Atlanta's First Women's Sports Bar Is Dolly-Inspired

A New Space for Women's Sports Fans in Atlanta

Jolene Jolene, a new women's sports bar in Atlanta, Georgia, is making waves with its unique concept and vibrant atmosphere. The name itself is a nod to the love for women's sports and the iconic song "Jolene" by Dolly Parton. For Chelsea Fishman, the owner of the bar, the name was more than just a catchy title—it was a dream that came to her in the middle of the night.

Fishman, who had previously worked in marketing, found herself laid off last year. That moment became the catalyst for her to pursue her passion for women's sports. She had always been a fan, but it wasn't until she started thinking about what she wanted to do next that the idea for Jolene Jolene took shape.

"I just woke up and I was like, 'Jolene Jolene, that's the name of a bar,'" she recalls. It was a simple yet powerful decision that would eventually lead to the creation of a space dedicated to celebrating women's sports.

Before opening the bar, Fishman did extensive research on how to start a business. While she was new to the restaurant industry, she had experience in the world of women's sports through her previous job at a women's athletic apparel company. That experience helped shape her vision for Jolene Jolene, which she describes as a place where fans can come together to watch games, enjoy good food, and have fun.

The bar has now found a semi-permanent home in Pullman Yards, an area known for its creative energy and community spirit. Located on the east side of Atlanta, Jolene Jolene is housed in Brick and Mortar, a chef incubator space. The interior features five flat-screen televisions, allowing guests to catch everything from the Atlanta Dream to the season finale of Love Island. Men's games are also shown, making it a versatile spot for all types of sports enthusiasts.

The menu at Jolene Jolene reflects the Asian fusion style that Brick and Mortar is known for, but with a twist. Fishman worked closely with the team to create themed dishes, including wings named after legendary WNBA player Sue Bird and a "Girl Dinner" charcuterie board that’s perfect for sharing.

Fishman believes that there is a strong demand for a safe, fun, and welcoming space for women's sports fans. "People are truly hungry for a safe, fun, welcoming space to watch women's sports because it doesn't exist," she says. "And we have what feels like an unlimited amount of women's sports fans in the city. People have really rallied behind Jolene Jolene."

The bar has become more than just a place to watch games—it's a community hub. Fishman hopes to expand the concept beyond the current residency space and turn it into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar location. She is determined to challenge the belief that there isn't a market for women's sports fans, as well as the negative comments that suggest people don't care about women's sports.

Social media has played a significant role in increasing interest in women's teams over the years. Jolene Jolene aims to bring that conversation offline, inviting everyone to join in, regardless of their level of sports knowledge. However, one person she’s especially hoping to see walk through the door is Dolly Parton.

"I've been a Dolly fan forever; my go-to karaoke song is 9 to 5. The whole point of the bar is to get Dolly to come," she jokes. "Nothing else matters."

With its unique blend of sports, food, and community, Jolene Jolene is setting the stage for a new era of women's sports culture in Atlanta. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just curious, there's something for everyone at this exciting new bar.