With 40 Taps Spotlighting Local Brews, Peachtree Pint Makes Shopping a Much More Fun Experience at Lenox Square

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Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes
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WITH 40 TAPS SPOTLIGHTING LOCAL BREWS, PEACHTREE PINT
MAKES SHOPPING A MUCH MORE FUN EXPERIENCE AT LENOX SQUARE

The mall’s new food court open container policy makes grabbing a pint 

with lunch or dinner easy and convenient

ATLANTA (Feb. 28, 2018) - Thanks to the arrival of Peachtree Pint at Lenox Square’s Fashion Cafe Food Court, which is now designated an open container area, shoppers can enjoy a cold pint as they take a break or grab lunch or dinner. Like a thirst-quenching oasis, the brand-new walk up draft beer dispensary kiosk has become Lenox Square’s new premier beer destination since opening on Feb. 17.

Peachtree Pint offers 40 taps with dozens of handcrafted brews from Georgia favorites, including Creature Comforts, SweetWater Brewery, Monday Night Brewing, Scofflaw Brewing Co., Three Taverns Craft Brewery, Orpheus Brewing, Terrapin Beer Co., Cherry Street Brewing and Jekyll Brewing, plus standards including Guinness, Budweiser, Heineken and Michelob Ultra.

Independently owned by Farshad Arshid, Ruel Chambers and Kaan Ergun, Peachtree Pint aims to spotlight all of the amazing beers Georgia and the Southeast have to offer. Like its name implies, the local beer emporium wants to showcase the finest handcrafted beers from across Georgia’s burgeoning microbreweries. “We’re serving local favorites for Atlanta residents and a vast array of fresh options for the out-of-towners who visit Atlanta and are eager to be introduced to something new,” says Arshid.

In addition to 35 beers on tap, Peachtree Pint also offers one cider and four wine selections on tap. And while the bar is carry out only, there’s an array of tables, chairs and televised sports on the flat screens directly in front.

Peachtree Pint’s operator is longtime Lenox Square retailer Farshad Arshid, who runs the apparel boutique Standard and the popular G-Star RAW jeans shop. “We’re always trying to anticipate the changing needs of our shoppers,” Arshid explains. “With Peachtree Pint, we want to further enhance the shopping experience at Lenox Square.”

Arshid also plans to partner with local chefs to create packaged snacks that will perfectly pair with the on-tap selections. He says, “The idea is to ask local influential chefs about their favorite beer and what kind of snack or flavor profile they pair it with, then create a branded snack for our guests.”

And yes, Peachtree Pint offers the insanely popular but difficult to get Tropicalia IPA on tap from the Athens-based Creature Comforts brewery. “That was a must-have for us,” says Arshid. “I’ve been in retail a long time, so I’ve seen lots of people camp out overnight for sneakers. But seeing that kind of consumer response for beer, we knew we had to get that locked down!”

Peachtree Pint is located in the Lenox Square Fashion Cafe Food Court at 3393 Peachtree Road, N.E. and is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday hours vary. For more information, call 404-814-1223 or visit peachtreepint.com.

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The Florida Keys Beckon to Atlanta Travelers

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 Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes

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morgan@melissalibbypr.com

olivia@melissalibbypr.com

THE FLORIDA KEYS BECKON TO ATLANTA TRAVELERS

March 24^th Event at Lenox Square to Showcase Vacation Paradise

ATLANTA (Feb. 27, 2018) – Atlanta residents yearning for a warm-weather break can get a taste of the subtropical Florida Keys — literally — when a Keys chef leads the creation of the “world’s largest Key lime” pie at a special event scheduled for noon Saturday, March 24, at Lenox Square. Chef and restaurateur Bobby Stoky will assemble a Key lime pie using all-natural ingredients, real Key lime juice and handmade graham cracker crust from iconic dessert shop, The Key West Key Lime Pie Company. The #FLKeysPie will be approximately 8 feet in diameter and will serve up to 2,500 people.

The event is to spotlight the Keys island chain’s inviting climate, laid-back atmosphere, water adventures ranging from diving to deep-sea fishing, outstanding seafood restaurants and convenient direct flights into Key West from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

The 125-mile necklace of islands south of Miami boasts abundant attractions and recreational amenities that keep visitors coming back year after year.

“Whether it’s snorkeling in emerald-green waters among our coral reefs or lounging in front of some of the most spectacular beach views imaginable, there’s always a once-in-a-lifetime experience around the next corner,” says Andy Newman, media relations director for the Florida Keys & Key West. “We encourage all our Atlanta friends to discover the many charms this beautiful region has to offer.”

Chef Stoky grew up fishing and diving off of the Florida Keys and has been a resident of the Upper Keys for over 35 years. His cookbook, “Recipes and Tall Tales from Legendary Restaurants of the Florida Keys” is a compilation of over 25 years in the restaurant business and a lifetime in the Keys.

At the Atlanta event, Stoky plans to offer insights into the five regions of the island chain he calls home, each offering many points of interest.

