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Southern Hospitality

George McKerrow, CEO of Ted’s Montana Grill

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This week on Southern Hospitality, George McKerrow, Jr., CEO and co-founder of Ted’s Montana Grill joins Elizabeth and I in the studio to talk about the story behind Ted’s Montana Grill.

George talked about some of the trends in restaurants now, like “farm to table” and the idea that good restaurants have been doing that all along just without the buzz words.  He also talked about the health benefits of bison (who knew it was better for you than salmon? Not me!!)  And that women should really be eating more bison — high in anti-oxidants, omega 3’s, etc, etc… (again… who knew?)

When we talked about the manly decor at Ted’s Montana Grill, George said he very much wanted women to feel at home there and explained where the ideas behind the decor came from.  I think we coined a new term when I suggested that it was better to have manly decor than “foofy-doofy-girly-whirly” decor. I mean, let’s face it, women will eat in a manly restaurant, or watch an action flick or a mixed-martial arts battle, but it’s much harder to convince a manly man to drink tea with his pinky out or watch a romantic movie, right?

So tune in for some laughs, find out where Ted hangs out, and learn more about this wonderfully innovative group of restaurants!  (Paper straws… very cool).

— Dana Barrett
Co-Host, Southern Hospitality

PS – Elizabeth and I wandered over to the downtown location of Ted’s Montana Grill for lunch after the interview and I had my first ever bison burger… guilt free and very yummy!

Christine Phillips, General Manager, Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown

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This week on Southern Hospitality, Christine Phillips, General Manager of the Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown joins Dana and Elizabeth in the studio to talk about Marriott’s presence in Atlanta and the charm, warm and welcoming guest experience and perks and amenities at Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown, located at 134 Peachtree Street NW · Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Located in the heart of downtown Atlanta this Residence Inn, the staff even take guests on a walking tour of downtown Atlanta in the evenings so they can get to know the layout of the city and see where everything.

 

For more information visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/atldt-residence-inn-atlanta-downtown/

 

 

 

Legacy Property Group’s Mike Hanmer & Glenn Hotel GM Wayne Cannon

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This week on Southern Hospitality, Dana and Elizabeth were joined by Mike Hanmer, Director of Sales for Legacy Property Group’s Hospitality & Restaurant Divisions and Wayne Cannon, General Manager of the Glenn Hotel, one of Legacy Group’s properties.

Mike gave us an overview of the restaurants owned (or managed) by Legacy including Der Biergarten, Max’s Coal Oven Pizza, STATS, Glenn’s Kitchen, Skylounge, Legal Sea Foods, Peasant Bistro, Marlow’s Tavern, and Ruth’s Chris.  He also shared some exciting news about two new Legacy restaurants planning to open in the heart of Midtown this September, the Olmsted and Article 14.

Mike also talked about the companies hotel properties, and Wayne discussed the unique features of the historic, boutique Glenn Hotel and it’s food and beverage offerings, the Glenn Kitchen and the Skylounge.

Tune in to get all the details of the new and existing properties, to hear about some of the upcoming special events, yummy food and drink options and to figure out where your next stay-cation or company event will be!

 

Adam Gajadharsingh, The Nook on Piedmont Park

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This week on Southern Hospitality, Dana and Elizabeth chat with

Adam Gajadharsingh from
The Nook, on Piedmont Park

1144 Piedmont Avenue, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309

404-745-9222

about a great menu of high quality unique food and the awesome patio and awesome lunch specials during the week ($5 Nook Nooner daily lunch special).   The Nook, on Piedmont Park is a great place to unwind after work, meet for drinks after playing in the park or to enjoy a lazy brunch on the weekends.

Adam shares how he and his partners took the Nook on Piedmont Park from vision to reality as the neighborhood tavern right across from Piedmont Park.  Bar food at a new level of creativity and YUM and an atmosphere enjoyed by business suits and park goers alike.  Midtown loves The Nook.

Chandrakant Patel, Asian American Hotel Owners Association, AAHOA

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This week on Southern Hospitality, Chandrakant (C.K.) Patel, 2010 Chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and President of  BVM Holdings, joins Dana and Elizabeth in the studio to talk about the business of operating a hotel and the landscape of hotel ownership across the country.


The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) is a trade organization representing Asian American hotel owners in the hospitality industry. C.K. is one of the original members of AAHOA (created in 1989), and has served on the AAHOA Board of Directors for many years.AAHOA is THE voice of owners in the hospitality industry.  It is one of the industry’s fastest-growing organizations with more than 11,000 members owning more than 20,000 hotels with a total of $128 billion in property value. 

C.K. talks about his early days as a hotelier and the impacts of e-commerce and franchises on the business.  Having a deep commitment to community service, the Salute To Soldiers program is one way the AAHOA gives back.   In recent years, C.K. has devoted substantial time to fair franchising, engaging leading attorneys and elected officials in discussions about ways to improve the franchise industry.

C.K. talks about the AAHOA Annual Convention & Trade Show, held this year in Atlanta at the Omni Hotel at CNN Center and the Georgia World Congress Center.  At AAHOA regional meetings and annual convention members learn from each other and connect.  Vendor relationships, resources, training webinars – the AAHOA is a powerful force and a great ally to its members.

Use the AAHOA online reservation system to book your next stay www.mybesthotelrate.com

Learn more about the Asian American Hotel Owners Association AAHOA at www.aahoa.com

Bob Amick, Founder and Owner of Concentrics Restaurants

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Robert Amick, award-winning restaurant entrepreneur, joins Dana and Elizabeth in the studio this week on Southern Hospitality.

