Cru Wine Bar and Bistro: A Focus on Innovation and Quality Dining

Atlanta Wire Staff on September 18, 2025

Cru Wine Bar and Bistro, formerly known as CRU Food & Wine Bar, has long been known for its blend of exceptional wines and thoughtfully crafted culinary offerings. Since its founding in 2002, the brand has built a reputation for creating an inviting atmosphere where guests can enjoy high-quality food and an extensive selection of wines. Under the leadership of Simon Bozas, who holds majority ownership, and his business partner Patrick Colombo, the company is embracing innovation while staying true to its roots of offering a sophisticated yet approachable dining experience. Together, they are poised to elevate the brand to new heights moving forward. This article explores how Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is innovating its offerings to create even more memorable experiences for its customers.

A Modern Twist on Classic Dining

Cru Wine Bar and Bistro continues to impress guests with a menu inspired by global cuisines. The culinary team at Cru combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with international influences, offering unique and flavorful options that complement the wine list. In an exciting move, the restaurant is in the process of updating the menu to better align with its enhanced wine program, ensuring the dishes pair seamlessly with the curated wine selections.

The restaurant’s approach to food encourages sharing and exploration. Small plates such as Charcuterie Boards, Cheese Flights, and Chocolate Fondue for Two allow guests to enjoy a variety of flavors. For those seeking heartier options, dishes like Stone Fired Pizzas, Bistro Entrees, and Seared Scallops provide a well-balanced combination of taste and sophistication. Whether it’s a casual night out or a corporate event, the menu caters to a wide range of preferences, with the upcoming changes promising to enhance the wine and dining experience.

Innovation with Wines on Tap

One of the exciting innovations at Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is the introduction of wines on tap. This modern approach allows guests to enjoy high-quality wines without the need for bottles, offering a more sustainable and convenient option for wine lovers. The wines on tap are carefully selected to offer an ever-changing selection, providing guests with an opportunity to try something new and exciting each time they visit.

Wines on tap also enhance the guest experience by making it easier to enjoy a glass of wine at the right temperature and freshness. This innovation is a great example of how Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is incorporating modern trends into its operations while maintaining the high standards that have made the brand a favorite among wine enthusiasts.

E-Commerce: Bringing Wine to Your Doorstep

Another exciting development at Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is its e-commerce platform, which allows customers to purchase their favorite wines directly from the website. This new offering brings the brand’s extensive wine list to a broader audience, making it possible for wine lovers to enjoy Cru’s curated selections in the comfort of their own homes.

This move to e-commerce also aligns with the growing trend of online shopping for premium products, offering convenience to customers who want to continue enjoying Cru Wine Bar and Bistro’s wines even after their dining experience. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple evening at home, customers can now order from Cru and have their favorite bottles delivered right to their door.

Creating Memorable Experiences

While innovation is at the heart of Cru Wine Bar and Bistro, the brand’s commitment to creating memorable experiences for its guests remains a top priority. The focus on community and connection is integral to the atmosphere of every Cru location. Whether it’s a date night, a corporate event, or simply a casual gathering with friends, Cru Wine Bar and Bistro offers an inviting and warm space where guests can unwind, share stories, and make lasting memories.

Simon Bozas shares, “We believe that dining is more than just about food and wine; it’s about creating an experience that people remember. Whether it’s the ambiance, the quality of the food, or the personal connection with our staff, we want every guest to leave feeling like they’ve experienced something special.”

Sustainability in Dining

Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is also placing emphasis on sustainability, ensuring that its operations align with eco-friendly practices. From the introduction of wines on tap to the careful sourcing of ingredients, the brand is committed to reducing its environmental impact while still providing exceptional dining experiences. This focus on sustainability is part of the broader movement within the food and beverage industry toward responsible practices, and Cru Wine Bar and Bistro is proud to be a part of it.

Contact Cru Wine Bar and Bistro

For more information about Cru Wine Bar and Bistro, its menu, and the latest updates, visit cruwinebar.com. Stay connected with the latest news and offerings by following Cru on Instagram: @cruwinebarandbistro.

Eugene Parker: Balancing Faith, Film, and a Breakthrough Role on Tyler Perry’s Sistas

Atlanta Wire Staff on September 18, 2025

Eugene Parker’s career reflects a rare blend of artistic excellence and spiritual devotion. With decades of work both in front of the camera and behind it, Parker has carved out a unique place in Hollywood. Today, his journey has reached a new milestone with his role in Tyler Perry’s Sistas, the hit BET+ drama that continues to resonate with audiences across the nation. Debuting in Season 9, Parker has quickly become a standout presence, embodying the kind of character that aligns with his personal mission: to inspire, uplift, and tell stories that matter.

