S15.E02: Sisters Before Misters

[TexasGal]

Quote

Things get awkward at Ross' 40th birthday party when Kenya has words with Sheree's new boo, Martell, causing friction between the two long-time frenemies; Drew returns from Chicago with a new passion project and a renewed spark in her marriage.

Airdate: 05.14.2023

Reminder - any information about the housewives known in real time but not episode time are spoilers and should not be discussed here.

[Stats Queen]

Things that puzzle me include

1. Todd saying he didn’t make much money before he was in the restaurant business- seriously it takes years for restaurants to actually be profitable  ( of course, this could be an exception),

2. Sheree repeating the same patterns with toxic men - it keeps happening - it makes me so sad and just also flabbergasted about her unwillingness to go on a painful self journey to understand her self worth;

3. Drew’s putting up with just a toxic piece of shit that is Ralph. 

I just so want these women to be so healthy in their souls that they realize being single is so much better than bring with a piece of crap.

That being said  :

4. I am frustrated with Kandi’s seemingly myopic focus on her career to the detriment of her young children and her marriage- she is always a hustler and I have so much respect for her (most of any housewife across all franchises) but some things are more important than a personal goal of an EGOT.

These women deserve so much more and it does concern me that young women don’t understand that.

Edited May 15, 2023 by Stats Queen

[Stats Queen]

So Kenya has totally grown as a woman and has realized that she will only settle for healthy relationships in the future. I did not like Kenya aT first and then Mark was a piece of crap and I love the new Kenya who understands her own self worth and will not back down from trying to get her friends to understand their own self worth - what a transformation 

[Marley]

Sheree is honestly a joke lol. You wanna bang some guy cause he’s hot cool but don’t pretend he’s gonna be a serious relationship for you.

Courtney sucks. Pass lol.

Ugh Ralph just go away already. He’s such a douche bag. Not wanting Drew to eat eggs?

Martell is such a loser. Calm down guy you are a trashy joke. 

So was Kandi’s cousin wearing that sling because he got shot? I get supporting family, I would support fam too if I was rich but some of Kandi’s fam seem like leeches and are draining her money and rep wise.

Who is the guy Kenya is dating? She’s prob hoping her new bestie gets her set up with a football player.

Ralph is a music producer now lmao. Another way to be in control of Drew.

Drew is so delusional about her music tho lol. That studio session was so cringey lol. Had to FF some of it lol.

Sheree’s product looks cheap as hell lol.

Of course Sheree is so defensive of Martell already. He’s such shit. Kenya isn’t great either but fuck Martell. Sheree and Sanya trying to create some black men narrative is a joke. Not that I can speak on that issue but Martell is not some stand up guy anyone should be taking up for.

Ugh Kandi’s mom in the previews? Can ppl stop giving that piece of shit airtime. She’s the fucking worst.

[Stats Queen]

12 minutes ago, Marley said:

So was Kandi’s cousin wearing that sling because he got shot? I get supporting family, I would support fam too if I was rich but some of Kandi’s fam seem like leeches and are draining her money and rep wise.

Way too many of them and she lets them be leeches instead of standing on their own.

 

13 minutes ago, Marley said:

Ugh Kandi’s mom in the previews? Can ppl stop giving that piece of shit airtime. She’s the fucking worst.

She really is

[qtpye]

11 hours ago, Stats Queen said:

I am frustrated with Kandi’s seemingly myopic focus on her career to the detriment of her young children and her marriage- she is always a hustler and I have so much respect for her (most of any housewife across all franchises) but some things are more important than a personal goal of an EGOT.

The problem is that Kandi's love language is money and she can't say no to her deadbeat family and friends.

I like Todd but Kandi has got to stop killing herself so Mama Joyce can live in the style that she had become accustomed. 

