Marley’s Bar & Grill has become more than a local favorite. It’s an experience. The kind that starts the moment you walk through the door and feel the warmth, the rhythm, and the connection that fills the space. Co-owner Davonne shares that this feeling was no accident. When he first envisioned Marley’s, his goal was to create a place that instantly felt like home. A spot where people could unwind, celebrate, and connect over great food and good energy. From the granite bar to the carefully curated playlist, every detail was designed to reflect that balance between comfort and sophistication. The food tells the same story, blending Southern flavors with a modern twist. Dishes like honey-jerk lamb chops and deep-fried strawberry biscuits have become crowd favorites, while the weekend brunch, complete with bottomless mimosas, chicken and waffles, and the famous shrimp and grits, keeps the energy alive.
For brothers Davonne and Brandon Austin, Marley’s isn’t just about dining. It’s about representation and legacy. As young Black restaurateurs, they’ve built something that feels powerful for Prince George’s County. Brandon explains that ownership and leadership in this space haven’t always looked like them. For him, representation means showing that it’s possible to create something world-class, rooted in community and culture. Their team feels that pride too, knowing they’re part of a business that was built from within the community it serves. Guests often describe Marley’s as a “win for the culture,” and that validation pushes the brothers to keep growing with purpose.
Working together as brothers brings both challenges and strength. Davonne says their partnership works because of one core principle, accountability. They’re not afraid of tough conversations and always put Marley’s above ego or title. Each brings something different to the table. Davonne leads the marketing and brand growth, while Brandon focuses on daily operations and maintaining a consistent guest experience. Together, they’ve found a rhythm that keeps the business thriving and the vision aligned.
Their journey hasn’t been easy. Neither brother came from a family of entrepreneurs. Their mother, a nurse, and their father, an electrician, built their lives on hard work and resilience, values that became the foundation for everything Davonne and Brandon would later build. They both started in corporate restaurants, where they learned structure, discipline, and the essence of great hospitality. Davonne admits that one of the hardest steps was leaving behind a steady corporate career to take a leap of faith. That decision came with sacrifices, but it also came with lessons that shaped how they lead Marley’s today, with discipline, gratitude, and purpose.
Marley’s quickly grew into a cultural hub for PG County. It’s a place where good food meets great music, conversation, and connection. Brandon says that sense of community was intentional from day one. They wanted Marley’s to feel like home for everyone. Whether it’s through local partnerships, events, or accessible specials like their all-day happy hour, everything they do centers on community and inclusivity. It’s a safe space where everyone, students, families, professionals, can feel seen and celebrated.
As Marley’s marks its one-year anniversary, the focus is on growth with purpose. Davonne plans to expand the brand while preserving the soul that made it special. His corporate experience taught him how to build systems that support sustainable success, and now he’s using those lessons to position Marley’s for its next chapter. Expansion for the brothers isn’t just about opening new locations, it’s about creating impact, mentoring young leaders, and setting new standards for Black-owned excellence in hospitality.
Their journey is proof that with vision, faith, and community, anything is possible. And as Marley’s continues to grow, one thing will always remain the same, it will stay true to its heart, its people, and the purpose that started it all.
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