A Career Built on Versatility

Parker’s professional path is marked by remarkable range. On screen, he has appeared in widely acclaimed productions such as Bel-Air, Chicago P.D., Good Trouble, and Chicago Fire (IMDb profile). Each project showcased his ability to shift seamlessly between roles, portraying characters with depth and authenticity. Off screen, Parker brings a different set of skills as an Assistant Director, where his reputation for discipline and precision is well established. His leadership behind the camera ensures productions run smoothly—a role that mirrors the structured, focused qualities he developed earlier in life.

That duality—actor and assistant director—gives Parker a holistic understanding of the entertainment world. It’s no surprise that his reputation continues to grow, making him a trusted figure in both creative and technical circles.

A Defining Role on Sistas

Joining Sistas has been more than just another career step for Parker—it has been a calling. The BET+ series, created by Tyler Perry, has been celebrated for its portrayal of contemporary Black life, tackling complex issues around love, friendship, and resilience. Parker describes his experience on the show as transformative, noting:

“After joining such an amazing project, such as Sistas, I have been given a deeper look into the Tyler Perry Studios family! Streaming Black Culture! The show is addressing issues in the Black culture that many times have been ‘What happens in this house, stays in this house.’ I’m blessed to be portraying a character who shows genuine care and concern for his fellow man! With the climate around the world today, this is exactly what we need!!”

These words highlight Parker’s understanding of storytelling not just as entertainment, but as a platform for truth and change. His character reflects the compassion and humanity often missing in modern narratives, reminding viewers that empathy is both powerful and necessary.

More Than Hollywood

Eugene Parker Balancing Faith, Film, and a Breakthrough Role on Tyler Perry’s Sistas

Photo Courtesy: Eugene Parker

While his career in television and film continues to rise, Parker’s impact extends far beyond the screen. Based in Las Vegas, he serves as a pastor to a congregation of entertainment professionals, blending his Hollywood career with his lifelong devotion to faith. His ministry focuses on mentorship, youth development, and supporting artists navigating the pressures of the industry.

This balance between entertainment and ministry is not accidental. Parker has long believed in living with purpose, and his work—whether as an actor, director, or pastor—reflects that conviction. The lessons he brings from the pulpit often find their way into his roles, lending authenticity and moral weight to his performances.

A Voice for Culture and Community

Parker’s growing platform allows him to highlight cultural issues that too often remain unspoken. His acknowledgment of the importance of Sistas in addressing topics that have historically been hidden—“what happens in this house, stays in this house”—is a testament to his commitment to breaking silence and sparking dialogue. For him, acting is not just craft; it is service.

By embracing projects that shine light on real issues and offering mentorship off set, Parker has positioned himself as a bridge between storytelling and social responsibility. His Chicago roots, combined with decades of experience, ground him in a perspective that values both artistry and community.

The Path Forward

Eugene Parker’s journey is still unfolding. With his role on Sistas, he continues to bring layered, meaningful characters to life while simultaneously leading with integrity behind the scenes and in ministry. His story demonstrates how one individual can thrive in entertainment while staying true to deeper values.

As audiences tune in to Sistas and revisit his performances in Bel-Air, Chicago P.D., Good Trouble, and Chicago Fire, they witness more than an actor—they see a man committed to using his talents for purpose. Parker’s career is proof that Hollywood success and spiritual leadership are not mutually exclusive, but rather powerful allies in shaping culture, community, and the stories that define them.

For more on Eugene Parker’s body of work, visit his IMDb profile.

Inside $10 Million Instagram Funnel: Brian Mark’s DM Playbook for Coaches

Atlanta Wire Staff on September 18, 2025

For online coaches looking to scale their business without paid ads or cold email campaigns, Instagram has become an engine that could take your sales further. And few understand this better than Brian Mark, a coach-turned-entrepreneur who built a thriving multi-million dollar coaching empire using one of Instagram’s most underrated features: direct messages.

In his upcoming book, $10 Million Instagram Funnel: The Blueprint for Online Coaches, Mark reveals the exact DM strategy that transformed his business from sporadic engagement to consistent, high-ticket sales. Designed as a step-by-step system, the book offers practical tactics any coach can implement to turn casual Instagram conversations into a full-fledged client acquisition funnel.

This exclusive look inside Mark’s playbook highlights how online coaches can master the art of authentic outreach, effectively qualify leads, and seamlessly book discovery calls all within Instagram DMs.

