Marlow’s Tavern and Southern Proper Hospitality- 2018 GA Restaurant Neighbor Award Winners

Chances are there’s a Marlow’s Tavern or Southern Proper Hospitality (SPH) restaurant in your Atlanta-area neighborhood, making these two restaurant families your neighbors as well. The kind of neighbors that always welcome you to “Come on in and make yourself at home” and are always looking for a way to help others in the community. That’s why it’s no surprise the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is recognizing Marlow’s Tavern and Southern Proper Hospitality as 2018 Georgia Restaurant Neighbor Award winners. The award honors restaurants that go above and beyond in community service and philanthropy and aims to inspire other restaurateurs to get or stay involved in their local communities. What’s next? Vying with other state-level winners for one of three national Restaurant Neighbor Awards that will send $10,000 to help support favorite charities or community projects.

Southern Proper Hospitality owns and operates The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Smokebelly BBQ, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Beni’s Cubano, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina and is a huge proponent of supporting nonprofits such as the American Red Cross, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, New Story Charity, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and No Kid Hungry Campaign, as well as local schools. SPH hosted multiple fundraisers and participated in events to help end childhood hunger in Georgia, and SPH co-founder/partner Chris Hadermann was a part of the inaugural class of the No Kid Hungry Society that raised more than $40,000 in 2017. The efforts of staff and customers helped the restaurant group donate more than $32,000 to these causes and others in 2017.

Sterling Hospitality and Marlow’s Tavern have raised more than $900k for Special Olympics Georgia since partnering in 1999. Last year’s golf tournament alone raised $130,000. Marlow's Tavern participated in The Giving Kitchen's inaugural Dining with Gratitude event and donated $7,000 to the organization. John C. Metz, executive chef, CEO and co-founder of Marlow’s Tavern, is a big supporter of No Kid Hungry. Through in-store fundraisers and participation in Taste of the Nation, the Marlow’s Tavern team has helped raise thousands of dollars for the organization.

Congratulations to these swell neighbors and thanks for your contributions to our communities and hospitality.

Southern Proper Hospitality to Open Chido + Padre’s in April, Bringing Baja to Buckhead

This year, when Baja beckons for a spring break, Atlantans can zip to Buckhead where Chido + Padre’s, the newest concept from Southern Proper Hospitality (SPH), will deliver the bold flavors, traditions and spirit of the Baja Peninsula’s vivacious culture. Set to open in early April, the restaurant will fill the Smokebelly BBQ space at 128 East Andrews Drive. “From Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas, we have visited Western Mexico often and have fallen in love with the food, people and way of life there. We wanted to create an authentic concept that would transport some of these customs to Atlanta in a modern way,” says SPH CEO Tony Bartlett. “Chido + Padre’s will celebrate Mexico’s fresh, coastal cuisine and bring a fun and festive party to Buckhead.”

What’s in a name? Chido and Padre personify the notion that opposites attract -- Chido being the mischievous risk taker, while Padre is the do-gooder voice of reason -- purposefully pleasing foodies and families with fresh, elevated Baja-Mex fare, festive atmosphere (think birthday celebrations with sombreros) and convenient parking while tequila-ing the fancies of the after-work and party crowd with strong drinks, modern food and a high-energy vibe. Executive chef Benjamin Meyer, also SPH’s corporate chef, will employ a mesquite wood-burning grill and fresh flavor combos on the lunch and dinner menus. Look for mesquite-grilled meats and seafood, campechana, vegetarian tamales, chicken mole, smoked brisket tacos, enchiladas and other authentic dishes, along with a wide variety of botanas (dips) such as queso, house salsas and made-to-order guacamoles. An upscale yet approachable beverage program will feature margaritas, cocktails, tequilas, wine and a variety of Mexican, domestic and craft beers. Appealing to guests’ Chido side, the edgy Bandida Bar will emphasize tequila and mezcal varietals and off-the-menu cocktail creations. Chido + Padre’s continues the SPH tradition of providing a “short-term escape” for diners by appealing to a sense of adventure -- in this case, it’s that authentic Baja-Mex experience, right here, and almost right now. Can’t wait until April brings this “spring break.”  For more information, visit chidoandpadres.com. 

