It has been said that you can’t be all things to all people. Conventional wisdom says that business owners should find their niche, master it, and if they want to diversify or shift to another lane, they should do it separately from their foundational premise as a precaution against consumer confusion. Well, Ming Han Chung and James Kim, owners of Doraville’s Minhwa Spirits, … [Read more...] about Distilling the Essence of Minhwa Spirits
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Protein Pioneer Howard Halpern Passes Away
Howard Halpern, founder of Buckhead Beef and Halpern’s Steak and Seafood, died on November 20 at the age of 85. Mourned by the industry and the companies he founded, Halpern will be remembered for his contributions to the Georgia food service community. “While we mourn his loss, we also take this moment to celebrate Howard’s significant role in our history and the enduring … [Read more...] about Protein Pioneer Howard Halpern Passes Away
Making Merch Matter: Should Your Restaurant Offer Branded Merchandise?
The restaurant industry is notorious for slim profit margins. One idea for increasing revenue is by selling branded merchandise. These days it’s hard to find a restaurant or bar that isn’t selling something besides food and drinks, but does it make sense for every owner/operator? Consider the benefits. Merchandise not only provides brand exposure—it can be a low-cost way to … [Read more...] about Making Merch Matter: Should Your Restaurant Offer Branded Merchandise?
Ela in Virginia-Highland Announces New Executive Chef
Gizzy Rawlins has been appointed executive chef of Ela Mediterranean Restaurant in Virginia-Highland. Raised in Decatur, Rawlins enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta in 2009, which led to her first kitchen role in a French bistro. She soon became the first female line cook at Rathbun’s, eventually rising to lead sauté and sous chef before helping open KR … [Read more...] about Ela in Virginia-Highland Announces New Executive Chef
Rising Stars 2025: Lorenzo Masini
General Manager, Buena Vida Tapas, Atlanta By Nancy Woods It’s not hard to see how Lorenzo Masini found his passion for hospitality and food. A native of Italy, he grew up in Rimini, an international tourist destination and seaside resort filled with hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs. While his parent’s businesses – a bakery and a drycleaner – were connected to the … [Read more...] about Rising Stars 2025: Lorenzo Masini
Rising Stars 2025: Brian Seo
General Manager, Ruby Chow’s, Atlanta By Lara Creasy Brian Seo started out in hospitality, like many others, when a college friend was managing a restaurant and needed some help. “I had no idea that this part-time opportunity would evolve into a transformative and progressive career trajectory that would completely change my life,” he says. He started as host, then … [Read more...] about Rising Stars 2025: Brian Seo
Rising Stars 2025: Olivier Reedholm
Chef de Cuisine, Lure, Atlanta At the ripe old age of 27, Olivier Reedholm has already amassed an incredibly impressive resume. That’s because he got a head start. Like many chefs, Olivier’s early influences came from family. His Montreal-born mother baked custom cakes from their home and made “lots of home-cooked French meals – meals made with love,” as he puts it. … [Read more...] about Rising Stars 2025: Olivier Reedholm
Meet the 2025 Rising Stars
If there’s one thing the restaurant industry has proven time and again, it’s that it’s a place where anyone can start at the bottom and work their way up to success. Over the past few years, it’s also increasingly becoming a space that is more inclusive and caring, where the people who work in the restaurant matter as much as the food that is served. This year’s seven … [Read more...] about Meet the 2025 Rising Stars
