Kale Me Crazy

An Interview with Kale Me Crazy

After decades in the film and television industry, Darlyne Johnson decided to trade in her clapboard for a blender. With a dream of owning a healthy, quick-serve restaurant, she embarked on a journey to bring her vision to life. 

The market crash in 2006 derailed her plans to franchise a business but in 2013 she was ready to take the plunge. 

After conducting market research, she stumbled upon Kale Me Crazy and knew she had found the perfect concept. With a lot of hard work, perseverance and assistance from Ameris Bank, Johnson became the store’s first franchisee and opened her store in Midtown Atlanta. 

One of the biggest challenges Johnson faced was securing an SBA loan to finance the business. New to the process and unsure where to start, she turned to Ameris Bank and was immediately impressed with the level of support and guidance she received from Corey Townsend, the SBA loan officer. “He took the time to understand my business plan, provided valuable advice, and walked me through every step of the application process,” said Johnson.

“Thanks to Corey’s expertise and Ameris Bank's commitment to small business owners, I was able to secure the funding I needed to open my first Kale Me Crazy location. The experience was so positive that I decided to open a second location, and once again, Corey and Ameris Bank were there to support me.” 

Johnson’s partnership with Townsend was nothing short of transformative. His immediate willingness to listen, his genuine enthusiasm, and his expertise in SBA loans made her feel confident and supported. 

“I am incredibly grateful for the partnership I have built with Ameris Bank,” said Johnson, “Corey's dedication, professionalism, and friendly demeanor made the entire process stress-free. If you're a small business owner looking for a lender that truly cares about your success, I highly recommend Ameris Bank.” 

If you’re looking for a fresh start and are interested in owning your own business, contact Ameris today!