Reserve Seats? Neat! Southern Proper Hospitality Restaurants Join OpenTable

To quote the late Tom Petty, “The waiting is the hardest part.” So don’t. Now you can use OpenTable to reserve seats at your favorite Southern Proper Hospitality restaurants including The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Smokebelly BBQ, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Beni’s Cubano, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Guests can quickly and easily reserve a table online and avoid using precious time waiting for seats during peak business hours. Whether you’re looking ahead or time-strapped and checking last minute for seats, making online reservations eases any hesitations about heading out, wait-time unknown.  And, the process couldn’t be easier. Just visit the restaurant’s website and click on “reservations” to check your preferred date and time. The convenient, stress-free process is the most direct route to skipping the wait and sitting right down to dining and drinks at your favorite Southern Proper Hospitality restaurant. Yes, now time is on your side…but that’s another song for another day.

Southern Proper Harvests Fresh Fall Menus at The Big Ketch, The Southern Gentleman, Gypsy Kitchen and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails

Four Southern Proper Hospitality favorites -- The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, The Southern Gentleman, Gypsy Kitchen and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails -- are warming guests and the colder days ahead with new seasonal dishes and culinary comforts.

The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead and on Canton Street in Roswell is now featuring Gulf grouper and Scottish salmon. At both neighborhood beach houses, guests can enjoy seasonal specialties like lobster Cobb salad ($19.95); seafood pot pie with lobster, shrimp and scallops ($26.95) and Grouper Louisiane of blackened Gulf grouper, jumbo lump crab meat with creole BBQ sauce, mashed potatoes and grilled green beans ($29.95)

At The Southern Gentleman in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, chef Danilo “Q” Myers infuses the Southern-inspired gastropub’s menu with lighter fare and larger plates meant for sharing including a “for the table” menu section, a decadent burger and three new entrées. A family style farmhouse terrine board boasts house-made rabbit rillettes, pork and chicken liver terrine, pastrami, bresaola, local cheese, seasonal preserves, pickled okra and drunken cherry tomatoes ($24). Southern chop chop salad of gem lettuce, shaved roasted vegetables and bacon lardons ($10) satisfies salad cravers, and seafood lovers can devour scallop risotto with pan-seared scallops, smoked tomato risotto, saffron-spiked “flat” empanada, torn herbs and pepper jelly ($30).

Gypsy Kitchen in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta calls on chef Gary Finzer for small plates packing big taste sensations and expanded charcuterie and tapas selections. Additions include seared tuna tataki with Moroccan spices and warm gigante beans ($15); queso frito of pan-seared Caña de Cabra goat cheese with Basque cider apple purée and arugula ($12); and charred vegetable paella “fried rice” with spring onions, zucchini, eggplant, red peppers and sofrito ($20). Add a fried farm egg for $2.

In historic Crabapple, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails picks ingredients from its on-site garden for contemporary Southern “seed-to-fork” sensibility. New fall dishes include bacon-wrapped Prime meatloaf made of ground veal, wagyu beef and Kurobuta pork served with smoked Gouda mashed potatoes, grilled broccolini and tangy meatloaf glaze ($23); and charred broccoli, cauliflower and red pears with sweet potato purée, Asher Blue cheese, pickled red onion, candied pecans and sherry maple vinaigrette ($19).

Beni’s Cubano Brings Taste of Old World Havana to The Hub at Peachtree Center

Downtowners, steal away to Cuba for lunch and arrive back in time for that afternoon conference call. Beni’s Cubano makes a quick jaunt possible, thanks to the opening of its newest location in The Hub at Peachtree Center. This is the second location of the fast-casual restaurant from Southern Proper Hospitality (The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Gypsy Kitchen, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, Smokebelly BBQ, The Southern Gentleman and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails), which launched its first Beni’s location this summer at The Avenue East Cobb in Marietta. Promising a taste of Cuba without the travel expenses, Beni’s Cubano executive chef Cesar Velazquez packs the menu with innovative takes on classic Cuban dishes. Highlights include the classic Cuban sandwich with mojo-roasted pork, ham and Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and garlic aioli; vaca frita melt with grilled short rib, melted provolone, grilled onions and peppers and garlic aioli; mojo grilled chicken served with choice of yellow or white rice, black beans and sweet plantains; house salads with an option to add grilled chicken, puerco asado or vaca frita toppers; and yucca fries or mariquitas (crispy spiced plantain chips) with a choice of two dipping sauces. Caffeine fiends rejoice, Beni’s serves classic Cuban coffee all day. The Peachtree Center location is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and is closed on Sundays.

