Introducing Jolene Jolene: Atlanta’s First Women’s Sports Bar
In the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, a remarkable new establishment has emerged to champion women’s sports: Jolene Jolene. This groundbreaking women’s sports bar is the brainchild of Chelsea Fishman, who, inspired by her own experiences and a love for sports, took the plunge to create this unique venue.
A Unique Concept Sparked by Inspiration
Fishman, who recently launched Jolene Jolene at Pullman Yards, found her motivation after being laid off from a marketing position. “The concept literally came to me in my sleep,” she recalls, having awakened with the idea of naming the bar after one of Dolly Parton’s most beloved songs.
A Pioneering Space for Women’s Sports Fans
Jolene Jolene stands out as the first women-focused sports bar in Atlanta and potentially the entire Southern region. Fishman, an ardent fan of women’s athletics, has long envisioned a safe and welcoming space for fellow fans. “People are truly hungry for a safe, fun, welcoming space to watch women’s sports because it doesn’t exist,” she emphasizes.
From Pop-Up to Semi-Permanent Residency
Initially operating as a series of pop-up events, Fishman successfully transitioned Jolene Jolene into a semi-permanent residency within the Brick and Mortar chef incubator at Pullman Yards. With its new setup, the bar boasts five flat-screen televisions, allowing patrons to enjoy a diverse array of sports events, from the Atlanta Dream WNBA team to popular television happenings.
A Menu Inspired by Women in Sports
The bar’s menu retains elements from the Brick and Mortar concept, focusing on Asian fusion cuisine. However, Fishman has worked with the culinary team to introduce sport-themed dishes, such as wings named after renowned Seattle Storm player Sue Bird and a “Girl Dinner” charcuterie board designed for sharing among friends.
Building Community Through Social Engagement
Fishman attributes the growing interest in women’s sports largely to social media, which has fostered a more connected community. By creating a physical space for these conversations, Jolene Jolene invites fans of all levels to come together and share their passion for women’s athletics.
Aspirations Beyond the Bar
Looking ahead, Fishman envisions expanding Jolene Jolene from its current residency into a dedicated brick-and-mortar establishment. This ambition aims to challenge long-standing assumptions about the market for women’s sports fans. She directly counters critics who claim that “women don’t even watch women’s sports,” asserting the strong support she has received from the community.
A Dream of Dolly
Perhaps most notably, Fishman humorously expresses a personal aspiration connected to her bar. “The whole point of the bar is to get Dolly to come,” she laughs, revealing her long-standing admiration for the iconic singer, with whom she shares the name of the bar.
As Jolene Jolene continues to gain traction, it holds promise not only as a sports bar but as a movement to uplift women in sports and foster community connections in Atlanta.
