At a time when small retailers across the country are fighting to stay afloat, two Atlanta women are quietly building a culinary brand that’s capturing national attention. Vine & Olive, co-founded by Malatrice “Mali” Montgomery and Ayanna “Nikki” Carver, has grown into one of the fastest-rising Black-owned olive oil and balsamic vinegar brands in the country—now operating four thriving locations across Atlanta.
Built after hours, on lunch breaks, and over long weekends, Vine & Olive is a testament to grit and vision. Unlike many food startups backed by investors, Montgomery and Carver launched the brand while maintaining demanding full-time careers. With no blueprint and limited access to traditional resources, they relied on instinct, consistency, and a shared belief that exceptional food can elevate everyday life.
What started as a post-pandemic idea quickly resonated with customers craving authenticity and quality. Vine & Olive distinguished itself through an immersive, customer-first experience—inviting guests to taste, explore, and learn. The brand’s premium olive oils, flavored extra virgin oils, and balsamic vinegars are sampled in-store, turning shopping into discovery and education rather than a transaction.
Momentum accelerated in 2025 and into 2026. The brand secured a national TV cooking segment, partnered with Woman Evolve Conference led by Sarah Jakes Roberts, and expanded into two of Atlanta’s most iconic destinations—Ponce City Market and the Atlanta BeltLine near Krog Street Market. A corporate tasting collaboration with KPMG and an upcoming airport expansion further signal the brand’s growing national footprint.
At the heart of Vine & Olive is hospitality. Each storefront is intentionally warm and inviting, designed to remove culinary intimidation and replace it with curiosity and joy. Customers consistently describe the shops as “happy places,” praising the team for introducing flavors that transform everyday meals into something memorable.
With four locations, a fifth retail partnership on the horizon, expanding corporate tastings, and increasing media attention, Montgomery and Carver are just getting started. Their story proves that passion, community, and quality can still win—even in a crowded marketplace.
Key Takeaways
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Woman-owned, Black-owned culinary brand scaling during a challenging retail economy
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Built without outside investors while founders maintained full-time careers
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Four Atlanta locations, including Ponce City Market and the BeltLine
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National media exposure and high-profile conference partnerships
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Corporate tasting experiences driving B2B growth
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Hospitality-driven retail model focused on education and community
About Vine & Olive
Vine & Olive is an Atlanta-based olive oil brand founded by friends Malatrice “Mali” Montgomery and Ayanna “Nikki” Carver. Known for premium olive oils, thoughtful flavor pairings, and a welcoming customer experience, the company operates four retail locations. Their mission: make every meal a masterpiece. Products are available online at www.VineandOlives.com.