Reap a Reward by Planning that Holiday Party NOW with Southern Proper Hospitality Restaurants

Procrastinators, Southern Proper Hospitality’s early booking promotion for holiday party planning will set winter wonderland wheels in motion. Through the month of October, party planners will receive a Southern Proper Hospitality gift card worth 10 percent of what is spent ($300 max) for holiday parties booked at Southern Proper Hospitality establishments. Gift card must be used outside the aforementioned holiday party -- a great reason to gather again at a Southern Proper Hospitality establishment or give the card to a top employee (a very merry thought). Rejoice! Southern Proper offers a multitude of hosting sites: Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Smokebelly BBQ and The Blind Pig Parlour Bar in Buckhead; The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill Buckhead or Canton Street in Roswell; Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails in historic Crabapple; and 14 Tin Lizzy’s Cantina locations in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida. Think about it. Planning now nixes holiday party planning phobia, leaving only one scary thought…what to wear for Halloween. Besides, a 10 percent gift card makes one heck of a stocking stuffer.

Moscow Mule Sales Buck Up Funds for American Red Cross Hurricane Aid at Southern Proper Restaurants Through Oct. 15

Harvey and Irma are history, but the duo has left calling cards imprinting destruction to property and lives. Harness the power of a Moscow Mule cocktail at Southern Proper Hospitality restaurants to raise funds for American Red Cross hurricane relief efforts. For each Moscow Mule cocktail sold at a Southern Proper Hospitality restaurant -- Beni’s Cubano, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Gypsy Kitchen, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, Smokebelly BBQ and The Southern Gentleman -- Southern Proper will donate $1 to the American Red Cross to aid those affected by the two recent hurricanes. The donation drive plows through until Oct. 15. Hop on and help out. 

Tee Off for New Story Charity at Southern Proper Golf Tournament Sept. 25

Take to the greens with Southern Proper Hospitality Group to help New Story Charity provide four walls and a roof, a.k.a. homes, sweet homes, for impoverished families around the developing world. Grab your clubs and head out to the Polo Golf & Country Club in Cumming for a fulfilling afternoon on the links encompassing it all -- greens, cart fees, range balls, practice facilities, event prizes, hot grill station lunch, on-course hosted beverages and awards reception dinner. Players ease into the four-person scramble format charity tournament, checking-in and lunching from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. then hitting the links with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Heritage Charity Auctions & Awards stokes a post-tournament silent auction. Players can put their skills to the test at a Trick Shot Expo and Beat the Pro competition with golf entertainer Brad Denton. Vie for prizes including longest drive, closest to the pin and first-, second- and third-place team and buy raffle tickets for more chances to win. $500 per foursome; $700 sponsorship packages (includes foursome, sponsored hole, $50 restaurant gift card). Fork out for your foursome or sponsorship package here (online service fee applies). Atlanta-based Southern Proper Hospitality Group is on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States.

Southern Proper Hospitality Has Seat at the Table on Inc. 5000 List of Fastest-Growing Companies for 2017

Southern Proper Hospitality is first in the rankings for Georgia Food & Beverage industry leaders on the 2017 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States. The Atlanta-based company experienced a three-year growth rate of 735.42 percent with $43.1 million in revenues this past year. Overall, Southern Proper Hospitality sits in the 615^th spot for all industries combined. The entrepreneurial organization values innovation, creativity and attention to detail throughout its family of restaurants, which includes The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, Smokebelly BBQ, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Beni’s Cubano, and the friendly eatery that started it all, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Southern Proper Hospitality has helped shape the cultural fabric of Atlanta, providing “short term escapes” through distinct experiences that appeal to a diner’s sense of adventure while delivering a high-energy atmosphere, hospitality and exceptional, high-quality food.

According to Inc. magazine president and editor-in-chief Eric Schurenberg, achieving a spot on the Inc. 5000 list places Southern Proper Hospitality in an elite group that, over the years, has included Microsoft, Timberland, Vizio, Intuit, Chobani, Oracle and Zappos.com. These fast-growing private firms create companies, value and jobs. The accomplishments of Inc. 5000 honorees will be celebrated at the 36^th Annual Inc. 5000 Conference and Gala, Oct. 10-12, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California.

