The city of Atlanta, Georgia, is grappling with the sudden and shocking death of entrepreneur Chad Dillon, 33, who was also a business partner of rapper Lil Baby.

Dillon, recognized for his substantial contributions to Atlanta’s business sector, was killed in a shooting in the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood on July 23, 2024. His attorney, Malcolm Conner, confirmed the news the following day via Atlanta News First.

The incident occurred when Dillon was in his vehicle near the intersection of John Wesley Dobbs Avenue and Boulevard. Eyewitnesses reported hearing several gunshots, and Dillon was hit multiple times. Despite being taken to a nearby hospital, Dillon succumbed to his injuries.

The Atlanta police are currently investigating the case. At the moment, no suspects have been identified, and the motive behind the shooting remains unclear.

Dillon was a key player in the Atlanta food scene, having co-founded The Seafood Menu Restaurant and Takeout with Lil Baby in 2023. The restaurant’s grand opening was a testament to Dillon’s entrepreneurial spirit and previous success. Dillon had earlier established The Boiler Seafood Atlanta, a popular restaurant that reportedly sold more than 180,000 pounds of seafood and made over $8 million in sales.

Speaking with TravelNoire in 2022, Dillon explained his business philosophy, stating, “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.”

Beyond his restaurant ventures, Dillon was well-known for his philanthropy, especially his work with former prisoners. He initiated a business plan pitch competition through the Metro-Atlanta Reentry Prison’s Aces Program, providing former inmates with startup capital. Dillon’s goal was to fight recidivism by offering opportunities for success and mentorship.

Dillon’s death has sparked a deep sense of grief and loss in the community. Those who knew him have expressed their sadness, underlining the significant gap left in his wake. A growing memorial has been set up outside The Boiler Seafood Atlanta, featuring flowers and messages from friends, customers, and colleagues.

Lil Baby, Dillon’s business partner, paid tribute to him on social media, posting a picture of the pair with the caption, “Damn big buddy get ya rest,” accompanied by a dove emoji. This sentiment was echoed by many in the community who admired Dillon’s dedication and hard work.

Other local entrepreneurs and community members also recognized Dillon’s contributions. One restaurant owner in the area expressed his sorrow, describing Dillon as a person who was always ready to lend a hand, even distributing Thanksgiving turkeys. Dillon’s legacy as a mentor and philanthropist will continue to inspire those who knew him.

The investigation into Dillon’s death continues, with Atlanta police reviewing surveillance footage from the area in an attempt to identify the shooter. The community is being encouraged to share any information that might help solve the case.

Dillon’s entrepreneurial journey started during his time at Howard University, where he founded a car rental business. His relocation to Atlanta marked the start of his significant impact on the local restaurant industry. Dillon’s innovative approach to business, coupled with his dedication to community service, has left an indelible mark.

As Atlanta mourns the loss of one of its own, Dillon’s story serves as a reminder of the positive effect one individual can have. His work in the community and his successful business ventures have set a high standard for future entrepreneurs.