( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) The Austin Brothers Host Community Initiatives For Locals & Youths
Marley’s Bar & Grill is a sophisticated bistro that blends modernity with southern hospitality, located in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Brothers Davonne and Brandon Austin, the Co-Founders, are celebrating their first anniversary. Known for a family-driven vision, rooted in representation and community, Marley’s Bar & Grill, owned by the Austin brothers, is redefining Black ownership in hospitality. Davonne Austin left corporate America to develop the idea of Marley’s, focusing on authenticity, hospitality, and cultural pride. Brandon Austin brought his people-first philosophy and operations leadership, shaping the bar menu and day-to-day customer experience.
Both Austin brothers have gained diverse experience in entrepreneurship and hospitality, which they have poured into Marley’s Bar & Grill. Davonne Austin is 32, grew up in Pittsburgh, and overcame adversity to become the youngest African American executive in a national restaurant group. At the age of 23, he was leading award-winning turnarounds for struggling restaurant locations in underserved areas. Brandon Austin started as a server at Outback Steakhouse. He mastered every role on the floor, working his way up to becoming the youngest African American proprietor in the chain’s history. Fast forward to his time at Thompson Hospitality— he honed his operating expertise, which he utilizes to make Marley’s the best it can be. They both give back to the community by hosting annual turkey and coat drives, supporting schools, and mentoring at-risk youth.
What are some of your iconic dishes that bring the community together, and the importance of representation through food and restaurant ownership that matters more than ever, and aligns with your cultural vision in PG County?
Brandon: Our menu features iconic, comforting dishes like lamb chops, honey butter cornbread, and steak & cheese egg rolls that bring the community together in PG County. We prioritize diverse leadership and authentic voices in our kitchen and on our team, ensuring the food, service, and community outreach reflect the people we serve. This culture creates opportunities for growth and ownership for everyone involved.
Could you share with us the important decisions and responsibilities you had to make to create a thriving Black-owned hospitality brand that has had much success in just one year?
Brandon: In year one, Marley’s success hinged on four core decisions: building a diverse, values-driven team for both front and back of house; instituting a rigorous hiring and onboarding process to align talent with our standards; stepping in to lead both kitchen and front of house during startup; and establishing repeatable operational methods so that consistency and quality could scale. This people-first, hands-on approach created reliable execution and a brand that reflects our community, driving strong performance in year one.
Marley’s Bar & Grill is recognized for its commitment to giving back to the community. Could you elaborate on the events and services you offer to support underserved individuals?
Davonne: Although Marley’s Bar & Grill was in its first year, we laid a rock-solid foundation focused on core values and consistent standards, which also enabled us to start giving back. We partnered with the University of Maryland African-American Alumni Program, providing breakfast to the Hyattsville Police Department. Also hosted roundtable gatherings to listen to and support other small businesses. While year one concentrated on building the business, our year-two plan expands these efforts with more structured outreach, more frequent community engagement, and programs that connect guests with local resources. Our overarching goal is to reflect the community’s needs in every aspect of our operations and to create meaningful, sustainable impact beyond our four walls.
Both of you have celebrated 1 year of running a thriving business. Based on the time that has passed, what have you learned as restaurant owners, and what’s next for Marley’s Bar & Grill?
Davonne: Celebrating one year has shown us that steady foundations, a people-first culture, and strong community ties drive sustainable success. Our key lesson is listening to staff, neighbors, and partners. Next for Marley’s Bar & Grill is to expand to a second location, initiate community programs, build more local partnerships, and scale leadership and processes to grow while keeping our core heart: care, quality, and consistency.
Davonne and Brandon Austin have brought excellent cuisine that is culturally familiar to the community. Both their stories of facing challenges and working their way through the restaurant, hospitality, and entrepreneurship industries have set them up for success. Both have brought their individual talents to hospitality and cultivated a Black-owned, modern bistro that attracts locals. There is more to come from Marley’s Bar & Grill as they nourish their PG County community and support underserved individuals through health, wellness, and food that tastes like home. For more information, visit marleysbarandgrill.com/.
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