Mastercard and Capital One Business partnered at the Tour Championship to bring Foodies & Fairways 
East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia. This program gives two local food companies an opportunity to sell and showcase their signature dishes in golf tournaments around the country.
The support of Mastercard and Capital One Business for Kayla’s Italian Ice, and local green is even more significant given that both businesses are located in Atlanta.
Foodies & Fairways highlights the commitment of Mastercard to local entrepreneurship and Capital One Business’s dedication to community engagement.
Theresa, a mother, and Kayla, a daughter, wanted to bring the New York summer treat, Italian Ice, to Georgia. Kayla, who is only 15 years old, brings youthful ideas to a business plan that’s so structured.
She said, “At the beginning, nobody took me seriously.” “My greatest achievement was growing our clientele and moving out of the pushcart to open a food trailer.”
They use local ingredients to create their flavors and now serve the community at events, parties, and business functions. They plan to franchise their business across the country.
Kayla’s Italian Ice founders. (Kayla’s Italian Ice)
Local Green’s mission is to provide healthier food options in a region where Southern soul and comfort foods are very popular. Zak Wallace, the owner, weighed over 300 pounds at one time and realized he had to change his lifestyle to maintain his health.
Zak explained, “I found myself trapped between fast food and fried foods, and realized that I was addicted to the flavor of these processed foods.” I wanted to bring nutrition into the discussion from someone who was from the community.
Local Green began as a mobile food service and is now a brick and mortar restaurant in Atlanta. It also operates a food trailer at Walt Disney Resorts, providing delicious cuisine to areas dominated by minorities.
Local Green Atlanta founders. (Local Green Atlanta)
Mastercard goes beyond providing financial assistance by offering valuable advice and expertise.
Kayla’s Italian Ice & Local Green will be able to improve their business with these resources.
Theresa stated, “Now, we can buy some automatic fillers which would help our production as well as building out our trucks and getting more brand awareness, as part of this event, We will also be able to participate in other events.”
Mastercard and Capital One Business built both shops at the Tour Championship grounds, providing a unique chance for these businesses connect with a wide range of attendees and foster networking, exposure and potential sales.
Zak explained that while not many people are familiar with Local Green in the world of golf, there are plenty of people who want to eat healthier food that is also tasty. I think that once people learn about us, they are hooked.
Kayla’s Italian Ice, Local Green and other sponsors will benefit from increased revenue and visibility by participating in this event. They also contribute to the lively atmosphere of the tournament.
The positive effects of this collaboration between Mastercard and Capital One Business are likely to last well beyond the duration the tournament. These businesses will benefit from the grants, digital tools and coaching they receive, as well as exposure.
Theresa stated, “I want to know what we can do in retail and how can we better guide our franchisees when they join a business we have built.” It’s all part of giving back: creating jobs, encouraging entrepreneurship and providing training based on our skills.
