Marcus Hammond: From Banking to Building Culture, A Judge Who Knows the Power of Hospitality
The hospitality industry thrives on individuals who can bring people together through food, drink, and unforgettable experiences. Marcus Hammond is one of those leaders. As an entrepreneur, event creator, and advocate for community growth, he has transformed Charleston’s cultural and hospitality landscape. This year, he’ll bring his expertise and eye for innovation to the judging table at the 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition in Charlotte.
From Banking to Building Culture
Marcus’s journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, where discipline and teamwork shaped his early years as a basketball player. After graduating from the College of Charleston, he started his career as a Business Banking Relationship Manager at First Horizon Bank. The role gave him a strong grounding in finance, entrepreneurship, and strategic planning—skills that would prove invaluable when he later stepped into hospitality and large-scale event planning.
His financial acumen set him apart from many creatives in the industry. He understood not only how to deliver an experience but also how to sustain it, grow it, and measure its long-term impact. For businesses in hospitality, this perspective is a reminder that profitability and creativity must go hand in hand. Great ideas flourish when backed by strong financial planning and strategic execution.
The Black Food Truck Festival: A Cultural Powerhouse
Marcus’s boldest move came with the creation of the Black Food Truck Festival, a groundbreaking event that quickly became the fastest-growing Black-owned festival in the nation. What started as a platform to highlight Black-owned food trucks evolved into a major cultural celebration, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and bringing in more than $10.2 million in economic impact to Charleston in a single weekend.
The festival is more than food—it’s a stage for culture, music, and community. From large-scale concerts to carefully curated VIP activations, Marcus built an event that reflects both the artistry of cuisine and the innovation of cultural entrepreneurship. For hospitality businesses, his work shows how events can go beyond sales and marketing to foster true cultural relevance. When hospitality is tied to cultural pride and shared experiences, it becomes a powerful force for community transformation.
Leadership Beyond Business
Marcus’s dedication extends far beyond building festivals and events. Between 2017 and 2021, he coached basketball at Burke High School, shaping young athletes with lessons in discipline, teamwork, and confidence. Today, he continues mentoring youth athletes, underscoring his belief that success is not only about personal achievement but also about investing in the next generation.
Through the Black Food Truck Festival Foundation, he provides resources, exposure, and support to Black entrepreneurs, helping them gain visibility and build sustainable businesses. This kind of leadership is what makes Marcus a standout in hospitality—his vision ties economic empowerment directly to cultural celebration. For businesses, it’s a case study in how hospitality can and should give back to the communities it serves.
Recognition and Influence
It’s no surprise that Marcus’s impact has been recognized nationally and locally. In 2024, he was named to the Charleston Regional Business Journal’s Forty Under 40, highlighting his role as a rising leader in business and community. In 2025, he was honored as the College of Charleston’s Alumni of the Year, cementing his status as a cultural and entrepreneurial trailblazer.
His trajectory is proof that hospitality isn’t just about serving food or drinks—it’s about vision, execution, and legacy. Businesses that want to thrive in this space must look at the bigger picture: How does your work touch lives, celebrate culture, and build economic opportunities for others?
Marcus Hammond joining the judging panel at this year’s Battle of the Babes is more than exciting—it’s symbolic. He represents innovation, cultural pride, and business excellence. As someone who has built one of the most impactful food festivals in the country, he brings not only an expert palate but also an appreciation for the deeper meaning behind hospitality.
For competitors, his feedback will carry weight, offering perspective from someone who knows how to blend creativity, storytelling, and community into one cohesive experience. For guests, his presence validates the competition as a cultural platform—not just a cocktail showcase.
Why Businesses Should Pay Attention
For hospitality businesses, Marcus’s career offers a blueprint for success. It’s about balance: pairing financial knowledge with creative vision, blending community impact with guest experiences, and remembering that every cocktail, every plate, and every event can tell a story that resonates far beyond the table.
Businesses that invest in meaningful experiences—just as Marcus has done—set themselves apart. They build not only customers but also communities, advocates, and lasting cultural impact.
Hospitality Coalition (HoCo) shares that same mission of empowerment and innovation. By bringing together industry leaders, brands, and entrepreneurs, HoCo creates platforms where hospitality can thrive through collaboration, education, and community building. For businesses, HoCo offers guidance and opportunities to align with cultural movements while strengthening their operational and creative foundations.
If your business is looking for ways to bridge creativity with strategy, HoCo is here to help.
Join Us at Battle of the Babes
The 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition will take place on Sunday, September 28, 2025, from 4–8 PM at Merchant + Trade, 303 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC. This is more than a cocktail competition—it’s a celebration of women in hospitality, cultural creativity, and community impact.
With Marcus Hammond joining the judging panel, the event promises not only stellar cocktails but also thoughtful insights that reflect the broader power of hospitality. Don’t miss this incredible evening of artistry, flavor, and inspiration.
