Atlanta’s Ponce City Market is known for its high-energy atmosphere and bustling food hall, but positioned above the action on the second floor of the converted Sears building, The Upper Room offers a different pace.
Co-founders Kelsey Maynor and Shakirah DeMesier have transformed this space inside the historic landmark into a versatile venue hosting everything from cocktail classes to coffee tastings, all while bringing a new experience to A-Town’s beverage scene.
Though their origins span opposite sides of the country – Hampton, Virginia, for Maynor and Fort Huachuca, Arizona, for DeMesier – Atlanta’s entrepreneurial community united the two business partners. Their partnership combines Maynor’s hospitality experience and DeMesier’s business acumen, creating The Upper Room’s foundation.
“Shakirah was doing business consulting, and I was helping small businesses navigate city resources,” Maynor recounts. “It was our shared interest in supporting local businesses that made our partnership a natural fit.”
With 15 years of experience in Atlanta’s restaurant industry, Maynor sharpened his skills through roles ranging from managing Café Circa to helping develop the Atlanta Breakfast Club.
DeMesier complements Maynor’s expertise with her multi-faceted career, blending creative work in acting and writing with marketing experience at Carol’s Daughter and entrepreneurial support through the Russell Innovation Center.
Culture, Coffee and Cocktail Classes
When conceptualizing The Upper Room, the co-founders desired to reinvent the standard lounge concept. Their goal was to create a space where coffee culture meets craft cocktails, with an intentional focus on showcasing Black-owned brands.
“Kelsey and I saw an opportunity to create something Atlanta hadn’t seen before,” DeMesier explains. “We developed an environment where people feel just as comfortable in the morning with a laptop as they do at night with a cocktail.”
Since opening in November 2024, The Upper Room has lived up to its name – a double entendre referencing both its second-floor location and its mission to elevate spirits, experiences and conversations.
“We’ve seen friendships form and business ideas spark right here in The Upper Room,” DeMesier shares. “It’s incredible to witness the community that’s growing around our concept.”
The coffee, wine and cocktail bar has carved a unique niche by championing Black-owned brands. The venue helps build connections between consumers and Black businesses, giving them a space to be discovered and valued. This thoughtful strategy allows The Upper Room to turn everyday indulgences into opportunities for conscious consumerism.
By Marcus Avery Christon
