Georgia Governor Race Sparks Boycott of Atlanta’s Black-Owned Toast on Lenox

Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson visited the popular black‑owned Atlanta restaurant Toast on Lenox, prompting a wave of online calls to boycott the establishment. Critics argued that the visit lent legitimacy to Jackson’s campaign, which is aligned with former President Donald Trump and targets the Black voter bloc in a pivotal statewide election.

Democratic candidate and former Atlanta mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms amplified the backlash, urging a boycott of any minority‑owned business that hosts the Republican candidate. The restaurant’s co‑owners, chef Virgil Harper and Tamara Young, responded that they welcome all guests and do not endorse political candidates. The dispute highlights the heightened political pressure on Black‑owned businesses during the Georgia governor’s race.