·        Key Largo: The northernmost island in the Keys shares its name with the famous movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. Visitors can take a cruise on the African Queen, the actual boat Bogart skippered in the movie of the same name. John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, the first underwater preserve in the United States, features more than 50 varieties of delicate corals and more than 600 species of fish.

·        Islamorada: The “Sport-Fishing Capital of the World” is renowned for the diversity of its angling offerings including sailfish, marlin, kingfish, snapper, barracuda and grouper. Tarpon, bonefish, permit, redfish and other species thrive in the shallow coastal waters.

·        Marathon: This boating and family destination is home to such attractions as the famed Seven Mile Bridge; the world’s first state-licensed veterinary hospital for sea turtles; and Dolphin Research Center, which provides visitors an opportunity to swim and interact with the intelligent mammals.

·        Big Pine Key and the Lower Keys: Bahia Honda State Park is known for its pristine beach, while Looe Key Reef is rated by many as among the nation’s most spectacular shallow-water dive sites. Big Pine Key also features a national refuge for miniature Key deer, tropical forest and even a few alligators. Popular nature tours offer unforgettable opportunities to view migratory and wading birds and the unique flora and fauna of this tranquil natural area.

·        Key West: Known for its quaint, palm-studded streets and century-old mansions, this 2-by-4-mile island is home to such attractions as the Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum and the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, where visitors can view the riches of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a sunken 17th-century Spanish galleon. At the end of the day, crowds gather at Mallory Square to experience the nightly Sunset Celebration with musicians, jugglers, acrobats and other entertainers.

For more information, call 800-FLA-KEYS (352-5397) or visit fla-keys.com.

Social: Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • YouTube • Keys Voices blog

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gusto! Commissions Local Artist Lee Arnett to Paint “ATL Avo Angel”

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Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes
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olivia@melissalibbypr.com

GUSTO! COMMISSIONS LOCAL ARTIST LEE ARNETT TO PAINT “ATL AVO ANGEL”

Atlanta’s Fast Casual Restaurant Focused on Bold Flavors Engages Community with New Outdoor Murals

ATLANTA (Feb. 22, 2018) – gusto! founder Nate Hybl has partnered with local artist Lee Arnett to create an ATL Avo Angel mural depicting slices of the super food as angel wings on the outside of his two Atlanta restaurants. The fast casual restaurant known for bringing food to life with freshness and flavor wants to remind guests to “fly high with that good fat” while supporting Atlanta’s creative side.    

“Avocados are a huge part of our menu. The idea for the mural evolved from the positive health association of avocados, as something angelic for the body,” says Hybl. “The ATL Avo Angel symbolizes good energy and parallels who we are as a company and what our product represents.”

Arnett, an Atlanta-based artist who previously provided another mural at the Ponce location of gusto!, is creating ATL Avo Angel paintings near the side entrances at both the Ponce and Peachtree restaurants as places where guests can have fun, take photos (#ATLAvoAngel) and spread positive energy. Hybl hopes these murals will become a marker for his restaurants moving forward. “Having fun and spreading good energy, both emotionally and nutritionally, is at the heart of everything we do at gusto!”

gusto! offers a simple menu of grilled proteins combined with thoughtfully crafted blends of ingredients that add a distinct flavor profile and texture to each entrée. Inspired by both international cuisine and familiar American flavors, these gustos – like bestselling chipotle mango avocado – can be hot, bright, earthy or sweet and never rely on unhealthy fats for flavor. Fresh avocado slices can also be substituted for other proteins or added to any bowl, salad or wrap.

Embracing the thriving creative scene in Atlanta, gusto! is also passionate about putting guests’ faces front and center in its marketing. The restaurant recently featured two loyal patrons on a prominent billboard and hopes that the ATL Avo Angels will continue building these relationships within Atlanta communities and contribute to their overall well-being.

Avocado enthusiasts who snap a photo with the #ATLAvoAngel at either location have the chance to win two three-day passes to the Shaky Knees Music Festival May 4-May 6. To enter, follow @whatsyourgusto and post a photo to Instagram using the hashtag #ATLAvoAngel. A winner will be announced on April 20, 2018. Must be 18+ to enter with public Instagram profile.

About gusto!

gusto! Peachtree is located at 1935 Peachtree Road NE; (404) 352-4157. gusto! Ponce is located at 782 Ponce de Leon Ave NE; (404) 330-8114. Lunch and dinner are served from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Peachtree location and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Ponce location. Self-parking is available onsite at both restaurants. For more information, visit whatsyourgusto.com. Follow the restaurant on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for additional updates.

About Lee Arnett:

Lee Arnett considers art his truest passion in life. Moving to Atlanta from Alabama in 2010, Arnett has freelanced as a graphic designer, started a clothing brand and completed several murals around town for restaurants, businesses and neighborhoods. His paintings combine canvas, cardboard, figurative and abstract. Arnett plays with the relationship between words and symbols in his paintings. Instilling a sense of self, he reminds the viewer that the human behavior relies on one’s emotion and relationship with others.

