The city of Atlanta, Georgia is grappling with the unexpected death of Chad Dillon, a 33-year-old entrepreneur and business associate of rapper Lil Baby.
Dillon, who had made a significant impact on the local business scene, was shot and killed while driving in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood on July 23, 2024. The unfortunate incident was confirmed by his lawyer, Malcolm Conner, via Atlanta News First the next day.
According to reports, the incident took place near the crossing of John Wesley Dobbs Avenue and Boulevard NE. Multiple gunshots were heard by witnesses, and Dillon was hit multiple times. He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital, but his injuries proved fatal.
At the moment, the Atlanta police have not identified any suspects, and the reason behind the shooting remains uncertain. The case is currently under active investigation.
A notable figure in Atlanta’s food industry, Dillon co-owned The Seafood Menu Restaurant and Takeout with Lil Baby, which was launched in 2023 with considerable publicity. The grand opening showcased Dillon’s entrepreneurial spirit and his successful ventures, including founding The Boiler Seafood Atlanta, a popular restaurant that reportedly sold over 180,000 pounds of seafood, earning over $8 million in revenue.
In a 2022 interview with TravelNoire, Dillon shared his business philosophy: “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 stated.
Beyond his restaurant ventures, Dillon was known for his philanthropic work, especially in aiding ex-convicts to rebuild their lives. He initiated a business plan pitch contest through the Metro-Atlanta Reentry Prison’s Aces Program, offering start-up capital to former prisoners. His aim was to reduce recidivism by providing opportunities for success and mentorship.
Dillon’s death has left the community deeply saddened. Many who knew him have voiced their grief, emphasizing the significant gap his demise has caused. A growing memorial has been established outside The Boiler Seafood Atlanta, featuring flowers and messages from friends, customers, and colleagues.
Lil Baby, Dillon’s business partner, acknowledged his death publicly on social media. He posted a photo of them together on his Instagram story with the caption, “Damn big buddy get ya rest,” accompanied by a dove emoji. This sentiment was shared by many in the community who admired Dillon’s dedication and work ethic.
Other local entrepreneurs and community members also recognized Dillon’s contributions. The proprietor of a nearby restaurant expressed his sorrow, describing Dillon as someone always ready to help others, even distributing Thanksgiving turkeys. Dillon’s legacy as a mentor and philanthropist will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who knew him.
The probe into Dillon’s death is still ongoing, with Atlanta police examining surveillance footage from the area in hopes of identifying the shooter. The community is encouraged to provide any information that might assist in resolving the case. Dillon’s family, who traveled from Brooklyn, New York to arrange his funeral, are also seeking answers and justice for their loved one.
Chad Dillon’s entrepreneurial journey started during his college years at Howard University, where he launched a car rental business. His relocation to Atlanta marked the start of his significant contribution to the local restaurant industry. Dillon’s innovative business approach, coupled with his commitment to community service, has made a lasting impact.
As Atlanta grieves the loss of one of its prominent figures, Dillon’s life serves as a testament to the positive influence one person can have. His work in the community and his successful business ventures have set a high standard for future entrepreneurs.
