On a chilly October night, the dimly lit lounge of Rock Steady — a popular Afro-Caribbean restaurant in Midtown — is notably empty. Staffers are preparing for what’s supposed to be a busy night ahead.

She is also the executive chef at Rock Steady Atlanta, developed the brand #DopeGirlsCook, and has created recipes for Food & Wine, MyRecipes, Food52, and The Kitchn. Briana Riddock has worked ...