[Rlb8031]

13 hours ago, Stats Queen said:

1. Todd saying he didn’t make much money before he was in the restaurant business- seriously it takes years for restaurants to actually be profitable  ( of course, this could be an exception),

Todd made creative, single-entity, service provider money. So, someone who could afford to support their own lifestyle, and then had to pay for things salaried hired staff normally get directly from their employer (life insurance, health insurance, etc.). I think he's probably been able to make low six figures ($100k) annually but wasn't blowing the doors off the roof or making anywhere near Kandi annual revenue. As to whether or not he's making money off of Kandi restaurant group here is my guess...

The OLG/Blaze places turn a profit (ie. upon opening, they bring in more money than they cost on a weekly basis). This has to do with name recognition, Kandi's fanbase, the community they service, etc. In my experience many restaurants have this kind of bliss period when they first open where they are well received, have lots of people coming through and spending money and the poor management and lack of food service/business awareness just hasn't caught up to them yet. It's the same thing with Peter Thomas' Bar One businesses. They make a lot of money in the first 12-24 months and then if there isn't someone who is minding the store they tank. In the meantime, if the owner knows what they are doing it is possible that the business may be...

PROFITABLE to them (ie. the owner is able to get their original investment out). There are folks who just invest in restaurants who do this. They put in seed money and provide support, and they are also the first money out (they get repaid starting from day one). It's not clear to me that OLG is profitable, but certain things point to this being the case including their opening multiple concepts that have capitalized on the good word of mouth. I don't know if these restaurants as a whole have allowed Todd/Kandi to recoup their original investments, but I will say that Kandi has a great business team including attorneys, accountants, etc. and for all people talk about Don Juan being messy, he is neat and on point when it comes to Kandi's coins. OLG has certainly been helped by the free HW advertising and the fact that they have gotten some industry recognition (OpenTable 2018 Diners’ Choice Award and Taste of Soul Atlanta 25 Best Soul Food Restaurants). One other thing that bodes well is that they were able to pivot during the pandemic and survived during a time when many restaurants on the margins failed. At the same time, they have had issues passing inspection which may meant that they will start to undergo the Peter Thomas death spiral. If that happens expect one or more of these to close within 3-5 years of opening their doors. 

Edited May 15, 2023 by Rlb8031

[ZettaK]

2 hours ago, Rlb8031 said:

Todd made creative, single-entity, service provider money. So, someone who could afford to support their own lifestyle, and then had to pay for things salaried hired staff normally get directly from their employer (life insurance, health insurance, etc.). I think he's probably been able to make low six figures ($100k) annually but wasn't blowing the doors off the roof or making anywhere near Kandi annual revenue. As to whether or not he's making money off of Kandi restaurant group here is my guess...

The OLG/Blaze places turn a profit (ie. upon opening, they bring in more money than they cost on a weekly basis). This has to do with name recognition, Kandi's fanbase, the community they service, etc. In my experience many restaurants have this kind of bliss period when they first open where they are well received, have lots of people coming through and spending money and the poor management and lack of food service/business awareness just hasn't caught up to them yet. It's the same thing with Peter Thomas' Bar One businesses. They make a lot of money in the first 12-24 months and then if there isn't someone who is minding the store they tank. In the meantime, if the owner knows what they are doing it is possible that the business may be...

PROFITABLE to them (ie. the owner is able to get their original investment out). There are folks who just invest in restaurants who do this. They put in seed money and provide support, and they are also the first money out (they get repaid starting from day one). It's not clear to me that OLG is profitable, but certain things point to this being the case including their opening multiple concepts that have capitalized on the good word of mouth. I don't know if these restaurants as a whole have allowed Todd/Kandi to recoup their original investments, but I will say that Kandi has a great business team including attorneys, accountants, etc. and for all people talk about Don Juan being messy, he is neat and on point when it comes to Kandi's coins. OLG has certainly been helped by the free HW advertising and the fact that they have gotten some industry recognition (OpenTable 2018 Diners’ Choice Award and Taste of Soul Atlanta 25 Best Soul Food Restaurants). One other thing that bodes well is that they were able to pivot during the pandemic and survived during a time when many restaurants on the margins failed. At the same time, they have had issues passing inspection which may meant that they will start to undergo the Peter Thomas death spiral. If that happens expect one or more of these to close within 3-5 years of opening their doors. 