Bogey and Boogie for New Story Charity at Southern Proper Hospitality’s Golf Tournament Aug. 14 and The Blind Pig’s Great Gatsby Party Aug. 19

Golfers, Southern Proper Hospitality invites you to kick up your heels on the greens for New Story Charity, an organization that builds homes for impoverished families around the developing world. Swing through a day of golf and socializing at Cumming’s Polo Golf & Country Club on Monday, Aug. 14. Tee up for a day inclusive of all green and cart fees, range balls, practice facilities, on-course hosted beverages, event prizes, hot lunch, awards reception dinner and silent auction. Registration is at 11 a.m. with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Try your hand at the Trick Shot Expo and Beat the Pro Competition with Golf Entertainer Brad Denton. Secure your spot here, $750 per foursome or $200 single player.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, Gatsby’s back in town, dining and partying hard at The Blind Pig Parlour Bar. Buckhead’s discreet speakeasy steps back to the Roaring ‘20s for its third annual and much-adored Gatsby Party. At 7 p.m., a lavish four-course dinner opens the door to a lively evening followed by a rollicking after-party with limited open bar, passed hors d’oeuvre, live entertainment, a tarot card reader and gambling at 10 p.m. Choose your ticket, depending on your revelry capacity. The All-Access Gatsby Pass ($200) includes dinner, wine pairings and access to the Gatsby Party. Golden Ticket Party Pass ($75) includes Gatsby Party with limited open bar from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Proceeds also benefit New Story Charity.

Say, “¡Hola!” to Beni’s Cubano Now Open at The Avenue East Cobb

Step back into the heyday of Havana by cruising to newly opened Beni’s Cubano in The Avenue East Cobb. Beni’s Cubano is the newest restaurant from Southern Proper Hospitality, the good-times team behind Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Smokebelly BBQ, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill. You’re on island time here, where colorfully painted shutters and vibe back a menu of Cuban favorites by chef Cesar Velazquez. Land here for a classic Cuban sandwich stuffed with mojo-roasted pork, ham and Swiss cheese; seafood criollo, a sautéed shrimp and mahi mahi dish in a Cuban-Creole sauce with sofrito, tomato and olives; vaca frita, Velazquez’s rendition of an old favorite made with crispy short rib, grilled onions and peppers, mojo and lime; yucca fries with two dipping sauces; and beef picadillo empanadas, also served with a choice of two dipping sauces. Satisfy that sweet tooth with house-made bread pudding served with dulce de leche paired with a pot of Cuban coffee, espresso-style strong with sugar espuma. Enhance the experience sipping a tropical Cuban cocktail such as Cuba Libre made with Havana Club Añejo rum, sweet-spicy Havana Heat made from Flor de Caña 7-year rum or Beni’s mojito made with Havana Club Silver rum and house-made mint simple syrup. Beni’s Cubano opens at 11 a.m. to serve lunch and dinner daily.

Dine at Any Southern Proper Restaurant to Feed “No Kid Hungry” on April 11

Give in to your desire to dine at a Southern Proper Hospitality restaurant on Tuesday, April 11 and know some of the moolah is going to provide nutritious food for American children. Earmarked as a give-back day, 10 percent of sales at all Southern Proper restaurants will go to No Kid Hungry. Do double duty – lunch and dinner – feasting on fresh seafood at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead and Roswell, modern twists on Southern classics at The Southern Gentleman in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta and mouthwatering smoked meats at Smokebelly BBQ in the heart of Buckhead. Jumping on the give-back meal train come dinner time, Gypsy Kitchen in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta offers a tantalizing menu of cuisine inspired by the regions of sunny Spain while Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails in historic Crabapple focuses on regional fare and seasonal harvests. All offer handcrafted cocktails, craft brews and wines to enhance lunch and dinner selections. 

Tip Back a Tito’s Mule and Southern Proper Donates to No Kid Hungry

Meet some really smart mules, Tito’s Mules. They’re at all Southern Proper Hospitality restaurants. Why so smart? Each Tito’s Mule cocktail ($10) sold packs a double, no, triple punch by quenching thirsts with a blend of Tito’s vodka, fresh squeezed lime and ginger beer AND by sending two donations to No Kid Hungry. Both Southern Proper and Tito’s will donate $1 to No Kid Hungry for each Tito’s Mule purchased at Gypsy Kitchen, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, The Southern Gentleman and Smokebelly BBQ. Harness the power of this intelligent, do-good cocktail choice. Introduce a couple of friends to Tito’s Mules and toast your multi-tasking skills. Enjoying more Tito’s Mules adds up to more money for No Kid Hungry. Promotion runs through March 31.

