AU Pro Basketball Connects with Female-Founded Restaurant in the Nashville Community
Athletes Unlimited Pro Basketball is making itself at home in Nashville, and that extends well beyond the court. During Black History Month, the league is connecting with Shugga Hi Bakery & Cafe, a Black-owned soul food restaurant set to provide post-game meals for players.
For Shugga Hi co-owner Kathy Leslie, who founded the restaurant with her sister Sandra Austin, the connection reflects a shared commitment to community, one that has been central to the restaurant’s mission since opening in 2017. In recent years, the restaurant has provided free meals to more than 70,000 individuals across the Nashville community.
“The collaboration is natural, because Shugga Hi’s mission is one that is concerned about the community. Nobody leaves our restaurant hungry. We feed whomever, and we do it every day,” Leslie said. “The league is something that’s very valuable, that brings something exciting to the community, and especially to Nashville.”
Vice President of Basketball Megan Perry emphasized the importance of continuing to build meaningful relationships within the city as AU Pro Basketball returns to Nashville.
“We’re excited about how Nashville has welcomed AU Pro Basketball. It’s important for us to continue to foster strong relationships within the local Nashville community, and this is one small way that we’re doing so,” Perry said. “We’re excited to have the support of Shugga Hi Bakery & Cafe and are thrilled to be able to highlight a local female founder in the community.”
A group of AU Pro Basketball players visited Shugga Hi shortly after arriving in Nashville, giving them a firsthand experience of the food and hospitality behind the local restaurant.
Kierstan Bell described the visit as a memorable introduction to the Nashville community.
“Overall, it was a great experience. They welcomed us with open arms. It was a lot of food, and so we ate good. They took care of us. I think everybody should pull up and go try it out,” Bell said. “It’s a Black-owned business, and they’re doing a really good job.”
Bell also pointed to the league’s emphasis on community connection.
“AU always does a really good job of getting into the community,” she said. “Overall, I think it’s a great experience with AU, and bringing in Shugga Hi and having them cater for us–I think it’s really good.”
Asia Taylor echoed that sentiment.
“The food was amazing. The hospitality was great,” Taylor said. “It aligns perfectly, and I’m just happy to have them on board. I’m excited about it.”
As AU Pro Basketball continues its time in Nashville, the connection with Shugga Hi Bakery & Cafe highlights the league’s efforts to engage with the local community in ways that go beyond the game.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