60% of restaurants close in a year, and 80% within five years of opening. It's a difficult business. Kandi's restaurants are still new, so their future is uncertain. Kandi and Todd opened the restaurants to capitalize on the show's exposure (good for them). I would give more chances to OLG because it won some industry recognition already.

As for DonJuan, he must be good as a manager because he works for Kandi for many years. I personally like him. 

Edited May 15, 2023 by ZettaK

[Keywestclubkid]

Sheree’s Bitching about money spent and “quality” of products lol girl you get what you pay for and judging from past venders you don’t pay your bills anyway 

[Chatty Cake]

The Martell/Kenya drama is stupid but even if it’s been a long time since he dm’ed her, it seems like he was stalking housewives till he found one dumb enough to get with him.

Oh lord, now Drew is a singer because she got a compliment on Happy Birthday. I was thinking their song sounded like something Candiace would sing and low and behold, Candiace is in the previews.

So Sherees clothing line is hoodies that say She by Sheree? I saw the one lady packing a yoga mat that looked like it had the Gucci Gs logo but it could’ve been something else. 

[JustbeingReal]

I don't think Martell was trying to get with Kenya like that. But I do think he was getting his Slade Smiley on with Atlanta housewives. Whoever would stick. I thought Kenya was Sheree's friend,that happened 2 years ago. Shame on you Kenya. Kandi is my fav but she sees what she wants to see. I don't think Martell would put all that work into deleting texts. Drew's kids are adorable. These girls have the funniest talking heads. I liked Kenya's cheetah jumpsuit. 

[ZettaK]

It was strange to see Drew and Ralph claiming their marriage was great, knowing what happened later. Drew's singing is all about capitalizing on the Bravo exposure. And the crossover with Candiace from Potomac proved it more. 

Courtney is Ralph's cousin. Not a surprise...

I don't doubt Martell sent DMs to a lot of other famous, or semi famous women. Kenya revealed she was sent one TWO YEARS ago, to use as a storyline all season long. 

Sheree cares about appearance only. There is nothing wrong with it, but she shouldn't ignore the red flags about Martell (cheater, his behavior to his ex-wife, trying to hookup with different women). She said that he treats her fine, but she knows him for about a second.

I don't care to hear about Sanya wanting to have another baby for a second consecutive season. 

 

Edited May 16, 2023 by ZettaK

[amarante]

I think OLG is a success and could theoretically be around for awhile. For all the reasons mentioned above, it has been extremely popular since it opened and apparently is still popular - at least based on Yelp reviews which indicate that there are still lines to get in.

It is a soul food/traditional Southern food restaurant and is going to attract business from locals as well as tourists - both Housewives' fans as well as just Atlanta visitors. Based on the menu, the food is relatively inexpensive as well. 

I think Blaze has a lot of issues because it just isn't that unique - no particular distinct selling point - it's a steak and fish type of restaurant - YAWN

If I happened to be in Atlanta, I might go to OLG because I am going to want to eat at a Southern restaurant probably so why not there. I can't imagine why I would go to Blaze over any other typical boring restaurant. I don't typically eat at these kinds of boring restaurants so I wouldn't go out of my way to go to a mediocre one one.

https://blazesteakandseafood.com/dinner/

Also I don't know where it is located in terms of Atlanta geography but it seemed like Kandi said it was in an "urban" area. I thought perhaps she was implying it was in a more crime ridden area than OLG. If so, it might not have the demographics to support that kind of rather boring steak house?