Southern Proper Hospitality Food Drive Weighs in with 765 Meals for ACFB

Atlantans came through in a big can-do way, contributing more than 917 pounds of canned goods during a holiday food drive sponsored by Southern Proper Hospitality for the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB). In dining terms, that adds up to 765 meals! Contributors received a $15 off restaurant coupon when turning in five of the needed non-perishable items at Gypsy Kitchen, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, The Southern Gentleman and Smokebelly BBQ. Food drive or not, the ACFB always welcomes donations at acfb.org.

Uncanny Incentive -- Donate Food and Pick Up a $15 Coupon at Southern Proper Hospitality Restaurants

When you’re hungry, local eateries make ordering and delivering easy. Not such a breeze for many Georgians. We can all help out by donating desperately needed food items to the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB). “Can do” at Southern Proper Hospitality restaurants. Receive a $15 off restaurant coupon when turning in five of these items at Gypsy Kitchen, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, The Southern Gentleman and Smokebelly BBQ now through Jan. 3. Non-perishable necessities include canned fruit, vegetables, tuna, chicken and salmon; dried beans and peas; whole-grain pasta, flour and cereal; brown rice, barley and quinoa; olive and canola oil; peanut butter and shelf-stable milks. Paper products, diapers and toiletries also are appreciated. No-nos include glass containers, baby food, condiments, dressings and pet foods. Not a shopper? Donate dollars at acfb.org.

Chris Hadermann of Southern Proper Hospitality Named “Man of the Year” by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Chris Hadermann of Southern Proper Hospitality was named Atlanta’s “Man of the Year” by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) at a gala at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on June 11. Hadermann, a founding partner of the Atlanta-based restaurant group, raised $191,595 during the LLS Man & Woman of the Year fundraising competition. Monies raised in the competition go toward the LLS mission of eradicating leukemia, lymphoma and other life-threatening blood cancers. Hadermann competed in honor of his grandfather, who lost his life to leukemia, as well as local blood cancer survivors Emory and Norah, LLS’s Boy & Girl of the Year. Southern Proper Hospitality restaurants pitched in to Hadermann’s fundraising efforts in a number of creative ways. Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Smokebelly BBQ, The Big Ketch, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails staged special cocktail promotions, donating $1 to LLS for every drink sold -- matched dollar for dollar by Tito’s Handmade Vodka. Other efforts included a Great Gatsby-themed dinner and party at The Blind Pig; a garden dinner hosted by Milton’s; a golf tournament at the Polo Golf & Country Club; and a “Sip & Savor” fundraiser at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Hadermann also raised funds via his Facebook page and his personal MWOY page. He is now competing for LLS Man of the Year, which the winner will be announced in July.

Get Tee’d Off about Leukemia and Lymphoma and Do Something About It at Southern Proper Golf Tournament Benefitting LLS June 6

Golfers, take a shot (or a few more) at stopping the paths of leukemia and lymphoma blood cancers by helping the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  Sign on for the Southern Proper Golf Tournament to Benefit LLS at the Polo Golf & Country Club in Cumming on Monday, June 6. Registration begins at 11 a.m.; shotgun start for the four-person scramble is at 1 p.m. Tickets are $150 for individuals and $600 for foursomes and include greens and cart fees, practice balls, hot grill station lunch, awards reception dinner, on-course beverages and a chance to win tournament prizes. Shop the silent auction to raise more funds for LLS. The Southern Proper Hospitality Group restaurant family includes Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Smokebelly BBQ and The Blind Pig Parlour Bar so players can start salivating for good grub like roasted corn and black bean salad, chipotle sweet potato salad, three chile Vidalia onion slaw and a burger bar with chorizo, Asian shrimp and beef burgers for lunch. Post-tournament reception features street tacos of mojo-braised pork, jerk chicken and three chile stout-braised beef; salsa bar and toppings and sides of mac and cheese and charro beans. Stop putting around and sign up today!