Chris Hadermann of Southern Proper Hospitality.Restaurateur of the Year Winner – Southern Proper Hospitality Group
What started out as a fun passion project in 2002, when Chris Hadermann opened East Andrews Cafe in Buckhead with his two business partners, has evolved into Southern Proper Hospitality Group, which now has 17 locations of nine concepts including Tin Lizzy’s, Gypsy Kitchen, and The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, throughout Georgia and the Southeast.
Putting Employees First
Co-founder Chris Haderman says building a healthy company where the team can thrive is paramount, with an aim of being recognized as an employer of choice and one of the best-in-class workplaces, especially as the company continues to grow.
“There is a sense of pride in witnessing guests experience the restaurant as you planned it. When the concept goes from an idea in your mind to fruition and you see friends and guests out on the patio sharing stories over a glass of wine and appreciating the food, that is one of the most gratifying feelings.”– Chris Hadermann, co-founder and partner.
Finalists
Amici Food Group LLC
Known for its pizza and wings, Amici’s is a fun community gathering spot in towns across the state. Chris Torino, VP of innovation, opened the first location in Madison in 1993, and since then, he and his father Mike, CEO, have grown the company to 14 restaurants in Georgia and South Carolina.
Favorite Part of the Job
Inspiring and leading teammates.
“We doggedly practice our philosophy of “continuous improvement” in providing our guests a superior experience in the food we serve and the attentive service they receive in a pleasant, fun-filled atmosphere.” – Mike and Chris Torino
PITA Mediterranean Street Food
What started as a small family-owned restaurant has become a brand with locations across metro Atlanta. CEO Nour Rabai has worked for more than 25 years in hospitality, ever since he was a kid and his family immigrated from Beirut, Lebanon.
Family Inspiration
Nour says his father is his mentor. He’s been his guide his whole life in all aspects from business to being a father of his own.
“I started from nothing and took a leap of faith to create a brand that many go to with their family, friends and coworkers everyday.” – Nour Rabai, CEO
VanTrece Hospitality
CEO and Founder Deborah VanTrece’s Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours in Atlanta gained her national recognition, and she’s built on that success with Oreatha’s at the Point and the soon-to open Serenidad, both of which are drawing attention and more investment to Atlanta’s Cascade Heights neighborhood. She’s also the author of The Twisted Soul Cookbook: Modern Soul with Global Flavors, considered by many to be one of the best cookbooks of 2021.
Mentoring With a Purpose
As a young Black woman starting out in the culinary industry, VanTrece faced extra challenges other chefs didn’t have to contend with. That’s why she strives to be a mentor to others to make the journey easier for other women, LGBTQ+, and people of color who have high ambition and talent.
“Within the hospitality industry, we have maybe begun to turn the corner in terms of equality, but there’s much more work to do in improving equity within the industry. Awareness is one small part. The next thing that has to happen is generating not only opportunities for women, LGBTQ+ and chefs of color, but also access to capital and investment.” – Deborah VanTrece, CEO and founder
