The Faculty

  • Founder

    I was born and raised in New York—a city where they say, “If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.” That mindset has always been a part of me. My parents roots run deep in Brooklyn, New York—Brownsville to be exact. My parents came from the projects and built their own paths of resilience and determination. Moving out of Brooklyn, to becoming young homeowners in Springfield Gardens, Queens. Then elevating to Long Island, NY.

    My father was the hustler. He was into business, real estate, and above all, he was a family man. My mother was the scholar the valedictorian of her class, a teacher, and the money manager who always kept things in order. I am truly a blend of both. Like my father, I’ve always had a hunger for growth and a passion for taking care of people a gift and a curse at times. From my mother, I inherited discipline, organization, and the ability to teach and lead. Oh, and to never leave home without my lipgloss on.

    When I first started college, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. Eventually, I chose elementary education, following in my mother’s footsteps and even teaching at the same school she worked at. But deep down, I knew I was an entrepreneur at heart. I had ideas constantly flowing through me and a fearless drive to make them happen. Watching my father’s wins and losses in business gave me a healthy respect for entrepreneurship, knowing it could be tough, unpredictable, and risky. But for me, it wasn’t optional, it was in my blood.

    Eventually, I left New York living in several places. However, moving to Atlanta, Georgia, was life changing. Atlanta was and still is the Mecca for Black entrepreneurs, creators, and dreamers. The energy was different than New York, slower in pace but filled with opportunity. For me, it was the perfect place to bring my visions to life.

    Over the years, I opened up hair salons, owned and designed restaurants and lounges in both Atlanta and Miami, pursuing my creative entrepreneurial spirit head on. My father had always warned me about the weight and responsibility of ownership, and he was right. In my 15 years plus of owning and operating businesses, I’ve experienced highs and lows that tested everything in me. What I’ve learned is that entrepreneurship is never a straight path you’re always learning, always adjusting, always evolving.

    Toast On Lenox was born out of that journey. After a tough business deal went wrong, I put my energy, creativity, and resilience into building something that came straight from my heart. I had been writing concepts for years, and finally decided it was time to bring one to life. Toast On Lenox became more than just a restaurant it became a representation of my persistence, vision, and belief in creating something meaningful.

    Out of Toast On Lenox also came something new and even bigger: Toast On Lenox University. Drawing on my teaching background, I developed a hospitality training program for my staff. It’s designed to create systems, improve growth, and elevate standards in the restaurant industry. But it’s more than just training it’s about building mindsets. I want my team to think like owners, to feel empowered, and to understand what it means to win together. For me, it’s not just about hiring people it’s about building trust, loyalty, integrity and long term relationships that create lasting impact.

    Every day in business teaches me something new about myself, about leadership, and about the people around me. While the journey hasn’t been easy, it’s been worth every lesson. Toast On Lenox is not just a restaurant, it’s a story of resilience, creativity, and the belief that no matter where you come from, you can build something extraordinary.

