he launched in 1994. He has grown Legacy Ventures into a recognized hotel management, restaurant management, and development company.
“Marvin started his business in the heart of Atlanta’s convention and entertainment district, making significant investments to the area and turning Marietta Street into a popular destination for convention attendees, leisure travelers, and residents,” the press release states.
Headquartered in Atlanta, Legacy Ventures manages hospitality properties in five states including five hotels and 20 restaurants.
As executive director of the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA) for more than a decade, Poe is a leader in the convention, hospitality, and tourism industry. Under his leadership, the state-owned convention center has expanded to create more than 1 million square feet of contiguous exhibit space and has added the Chick-fil-A College Football Hall of Fame, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and GWCCA’s new Signia by Hilton Atlanta to its campus. With Poe at the helm, Atlanta has continued to attract large-scale conventions throughout the year.
