Faces of Fourth is a featured series on the folks that are the heart and soul of Historic Fourth Avenue. From the merchants who bring commerce to life, to the buskers who fill the avenue with sound, there are many people to celebrate on Fourth Avenue.
Image Courtesy of ATL Wings
ATL Wings is a family owned and operated business which started in Chandler, Arizona in 2012. ATL Wings rose above the standard and set itself aside from other traditional and corporate driven establishments who offer wings as a “second item”. Today, with their multiple locations around the state of Arizona (and growing), ATL Wings will always provide their customers and friends the best wing experience possible. After all we always have said….. “Luv is the first ingredient.” With 22 flavors of sauce – one is just perfect for you!
Velveia Evans is a business woman by trade and is one of the owners of ATL Wings on Fourth Avenue. We asked her a few questions to find out what makes Fourth Avenue a special place for her, here is what she shared.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about yourself, your background and how you got to Tucson.
I own a company by the name of Vivaldi Salon Suites in Phoenix as well as I’m one of the owners of ATL Wings – Tucson. The Avenue started playing a major role in my life when we decided to open a restaurant in Tucson.
What’s something special about ATL Wings you’d like everyone to know about?
We believe in truly being a part of the community. So we have partnered with Goodwill Metro and have a program where we hire at risk youth. We give them ATL love by providing them employment and a safe place to come to gain life skills. We show them a different way of life and also let them know that they care and that we care about their future and about who they become. Everyone can change. It all starts in your head. Change your thoughts and you can change your life. I have a son that we don’t know his whereabouts. Each time I see a young person who is hungry and on the street, it reminds me of my son. If I can find the time to care for strangers, I pray someone is taking care of my son. So through Goodwill Metro, we have a program to change generations! It only takes one person in a family to change the whole trajectory for generations to come in that family. Regardless of how long they’ve stayed with us, they will leave us better than when they came.
What’s one of your favorite things about the Avenue?
I have so many favorite things about the Avenue. The Avenue has it’s own diversity. You can meet people from all over the world and from every walk of life. You can wine and dine and you can do so many different things on the Avenue. And that’s why the Avenue is not just a street in Tucson – it is a Tucson destination! There is a variety of restaurants so you’re never bored. No matter what you desire, you can probably find it on the Avenue.
Where is one of your favorite places to frequent on Fourth?
My life is on the corner of 4th Avenue and University. That is by far my favorite place on the Avenue. Reason being, we meet so many amazing people that visit ATL Wings from all over the world. So I’ve learned so much just by mingling and speaking to our customers. They bring so much life to our corner!
Tell us one of your most memorable experiences on the Avenue.
My most memorable experience was the day we opened ATL Wings and the response was overwhelming! Past our imagination. Many of the individuals who were there on our opening are our regular customers now. We feel that we opened our doors and our family walked in. Even though it’s been a short time, the love is overwhelming.
If you could time travel, what year would you like to visit Fourth Avenue?
I don’t know what year it was, but I’d like to go back to when the corner of 4th Avenue and University was a gas station. I’m sure those individuals never thought that many years later, we’d be changing oil – just a different type of oil. From automobile oil to kitchen oil – we’ve kept the tradition of changing oil.
Image Courtesy of ATL Wings
ATL = All The Luv! And that is something that they give when you enter their doors! Delicious food made with love – just for you!
Open Monday – Saturday 11am-9pm and Sunday 11am-5pm
(520) 207-1771
Website: https://www.atlwings.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Atl-Wings-Tucson-location-281641616037430
Visit ATL Wings Tucson at 802 North 4th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85705