 

Bob shares about his journey, from his career with the Peasant Restaurants, to opening ONE. MIDTOWN KITCHEN, TWO URBAN LICKS, TAP, PARISH: FOODS & GOODS, and his most recent venture, THE SPENCE with Top Chef All-Stars Winner Richard Blais in Midtown Atlanta.

Amick provides full service restaurant consulting from concept to development and spends much of his time these days traveling around the country bringing innovative food experiences to life.   He has a long list of successful clients here in Atlanta and has made a huge impact on the food and wine scene in the ATL, not to mention St Louis, Orlando, Montgomery, Birmingham…

Find out more about restaurants, consulting and happenings at

www.concentricsrestaurants.com

The Ellis Hotel and Terrace Restaurant Surprise and Delight

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This week on Southern Hospitality Tracey Lyon-Mercado, Director Sales & Marketing and Kim Kleisner, General Manager from

The Ellis Hotel and Terrace Restaurant came on the show.  Tracey and Kim  give Dana and Elizabeth a taste of the luxury experience available at 176 Peachtree Street.

Modern elegance meets a rich history at the ideal location in the heart of downtown Atlanta.   Premium amenities plus and a extra special personal touch, experience service beyond the norm, The Ellis Hotel has won numerous national awards for its unparalleled guest experience and innovative forward thinking.

Kim talks about how the staff call guests by name and embrace regulars upon their arrival, you can see why those who stay at The Ellis come back here year after year.  A popular ‘stay-cation’ getaway for Atlanta residents from inside and outside of the perimeter.  Many enjoy a night on the town, out to the theatre, a game or show and spend the night at The Ellis.

Tracey shares about how focus group research with businesswomen led to the creation of a Woman Only Floor, the compliments the get about the beds, and that indulging in the delicious cuisine is actually good for you.  The Farm-to-Table Terrace Restaurant sources food locally and keeps it fresh and natural – giving you a healthy, delicious taste of GA that your whole body will love.  Check out the Breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and make a reservation to enjoy some Sustainable Nosh http://www.ellishotel.com/terrace/index.cfm

 

The Ellis Hotel | Let Us Surprise You.

http://www.ellishotel.com/

 

Andrew May, GM of Hampton Inn & Suites – Atlanta Downtown

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This week on Southern Hospitality Dana and Elizabeth talk with Andrew May, CHA | General Manager  Hampton Inn & Suites – Atlanta Downtown

Located at 161 Spring Street NW | Atlanta, Georgia 30303, the Hampton Inn & Suites Atlanta-Downtown hotel housed in a beautifully renovated historic building. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this downtown Atlanta hotel was originally built in 1927, and provides a charming retreat with modern amenities.

Within walking distance to many attractions, Centennial Olympic Park,  CNN Studio Tour at CNN Center, Attend an Atlanta Falcons football game at the Georgia Dome or Phillips Arena sporting events, concerts.

119 guestrooms and suites feature king-sized or queen-sized beds

Free high-speed internet access

161 Spring Street NW | Atlanta, Georgia 30303

 

Bold American Events’ Executive Chef Todd Annis and Megan Wentz

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This week on Southern Hospitality, Dana and Elizabeth talk with Bold American Events’ Executive Chef Todd Annis and Corporate Sales Manager Megan Wentz.

In this broadcast you’ll hear Chef Todd thoughts on creative ways to rethink and enhance the guest experience at a catered affair, how to make better use of space and time and make even the mundane part of the extraordinary.  We talk about redesigning the traditional buffet concept, getting Grandma and her family recipe into the kitchen,

Bold American creates innovative, customized menus specifically for your event wow your guests and arouse your senses.

In addition to the food, Bold American also provides décor for the event space using breathtaking floral design and layers of color, texture, sights and sounds.  Perfect for your next social or corporate occasion.

Mix and match different cuisine from Fifth Group Restaurants Atlanta favorites: South City Kitchen (Midtown & Vinings), La Tavola Trattoria, Ecco,  The Original El Taco and Alma Cocina.

Visit – boldamerican.com
King Plow Arts Center | 887 W. Marietta St. NW, Studio K-102 | Atlanta GA 30318

 

“BEST PLACE TO WORK” – Atlanta Business Chronicle | “ATLANTA’S BEST CATERER” – The Sunday Paper

 

 

GM, Trimi Dauti and Chef, Justin Cox of Thrive Restaurant and Lounge

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Trimi Dauti and Chef Justin Cox with Thrive

 

Listen in as Elizabeth Gordon and Dana Barrett talk with Trimi Dauti, General Manager at Thrive Restuarant and Lounge, and Chef Justin Cox.

Whet your appetite with talk of sushi, steaks, fish and southern cuisine with a contemporary twist.

This trendy bar & lounge is a popular business lunch spot for the VIPs of downtown and business travelers.  Enjoy the modern sophisticated decor and creative cuisine prepared culinary excellence.  Chic ambience, the finest ingredients, a diverse menu and quick and attentive service makes it the perfect place for a business lunch.

Dana and Elizabeth talk with Trimi and Justin about Thrive lunch specials and happy hour deals  – before you catch a game or a concert, you’ll want to stop by Thrive for drinks and nibbles, and don’t forget about the club scene after dark.  This is where the movers and shakers shake it after hours. Hear what inspires Chef Justin’s cuisine and how Trimi manages the ship and selects the right team to deliver the Thrive experience.

Thrive

101 Marietta Street
1st Floor Centennial Tower
Atlanta, GA 30303
P 404.389.1000

http://thriveatl.com