Atlanta, Georgia is reeling from the shocking death of Chad Dillon, a 33-year-old entrepreneur and business partner of rapper Lil Baby.
Dillon, known for his significant contributions to the local business community, was fatally shot while driving in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood on July 23, 2024. The news was confirmed by his attorney, Malcolm Conner, through Atlanta News First the following day.
Dillon was in his vehicle near the intersection of John Wesley Dobbs Avenue and Boulevard when the tragic incident occurred. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, and Dillon was struck several times. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
As of now, no suspects have been identified, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear. The Atlanta police are actively investigating the case.
Dillon was a prominent figure in Atlanta’s culinary scene. He co-owned The Seafood Menu Restaurant and Takeout with Lil Baby, which opened in 2023 to much fanfare. The grand opening was a testament to Dillon’s entrepreneurial spirit and success. Prior to this venture, Dillon had founded The Boiler Seafood Atlanta, a wildly successful restaurant that reportedly sold over 180,000 pounds of seafood and grossed more than $8 million in sales.
Dillon’s business acumen was evident in his ability to identify gaps in the market and create solutions. In an interview with TravelNoire in 2022, he described his approach: “I am a thinker and innovator, so even without a culinary background, I enjoy finding voids in the business market and creating solutions; creating restaurant concepts from ideation to execution, coming up with new menu items, and creating amazing customer experiences,” he said.
Dillon’s influence extended beyond his restaurants. He was known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in helping former inmates rebuild their lives. Dillon launched a business plan pitch competition through the Metro-Atlanta Reentry Prison’s Aces Program, awarding startup capital to former inmates. His goal was to combat recidivism by providing opportunities for success and mentorship.
The community’s reaction to Dillon’s death has been one of profound grief and loss. Many who knew him have expressed their sorrow, highlighting the significant void his passing has left. A growing memorial has been set up outside The Boiler Seafood Atlanta, with flowers and messages from friends, customers, and colleagues.
Lil Baby, Dillon’s business partner, publicly acknowledged his passing on social media. The rapper posted a photo of the two together on his Instagram story with the caption, “Damn big buddy get ya rest,” accompanied by a dove emoji. This sentiment was echoed by many in the community who admired Dillon’s dedication and hard work.
Dillon’s contributions were also recognized by other local entrepreneurs and community members. The owner of a neighboring restaurant expressed his sorrow, describing Dillon as someone who was always there for people and gave out Thanksgiving turkeys. Dillon’s legacy as a mentor and philanthropist will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew him.
The investigation into Dillon’s death is ongoing, with Atlanta police reviewing surveillance footage from the area in hopes of identifying the shooter. The community is urged to come forward with any information that might aid in solving the case. Dillon’s family, who are traveling from Brooklyn, New York, to make funeral arrangements, are also seeking answers and justice for their beloved son and brother.
Chad Dillon’s entrepreneurial journey began during his college years at Howard University, where he started a car rental business. His move to Atlanta marked the beginning of his significant impact on the local restaurant scene. Dillon’s innovative approach to business, combined with his dedication to giving back to the community, has left a lasting impression.
As Atlanta mourns the loss of one of its own, Dillon’s story serves as a reminder of the positive impact one individual can have. His work in the community and his successful business ventures have set a high bar for future entrepreneurs.