For over a decade, artist, songwriter and entrepreneur Zachary “Big Zak” Wallace has been a major part of Atlanta’s urban entertainment community. His voice can be heard celebrating Atlanta’s rich Hip-Hop heritage at the top of DJ Greg Street’s popular radio show, offering newcomers and a new generation of fans a history lesson full of Atlanta’s “culture facts”. As a young songwriter, he partnered with entrepreneur Noonie Lee and mega producer Jazze Pha to launch the boutique record label Sho’Nuff. It was there that Zak penned Ciara’s number one debut single “Goodies”, kicking off an impressive multi-platinum & gold career as a songwriter. He was also instrumental in making “Get It Shawty”, Lloyd’s first single a hit and co-wrote Keri Hilson’s debut single “Turning Me On”. In addition, he’s also wrote hits for Nelly, Fantasia, Jeezy, CeeLo Green and the late Nate Dogg.
However, with success came years of bad eating & lifestyle habits. Having watched his weight surpass 300 lbs, “Big Zak” realized he needed to make changes and become a leader in communities where healthy eating options were not always readily available. In 2017, he experienced a personal revelation about his eating habits during an extended stay in Northern California (a region where healthy eating options are bountiful) and he came back to Atlanta with a mission to inspire several friends & relatives transform their lives by embracing a healthier lifestyle through dietary choices. “I started having friends come to my house and began beta-testing my delicious, meatless recipes.”
After a surprisingly unanimous response, Zak then decided to start Local Green Atlanta in the winter of 2017, as an initiative for amplifying efforts that encourage healthy eating to become a “lifestyle” in urban communities.
Boasting the tagline “Eat Well – Be Well” and a hip-hop inspired pescatarian/ vegan menu with items like the “Slim Shady” avocado egg white sandwich and the “Notorious” fish tacos, Zak reached out to a chef he was friends with to collaborate and hone the menu items further, and soon Local Green Atlanta was in full swing. Since January 2018, Local Green Atlanta grew its following from base of operations at a local health center by day & brewery at night.
The success of Local Green Atlanta grew into a food truck fall of 2018 and the formal grand opening of brick and mortar storefront January 2019, in the historic Vine City, was a huge success and plans to franchise in 2021.
