Brian Harper: Blending Fun, Food and Community in Atlanta’s Eatertainment Scene
Brian Harper has redefined the Atlanta dining experience by merging food, fun and social connection through Competitive Social Ventures. As the visionary behind several of Atlanta’s most popular eatertainment venues, like Roaring Social and Pickle and Social, Harper has created spaces where guests can connect over great meals, exciting games and memorable experiences.
How do you seamlessly blend both entertainment and dining without compromising quality?
At Competitive Social Ventures, we start by focusing on what makes each concept fun and engaging—the entertainment. That’s the foundation, and from there, we build around it with great hospitality and a commitment to creating an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s through thoughtful venue design, high-quality food, seamless service or innovative technology, every detail is meant to enhance the guest’s journey.
What inspired you to enter the eatertainment industry?
I stumbled into the industry by chance. A recruiter from Topgolf reached out with an opportunity, and I took a leap on a role I probably wasn’t even qualified for at the time. But once I got in, I fell in love with the industry, the incredible people I worked alongside and the excitement of creating unforgettable experiences for guests. That passion evolved into a career, and I was fortunate enough to turn it into the role I have today—where I get to build those experiences from the ground up.
How do you see your spaces shaping the culture of Atlanta?
Our spaces are shaping the culture of Atlanta by redefining how people connect. We knew that humans thrive when people are together, so what began as an idea quickly became our mission—to bring people together for FUN and authentic shared experiences by creating an unbeatable atmosphere, innovative play, amazing food and drink and top-notch service.
What does success look like to you?
Success, to me, isn’t about titles or achievements—it’s about the people you share the journey with. It’s about family, friends and the connections made along the way. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible support system that pushes me to be better every day. At CSV, we believe in constantly evolving, listening and improving—because there’s no pride in authorship, only opportunities to grow. True success is found in creating experiences that bring people together, in building something meaningful and in knowing that each day is a chance to take another step forward, not just for ourselves but for the people we impact.
