E383: Overcoming the Odds: Tells us he wanted to be more than a Waffle House cook, now owns popular dinner supper clubs.

From Money Making Conversations Master Class Rushion McDonald

Two-time Emmy and three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald, interviewed Tremayne Thompson.

A co-owner of Perfect Note, a dinner supper club with locations in Birmingham, Alabama and Atlanta, Georgia. The conversation is a rich blend of entrepreneurship, community service, music, and food culture.

🎶 About Perfect Note

Concept: A dinner supper club offering live music and Southern cuisine, catering to a mature audience (ages 30+).
Locations: Birmingham, AL (original) and Marietta, GA (Atlanta metro).
Atmosphere: Grown folks’ vibe—no hookah, no club chaos, just good music, good food, and good company.

🧑🏾‍🤝‍🧑🏾 Founders & Origins

Co-owned by Tremayne Thompson and his wife Karen (hence “TK Productions”).
Started as gospel concert promoters in Chicago.
Moved to Alabama in 2008 after a family loss and launched Perfect Note in Bessemer with a Gerald Albright concert.
Initially operated out of a banquet hall, setting up and breaking down everything themselves.

📈 Growth & Expansion

Perfect Note evolved into a full-fledged venue in 2016.
Expanded to Atlanta due to demand from patrons traveling from Georgia to Alabama.
Featured in the Huffington Post as one of the top 100 businesses to visit in the U.S.

🍽️ Food & Hospitality

Offers Wednesday–Saturday dinner service and Sunday brunch with live music.
Website: perfectnoteliveatl.com
Tremaine’s culinary journey began at Waffle House, where he learned speed cooking and kitchen management under pressure.
Emphasizes quality and consistency in food service, even during high-volume events.

💬 Philosophy & Community Impact

Business is rooted in service, not profit.
During COVID, they pivoted to drive-up service with $5 meals, feeding the community.
Believes in mentorship and sharing knowledge freely with aspiring entrepreneurs.

🗣️ Key Takeaways