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Ain’t no mountain high enough, and no dream too far out of reach for Anthony and Tamika Anderson. As the powerhouse couple behind TNT Rooftop—the first Black-owned rooftop bar in Austin and the second-largest rooftop in Illinois—they’ve redefined what’s possible for Black entrepreneurs on Chicago’s West Side. Under the Austin Square umbrella, they also operate a boutique, an event space, and other ventures, proving that Black love and Black business can thrive in unison. Their restaurant has attracted a diverse range of guests, including Mayor Brandon Johnson, Rep. La Shawn K. Ford, Alderman Chris Taliaferro, and Congressman Danny Davis, cementing its status as a community staple.
Located at 5405 W. Madison St., Chicago, IL, TNT Rooftop offers a unique dining experience that blends culture, community, and culinary excellence.
At the core of their success is a principle Anthony holds dear: “We drive to work together, we work together, we sleep together—there’s very little we don’t do together.” For some, mixing business with marriage is a recipe for disaster. For the Andersons, it’s the secret sauce to success. Their dynamic works because they understand the importance of playing to their strengths. “If it’s an area that she’s strong in, I let her handle it, and vice versa,” Anthony explains. “Stepping on each other’s toes is not a good thing.”
Their journey into business wasn’t without hesitation. Tamika, an insurance agent by trade, had long dreamed of owning a boutique but was reluctant to take the leap into entrepreneurship. Ever the visionary, Anthony made sure she did. “I woke up one day, and he was like, ‘Here’s the LLC. Now go.’” That push led not just to a boutique but to an entire business ecosystem where each endeavor complements the next.
Through it all, they remain rooted in family. Even their business name, TNT, carries deep personal meaning—Tony, Tamika, and their children, who are already learning the ropes. “Even the little one comes in, puts on gloves, and wants to bring out bread,” Tamika shares. “The oldest serves here as well.” But beyond providing jobs for their kids, the Andersons are instilling something deeper—a blueprint for ownership. “I want them to work for themselves,” Anthony emphasizes. “That’s where real freedom is.”
More than just a restaurant, their business is a statement. Located in a neighborhood often overlooked when it comes to luxury experiences, TNT Rooftop is changing the narrative. “Austin lacks a lot of luxury,” Anthony acknowledges. “We wanted to change that.” And they have. With a buzzing social media presence and high-profile visits, TNT Rooftop isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a movement.
For those looking to support, the Andersons make it clear that one Instagram post isn’t enough. “Just because you go once and post on Instagram, that is not how you continue to support a Black business,” Tamika asserts. “You have to return. Tell a friend to tell a friend to keep those doors open.”
Whether it’s the TNT wings, the tasting sampler, or their plant-based options, the menu is as intentional as their mission. “This is the one you didn’t expect—that’s totally unexpected,” Anthony teases. “I haven’t met anyone who’s come here and wasn’t totally thrown. And once they come, they don’t want to leave.”
As the Andersons continue expanding, one thing remains clear: love is at the foundation—of their marriage, their family, and their business. “We wanted to start from the foundation of love and just pour in more,” Anthony reflects. And that love is seasoned with strategy, sacrifice, and the unshakable belief that Black ownership isn’t just a dream—it’s a legacy.