Tony Slade’s “Underrated” series seeks to spotlight hidden gems in Atlanta’s food scene by visiting every restaurant listed on Tripadvisor—starting from the bottom.
In the vibrant city of Atlanta, where more than 3,300 restaurants are listed on Tripadvisor, countless culinary gems languish at the bottom of digital rankings. This isn’t due to their quality, but rather the complex mechanics of online review systems that prioritize volume over authenticity. These lower-ranked restaurants often struggle to gain recognition, despite offering outstanding food and unforgettable experiences.
Tony Slade, an actor, director, writer, and producer, is taking this challenge head-on with his new food and travel series, Underrated. Slade, along with his production company, TUCU Productions, is on a mission to visit every restaurant on Tripadvisor’s Atlanta list, starting from the lowest-ranked and moving up. This ambitious journey aims to give a voice to the overlooked and often forgotten dining spots, allowing them the recognition they deserve.
A Deep Dive into the Hidden Stories of Atlanta’s Food Scene
The concept for Underrated stems from a growing frustration with how digital platforms rank restaurants. Factors such as review quantity, recency, quality, and paid promotions tend to work in favor of the larger, more well-known establishments, leaving smaller, independent restaurants without a fair chance to shine. For many of these restaurants, the odds are stacked against them. Negative reviews often flood in, with diners more inclined to share complaints than praise. Positive feedback tends to be withheld if they believe a place is already well-regarded. Moreover, the aftermath of the pandemic has left many restaurateurs struggling to recover, exacerbating the challenges they face.
Tony Slade’s Underrated seeks to address these disparities. “We want to level the playing field,” Slade explains. “Our goal is to focus on the stories behind the numbers—the hard work and passion that go into running these businesses. We want to highlight the people and the food that are often overlooked.”
Authenticity and Honesty at the Core of the Series
One of the defining features of Underrated is its commitment to authenticity. Unlike typical food review shows, which are sometimes clouded by sponsored content or selective editing, Underrated aims to provide an honest, unfiltered look at each restaurant. Slade and his team visit these eateries, taste their offerings, and engage in candid conversations with restaurateurs. By focusing on the underdog, they hope to inspire viewers to reimagine how they interact with restaurant reviews.
The show will cover a wide range of dining experiences, from soul food joints to fine dining establishments, providing a true cross-section of Atlanta’s culinary diversity. Slade’s approach is refreshingly candid, offering viewers a window into the struggles and triumphs of restaurant owners who are often not given the credit they deserve.
“Some of the best food in Atlanta isn’t in the places that are getting the most attention,” says Slade. “Our mission is to go to the places that need it most and give them the chance to be seen and appreciated.”
A Vision for the Future: Expanding Nationwide
What started as a local project in Atlanta has the potential for far-reaching impact. Underrated plans to expand beyond Atlanta, exploring similarly overlooked eateries in other cities across the U.S. The ultimate goal is to challenge the traditional ways viewers engage with online food ratings. By visiting these lesser-known restaurants and telling their stories, Underrated hopes to change the narrative around food and travel, emphasizing the importance of authentic experiences over curated, often misleading, reviews.
With the rise of social media and digital platforms, Underrated will be available across a variety of channels, including TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Doozi, and Clapper. This broad accessibility ensures that the series reaches a diverse and engaged audience who share an interest in uncovering hidden culinary treasures.
What’s Next for TUCU Productions and Tony Slade?
Tony Slade’s foray into the world of food and travel isn’t just about food—it’s about storytelling, community, and authenticity. Through Underrated, he is creating a platform that challenges the norms of digital rankings and celebrates the humanity behind the restaurant industry. The project also marks an exciting new chapter for TUCU Productions, the company behind the series, as it continues to grow and expand its creative endeavors.
As the series gains traction, Slade’s team plans to explore even more culinary stories nationwide. For now, they’re focused on uncovering the best-kept secrets of Atlanta’s restaurant scene—one meal at a time.
Get Involved: Support Underrated’s Mission to Highlight Atlanta’s Hidden Culinary Gems
If you’re passionate about discovering hidden gems and supporting local restaurants, be sure to follow Underrated on its journey. Tune in to the show on your favorite platforms and share your thoughts with the team on social media. With every episode, you can help elevate the voices of the underrated and forgotten, ensuring they finally receive the recognition they deserve.
To stay updated on the latest episodes of Underrated, follow Tony Slade on YouTube and visit his IMDb page. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of a movement that redefines how we view the food industry.
Underrated is more than just a series—it’s a movement. Join the conversation today.
