Restaurateurs and Owners of Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen & Bar and The Breakfast Boys
Juan and “Gee” Smalls are a successful Atlanta-based couple that met in 2008. Since
then they have worked together to become Entrepreneurs, Restauranteurs, Certified
Relationship and Life Coaches, Philanthropists, Authors and Media Personalities. In
addition to television appearances, their expertise and unique perspectives on life, love
and business have been solicited by a diverse group of clients including major
corporations, public institutions, government agencies, community members and
philanthropic organizations.
Since 2010, Juan & Gee have dedicated their careers to helping the underserved LGBTQ
community by blogging, speaking, coaching, interviewing and working to inspire others
to experience their best lives. Juan and Gee's passion for improving the lives of the
forgotten and disenfranchised within their community led to the creation of LoveWorks, an organization with a mission to help all people find the love that works for them.
In 2011, Gee and Juan created “The Gentlemen’s Ball,” an annual black tie fundraising
Gala and Awards program that celebrates the accomplishments of LGBTQ people of color who have made significant contributions in the community. The event has grown from seventy-five attendees to over six hundred- all comeing from across the nation and abroad. The event has honored and attracted allies and members of the Black LGBTQ community, and has raised thousands of dollars for scholarships.
In 2014, the annual fundraiser expanded with “The Gentlemen’s Foundation” whose
mission is to promote the holistic development (mental, physical, emotional, social,
economic and spiritual growth) of Black men in the Same Gender Loving (SGL) and
LGBTQ community. The foundation has awarded scholarships, established mentorships,
and advocated health and wellness through media outreach and support groups. The
scope and effectiveness of the nonprofit foundation has attracted corporate sponsors and partnerships from organizations such as UPS, Mercedes Benz, Nissan, AARP, New York Life Insurance, Home Depot, and Gilead.
In 2019, the couple became Restaurateurs and opened Virgil’s Gullah Kitchen &
Bar. Creating all the recipes from his family’s inspiration, Gee also officially became an
Executive Chef. Named after his father, the first location opened in Historic College Park,
with its 2nd location in West Midtown, and the 3rd opening in Old Town Conyers, Spring
2023. The duo also co-own The Breakfast Boys in College Park. Either or both establishments have been featured on Good Morning America, Fox 5, 11Alive, BET, Atlanta Magazine and more.
In 2020, Gee released his first book, “Black Enough Man Enough”, a memoir detailing his
journey to accepting himself as a mixed race, sexually fluid Black man. The book is rated
5 Stars with over 200 reviews on Amazon.
Juan and Gee have been awarded a number of community service awards, along with
being included amongst Business Equality Magazine’s “40 LGBTQ Leaders Under 40.”
The couple live in Midtown Atlanta, with their son Gregory Jr.
