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
Featured Post - Profiles
Aria Chef/Owner Gerry Klaskala Announces Retirement
After 25 years as owner and operator of Buckhead restaurant Aria, renowned Chef Gerry Klaskala has announced his retirement. … [Read more...] about Aria Chef/Owner Gerry Klaskala Announces Retirement
2022 Giving Kitchen Superstar: Sarah O’Brien
Since moving to Atlanta in 2010 to launch a bakery, Little Tart owner Sarah O’Brien, 40, has been on a mission: to create a successful business, provide sustainable careers for her employees and give back to the community. From Little Tart’s start selling pastries at a local farmers market, O’Brien has seen slow and steady growth over the years. She opened a … [Read more...] about 2022 Giving Kitchen Superstar: Sarah O’Brien
2022 Giving Kitchen Superstar: Brian Bullock
Taking care of family is important to Brian Bullock. Not just his own family, but his restaurant family as well. In fact, his love of the industry began in childhood where his family home was the central gathering place for entertaining. His interest in hospitality took root, and after completing his culinary studies at Johnson & Wales, Bullock went on to complete … [Read more...] about 2022 Giving Kitchen Superstar: Brian Bullock
Pivoting in the Face of Change: Q&A with Fred Castellucci
By Haley Harward With a generational proclivity for restaurants, Federico Castellucci III grew up with an affection for the industry. Eventually, he followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps to take over the family business after graduating from Cornell University’s Hospitality Management program as the business faced compelling hardships. Castellucci … [Read more...] about Pivoting in the Face of Change: Q&A with Fred Castellucci
Meet the 2020 Rising Stars
By Haley Harward and Nancy Wood For the past three years, Restaurant Informer, in partnership with the Georgia Restaurant Association, has selected five people – chefs, restaurant owners, sommeliers and more - who we think are making a mark on the state’s hospitality industry and are going someplace in the years ahead. It’s always been a hard choice to pick just five, as … [Read more...] about Meet the 2020 Rising Stars
Andrés Loaiza: GRACE 2019 Restaurant Manager of the Year
By Christy Simo Andrés Loaiza has a strong belief system that guides his work as general manager and head sommelier at the award-winning Aria in Buckhead. “Our role at Aria is defined not only by what we do but most importantly by what we believe,” he says. “We believe in excellence. We believe in consistency. We believe in people and gracious hospitality. We … [Read more...] about Andrés Loaiza: GRACE 2019 Restaurant Manager of the Year
Q&A with Canoe Executive Chef Matthew Basford
By Aja Arnold Matthew Basford always knew he was headed for a career in the restaurant business ever since he took his first restaurant job as a teenager in his native Australia. Once he committed to his culinary journey, he won second Place in Tasting Australia two years in a row and placed in the Nestle Junior Chefs of Australia Competition, which honors the top … [Read more...] about Q&A with Canoe Executive Chef Matthew Basford