According to Mark, the DM is where the real transformation happens. While engaging reels, story polls, and insightful carousels may draw attention and build visibility, it’s the private conversations in DMs that convert interest into income.

Unlike comments or likes, DMs allow for personalized dialogue, a chance to connect with followers on a deeper level. Mark emphasizes that this channel is often overlooked by coaches who spend hours perfecting content but hesitate to engage directly. Yet, it’s in the DMs that trust is built, objections are understood, and offers are made.

Step One: Authentic Outreach That Builds Trust

Mark’s first rule of using DMs for sales is deceptively simple: don’t sell right away. Instead, he advocates starting with sincere, value-driven interactions. Whether it’s thanking someone for following, replying to a story, or leaving a thoughtful comment, the goal is to show up with genuine interest.

He shares that his most successful outreach often begins with a simple question like:

“Hey! I saw you’re working on your fitness goals—how’s that going lately?”

By starting with curiosity instead of a sales agenda, coaches can open the door to organic conversations. Mark’s approach mirrors how relationships develop in real life—naturally and over time. This non-salesy tone helps followers feel seen, not sold to, which immediately sets the stage for trust.

Step Two: Qualifying Leads Through Strategic Questions

Once a conversation is underway, the next step in the DM funnel is lead qualification. Not every follower is an ideal client, and Mark is clear that coaches must be selective about who they spend time with. To do this, he introduces a series of open-ended, diagnostic questions that help uncover the follower’s goals, pain points, and level of commitment.

These questions serve as filters to determine whether someone is coachable, ready to invest, and aligned with the offer. Mark advises coaches to listen more than they talk during this phase. The more a coach understands the follower’s motivation and barriers, the easier it becomes to position their program as the right solution.

Step Three: The Seamless Discovery Call Transition

With a qualified lead in hand, the final step is moving the conversation to a discovery call which is a deeper, more strategic session that leads to a sale. But according to Mark, the invitation must feel like a natural progression, not a sales trap.

Rather than pushing a call too early, he recommends using language that mirrors the follower’s needs:

“From what you’ve shared, it sounds like you’re serious about making a change. Would you be open to hopping on a quick call to explore how I might help?”

This soft, solution-oriented CTA feels less like a pitch and more like a professional suggestion. In the book, Mark outlines how this “value bridge” helps lower resistance and increases call bookings without the need for aggressive persuasion.

He also stresses the importance of clarity and ease providing a scheduling link, setting clear expectations for the call, and following up with reminders. This reduces friction and ensures fewer drop-offs between the DM and the scheduled session.

The Art of DM-Based Sales: Supportive CTAs and Follow-Through

Throughout $10 Million Instagram Funnel, Mark demystifies the idea that selling has to be pushy or uncomfortable. In fact, he argues that a well-crafted CTA, delivered at the right time and in the right tone, feels like a helpful suggestion.

Whether the CTA is an invite to a call, a prompt to check out a case study, or a nudge toward applying for a coaching program, the key is alignment. Mark teaches that every call to action should be tailored to where the prospect is in their journey, not a copy-paste script.

And if the follower doesn’t convert right away? The book details a thoughtful follow-up framework that keeps the conversation warm without turning cold. By circling back a few days later with a relevant insight or question, coaches can revive interest while showing continued investment in the potential client’s growth.

From Passive Followers to Paying Clients

Mark’s DM strategy is built on the principle that people buy from those they trust and trust is built one message at a time. With the rise of algorithm changes and ad fatigue, his funnel gives online coaches something they can fully control: direct relationships with their audience.

The process he outlines is repeatable, scalable, and grounded in real human connection. Even for coaches with a modest following, Mark proves that consistent, intentional conversations can yield consistent, high-ticket conversions.

Why This Book Matters for Coaches in 2025

In a crowded coaching landscape, $10 Million Instagram Funnel stands out not just for its tactical depth but for its emphasis on integrity. Mark doesn’t promise instant riches or overnight success. What he offers instead is a proven, principle-based system built on listening, value, and service.

For coaches looking to grow their business without gimmicks or burnout, this book is more than just a strategy guide, it’s a mindset shift. It challenges readers to treat every DM as a doorway to impact, not just income. You can pre-order your copy of The $10 Million Instagram Funnel now!

To connect with Brian Mark and learn more about his strategies for online coaching success, you can follow him on Instagram at @therealbrianmark. You can also tune into his podcast, The Change Lives Make Money Online Trainer, or check out his YouTube channel, where he shares valuable insights and tips.