  • Owner & Chef

    Harper creates captivating, one-of-a-kind dining experiences for highend clientele across the country. Chef Virgil Harper has quickly become one of the most recognizable chefs based out Atlanta, GA. Hailing from Atlantic City, NJ, Chef Harper has always been fascinated with food and cooking since youth. Chef Harper worked his way up the culinary ranks through good old-fashioned blood, sweat and tears. Starting out in one of America’s successful casinos the Borgata Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. Standing by his belief to use the best ingredients, Chef Harper taps into the many lessons learned while he worked in some of the best restaurant kitchens worldwide. With over 20 years + of experience, Chef Harper has earned the respect of professional chefs as well as restaurant managers and owners. He is noted for his capacity to teach, guide and advise others in the practical aspects of food quality and profitable food-service operations. The charismatic chef has provided his services to some of today’s most notable individuals. Chef Harper has executed the Royal Tea Party Event menu with Darren McGrady former Chef of Queen Elizabeth. Prepared and executed the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs dinner and with menu development. One of the highlights of his career was preparing an intimate private dinner for U.S. Vice President Joe Biden as well as catering for Martha Stewarts book signing and a private statue unveiling dinner for NBA Great Dominique Wilkins. “Culinary Arts is more than a job for me. It’s my passion and one of my first loves. The total dining experience is the one and only way I can express myself without words and still have the entire world understand me,” says Harper. Chef Harper also believes cuisine is a very powerful tool that can break down barriers of race, language, economic backgrounds, and ethnic diversities. Most recently Chef Harper was invited as a chef for the James Beard Foundation Dinner Honoring Chef James Hemings former Chef of President Thomas Jefferson who was the first slave freed by the President. Chef Harper is the former executive chef and partner for Roc South Cuisine and cocktails. Chef developed a menu at Roc South highlighting local ingredients and traditional southern fare. Chef’s hallmark is using his classical technique to elevate and transform traditional southern dishes. In 2020 Chef Harper was looking to take his love for brunch and married that with innovative flavors and exceptional techniques. This was the birth of Chef’s new concept, Toast on Lenox. Toast is a fusion of indulgent flavors, created with fresh healthy elements. Toast on Lenox has become the benchmark for Atlanta brunch. We strive to create the full experience for Atlanta brunches. A combination of expertly crafted food and exceptional service.

  • Peachy Professor

    Integrity, excellence, and teamwork are more than words at Toast On Lenox—they are the foundation of our success. By investing in our people, we create not just a restaurant, but a family dedicated to delivering the best brunch experience in Atlanta and beyond. At Toast On Lenox University, you’re not just an employee—you’re a student of growth, a leader in training, and an essential part of something bigger.

    Meet Nina Ellerbe, better known to the Toast On Lenox family as Professor Peachy! Originally from Gary, Indiana, Professor Peachy has been an essential part of the Toast On Lenox journey since 2021. With her warm spirit, creativity, and artistic flair, she has become both a leader and a nurturer within our Toast community. An artist at heart, Professor Peachy brings imagination into everything she touches—especially when it comes to her craft when it comes to the bar. Known for creating inventive and flavorful drinks, she’s turned cocktails into an art form, making every drink an experience. The crowd favorite “Fortune Teller” where you receive  a Tarot card with your drink, guests love. Her creativity doesn’t stop at beverages, it extends into her approach to leadership, and team building.

    Beyond her skills, Nina is the heart and soul of our staff, often referred to as the “Momma of Toast.”  her guidance, and presence have shaped a culture of care and unity within our team.

    At Toast On Lenox University, Professor Peachy will lead students on their path to excellence, combining her creative vision with her nurturing spirit. She is dedicated to helping future leaders embrace the values of Talent, Operations, Ambience, Service, and Teamwork (T.O.A.S.T.), ensuring that every graduate of the University not only learns the art of hospitality but also the heart behind it.

  • Professor Bubbly

    I’ve always been a firm believer that Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution. At Toast on Lenox everything we do is about our guests. Our goal is to exceed each and every one of our customers expectations through a deep desire to provide the best service and hospitality in our city.

    Allow me to reintroduce myself , my name is Professor Bubbly also known to many as Kristina. Born in New York City raised in ATL. A true city girl with all the charm down south has to offer. Kristina joined the Toast on Lenox family in 2022 and is often described as a bubbly energy when she enters a room. My professional goal is to develop lasting memories at every opportunity and for every person I encounter. Passionate about hospitality, people and the culinary arts Kristina has been an asset to the foundation of Toast University by always putting integrity first behind everything she does . Creating a culture consisting of team work and positive energy, you can always count on professor bubbly to brighten up any room she enters and make sure everyone feels a part of the Toast on Lenox family.

Join the team

We’re growing — and we’re looking for passionate, hard working individuals to join the team! If you love great service, amazing experiences, and good vibes, we want to meet you!

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