Staplehouse began in 2009 as an underground supper club in the Grant Park home of Chef Ryan Hidinger and his wife, Jen. Hosting 10 guests every Sunday for dinner allowed the couple to talk with guests and hear their thoughts on food, the city and all the possibilities for both. Over the last four years, many strong and lasting relationships have formed. This was the prelude to Staplehouse.
Earlier this year, Chef Ryan was diagnosed with Stage IV gallbladder cancer. The Hidingers’ friends and family, along with the Ryan’s Cancer Treatment Center team and the Atlanta community, have surrounded the couple with a tidal wave of love and support that has forever changed their perspective on life. As a result, their dream restaurant has been re-purposed to tell a story of hope and will give back to those who stepped up in their time of need.
With help of several friends, the Hidingers founded a non-profit called The Giving Kitchen, an initiative that will assist the metro Atlanta restaurant community by lending a helping hand to industry members impacted by medical or other unanticipated hardship. Staplehouse will be the flagship and backbone of The Giving Kitchen, a casual fine dining experience with a purpose. The restaurant will dedicate all (after tax) proceeds to The Giving Kitchen Iniitative.
The operation will be managed by seven partners, including Chef Ryan and Jen Hidinger along with Chef Ryan Smith and Kara Hidinger (Ryan’s sister). The business will be supported by well known restaurateurs Ryan Turner, Chris Hall and Todd Mussman, and managed by the Unsukay back-of-house systems called Basecamp.
An historic two-story brick building (formerly a residence) located in the heart of the Old Fourth Ward neighborhood of Atlanta will house Staplehouse. Downstairs, a cozy 50-seat restaurant will present sustainable, local flavors and cocktails. The second floor will house The Giving Kitchen offices and a Foundation Function Room, where guests can share dinner privately. Square Feet Studio in Atlanta has graciously donated the design for Staplehouse.
For more information, log on to The Giving Kitchen or watch the video below.
