By Julie Siwicki
Curious about what is behind East Atlanta Village’s green, grass-covered door next to Kaboodle? East Atlanta neighbors are quickly finding out. New owners of EAV Treehouse, King Shands and Brittney Wilson, have had that green door propped open for daytime customers since their soft opening on Labor Day. Treehouse offers fresh smoothies, acai bowls, and other bites from 12:00pm-12:00am most days, with delivery available. They believe their spot fills “…a void here in the Village…” when it comes to healthy options.
Shands isn’t a newcomer to East Atlanta, or even to this storefront. He has run evening events in thiis space, since 2012. Event promotion runs in his family. His brother, a well-known local MC D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik, initially plugged him into the underground MC community here. Since the early 2010’s, Shands has been involved in hosting events at several local venues.
When Union EAV’s owner decided to step back, he knew Shands would take over. The two had joked that Shands would buy it for, “…five dollars and a burrito.” In 2022-23, he did assume ownership for a price tag that was, “…a whole lot more than that.”
Shands and Wilson are working on the vision for EAV Treehouse. Shands says, “This place is old Atlanta meets new Atlanta.” As he explained, “We live in a truly diverse neighborhood. It’s time to embrace the diversity.” He says, they want “…to be doing something in the daytime in conjunction with what’s going on in the nighttime.” Filling the smoothie void is a clear way to do that. Shands keeps a healthier diet because of what he’s learned about his roots in Africa, their history of holistic diets, and the transformational health benefits of eating right. He knows firsthand the opportunity for a healthier food choice in the neighborhood.
EAV Treehouse still draws on his experience and passion for hosting events that support local artists. Every Tuesday evening, TakeOff ATL, a platform for up-and-coming musicians, hosts a showcase in the venue. As the business grows, Shands and Wilson imagine adding weekly open mics, comedy shows, karaoke, and game nights. EAV Treehouse hopes to become a reliable place for community events and have a positive effect in the neighborhood.
As they grow, follow @EAVTreehouse, @EatAtTreehouse, and @TakeOffATL on social media. For now, check out a Tuesday show, treat yourself to late-night smoothie delivery, or stop in to say hi over an afternoon acai bowl.
