Atlanta native and rapper, T.I., is adding to his business portfolio with the opening of his new venture, Trap City Cafe. The award-winning rapper, actor and businessman is also the founder of Atlanta’s Trap Music Museum. The restaurant and museum are conveniently located in close proximity so patrons can check out both venues.
According to the restaurant’s website, “Trap City Cafe welcomes all to come and enjoy the best food, beverages and entertainment in the city.” The “Rubberband Man” rapper says the Trap City Cafe was a venture that took almost three years to complete. T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris, told Atlanta First News, “we hit a lot of hiccups along the way. Of course, the pandemic threw a monkey wrench in our plans. A couple of times, cars ran through the building haphazardly.”
Despite delays in getting the restaurant open, the rapper knew that he had a vision for where it would be located. He decided to put the restaurant in the Bankhead community, which is being impacted by gentrification. T.I noted, “we kept working and we collectively wanted to present an experience to the city, an experience to this community, especially that we felt wasn’t present…We wanted to celebrate the most significant contributors to the culture.”
T.I. added that “you have streets, business, culture, community, art and all of these things intersect right here at the Trap City Cafe.” Trap City Cafe hosts events and special nights throughout the week to keep the atmosphere lively. Events include karaoke open mic night, game nights, comedy shows and more. In addition to creating an authentic experience, the restaurant follows suit with the menu selection. Customers can buy items such as “Scamming Salmon,” “Trap Pocket Tacos” and “Bankroll Fresh Turkey Burgers.” Items range in price from $9 to $27.
The rapper also plans to add another restaurant to his portfolio in the upcoming future. T.I and fellow entertainer, Killer Mike, are seeking to reopen the Bankhead Seafood restaurant, which shut down during the pandemic. Construction appears to be underway, but a grand opening date has not been announced.