[Baltimore Betty]

I am still stuck on Sanya saying her party cost $100,000, too funny, what did she spend big bucks on? There was no food, no amazing entertainment, she paid for a company to handle the casino games and that is never a huge budget breaking expense...why lie about the money spent? She could have had Blaze or OLG cater the party, a step and repeat, we didn't even see a birthday cake, she could have had a local singer come to sing a few songs, none of that would cost anywhere near the $100,000 she said she spent.  I guess when you know fighting and screaming at each other will be the main event why pay to have food or entertainment when most of the guests will leave before touching the buffet.  

[ZettaK]

6 hours ago, Baltimore Betty said:

I am still stuck on Sanya saying her party cost $100,000, too funny, what did she spend big bucks on? There was no food, no amazing entertainment, she paid for a company to handle the casino games and that is never a huge budget breaking expense...why lie about the money spent? She could have had Blaze or OLG cater the party, a step and repeat, we didn't even see a birthday cake, she could have had a local singer come to sing a few songs, none of that would cost anywhere near the $100,000 she said she spent.  I guess when you know fighting and screaming at each other will be the main event why pay to have food or entertainment when most of the guests will leave before touching the buffet.  

She was showing off. She never paid anywhere near $100,000.

[qtpye]

On 5/15/2023 at 9:28 PM, Chatty Cake said:

The Martell/Kenya drama is stupid but even if it’s been a long time since he dm’ed her, it seems like he was stalking housewives till he found one dumb enough to get with him.

I feel like this was cooked up by all 3 of them for plot purposes.  There is nothing about the scenario that seems real.

On 5/16/2023 at 11:52 AM, Baltimore Betty said:

I am still stuck on Sanya saying her party cost $100,000, too funny, what did she spend big bucks on? There was no food, no amazing entertainment, she paid for a company to handle the casino games and that is never a huge budget breaking expense...why lie about the money spent? She could have had Blaze or OLG cater the party, a step and repeat, we didn't even see a birthday cake, she could have had a local singer come to sing a few songs, none of that would cost anywhere near the $100,000 she said she spent.  I guess when you know fighting and screaming at each other will be the main event why pay to have food or entertainment when most of the guests will leave before touching the buffet.  

Sanya is nasty for going to Disney World on Kandi's dime but not sticking up for her at all.

Edited May 17, 2023 by qtpye

[Baltimore Betty]

1 hour ago, qtpye said:

Sanya is nasty for going to Disney World on Kandi's dime but not sticking up for her at all.

I got the impression that Kandi was planning to take her family during the spring break and put it out there to the other HW's if they wanted to go during the same time, not to pay their way.

[HorrrGoodnight]

Martell is unhinged. That is all. 

[qtpye]

3 hours ago, Baltimore Betty said:

I got the impression that Kandi was planning to take her family during the spring break and put it out there to the other HW's if they wanted to go during the same time, not to pay their way.

I honestly did not know if Kandi and Todd were paying for the trip or if it was just a group family trip. Sanya's son seems to be the right age to hang with Kandi's son

[goofygirl]

On 5/16/2023 at 10:52 AM, Baltimore Betty said:

I am still stuck on Sanya saying her party cost $100,000, too funny, what did she spend big bucks on? There was no food, no amazing entertainment, she paid for a company to handle the casino games and that is never a huge budget breaking expense...why lie about the money spent? She could have had Blaze or OLG cater the party, a step and repeat, we didn't even see a birthday cake, she could have had a local singer come to sing a few songs, none of that would cost anywhere near the $100,000 she said she spent.  I guess when you know fighting and screaming at each other will be the main event why pay to have food or entertainment when most of the guests will leave before touching the buffet.  

I was gonna say the same thing!  IF she paid 100K for THAT party, the woman got ripped off!

On the Martel/Sheree front, not sure WHICH one of them is using the other for publicity purposes.  Sheree needs some "hot guy" to prove she's still got IT and Martel needs an Atlanta woman to push his wine!

They're gonna just use each other until Martel OR Sheree finds someone farther up the chain.