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Spring Comes Early to Marlow’s Tavern

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Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

                                                                           morgan@melissalibbypr.com

olivia@melissalibbypr.com

SPRING COMES EARLY TO MARLOW’S TAVERN

Five-Week Menu Celebrates Fresh Ingredients and Flavors with New Lunch,

Dinner and Cocktail Specials

ATLANTA (Feb. 21, 2018) – As the last weeks of winter prepare to give way to spring, Marlow’s Tavern is helping guests get into the spirit of the coming season with a five-week Spring Celebration Tasting Menu. Starting today, Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood tavern is rolling out a lineup of food and cocktail specials that highlight the flavors and themes of this most anticipated time of year.

“When you think of spring, you think of nature and rebirth,” says Marlow’s Tavern executive chef, CEO and co-founder John C. Metz. “We’re emphasizing those themes with a menu that showcases locally sourced, garden-fresh ingredients that you can taste in every bite. We believe we’ve created some new favorites that guests will want to return to again and again.”

Throughout the celebration, lunchtime guests can enjoy the new Grilled Lamb Wrap, made with Colorado lamb, applewood-smoked bacon, spinach, dates, pickled red onion, tomato and tahini dressing. For dinner, the Chicken Milanese is also sure to please, with panko-crusted Prestige Farms chicken, blistered tomato, arugula, parsley, Parmesan, lemonette and seasoned, whipped ricotta.

Of course, no spring menu would be complete without a cool, creative cocktail by Rick Blumberg, manager of adult beverages for Marlow’s Tavern. The new Strawberry Spring Crush —made with Cutwater Fugu vodka, hand-crushed strawberry and basil, a splash of lemon, Cocchi Americano and ginger beer—more than fits the bill.

For a behind-the-scenes look at Marlow’s menu, visit the Tavern Tell-All for Insider tips and tricks.

About Marlow’s Tavern

Marlow’s Tavern was established in 2004 with the opening of its first location in Alpharetta, Georgia, and has continued to grow over the years, adding many Atlanta-area restaurants, as well as locations throughout Orlando and Tampa, Florida. In 2013, Nation’s Restaurant News named Marlow’s Tavern one of its “NRN 50 Breakout Brands” for the year. The neighborhood restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, offering guests classic American tavern fare with an upscale twist. For more information and location addresses, visit marlowstavern.com.  

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Executive Chef Jonathan Mercado to Create Coastal Cuisine at Chido + Padre’s

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Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes

Melissa Libby & Associates

404-816-3068

morgan@melissalibbypr.com

olivia@melissalibbypr.com

EXECUTIVE CHEF JONATHAN MERCADO TO CREATE COASTAL CUISINE AT CHIDO + PADRE’S 

Atlanta’s Southern Proper Hospitality Hires Former Bartaco and Rosa Mexicano Chef

to Bring the Baja Party to Buckhead

ATLANTA (Feb. 19, 2018) – Southern Proper Hospitality (SPH) CEO Tory Bartlett announces today the hiring of executive chef Jonathan Mercado for the company’s newest concept, Chido + Padre’s, which is bringing authentic Baja-style Mexican food, tequila and fun to 128 East Andrews Drive in Buckhead in early March. Mercado is paying homage to the bold flavors and traditions of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula by transporting these flavors to Atlanta in a modern way.

“Not only has Jonathan proven himself as a passionate and talented chef who is highly skilled in Mexican cuisine, he also possesses an immeasurable desire to develop new culinary skills, which makes him an invaluable asset to our team,” says Bartlett.

At Chido + Padre’s, Mercado’s menu focuses on fresh, coastal cuisine that ensures an authentic Baja-Mex experience. His dishes use a mesquite wood-burning grill and fresh flavor combinations in a modern way for lunch and dinner, including such items as:

·        Campechana with mango, avocado, rock shrimp, chilies and tomato-clam broth

·        Baja-style fish of the day with coconut rice, tomatillo-avocado sauce and pomegranate seeds

·        Chicken mole with Baja cabbage slaw, black beans and sesame seeds

·        Cochinita pibil tacos with banana leaf pork shoulder, sour orange, achiote and chicharrones

Mercado’s culinary skills have been on display in Atlanta for the past five years. Before joining SPH, he was the executive chef at Rosa Mexicano, serving authentic, made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine and revamping the culture of the restaurant’s dining experience. Prior to that, he was the executive chef at Bartaco, preparing hip, handcrafted tacos with creative ingredients. Mercado’s culinary career in Atlanta also includes a role as executive sous chef at True Foods Kitchen, where he applied his passion for eco-friendly, self-sustainable cuisine.

A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy, Mercado underwent rigorous training in classical French cuisine and technique. He was also a member of Toastmasters, which helped him to hone both his communication and leadership skills. Mercado spends his time outside the restaurant with his wife, Danielle, and their four children, but the culinary fun doesn’t stop there. The family can often be found hosting their own Iron Chef-style competitions at home.

Chido + Padre’s is located at 128 East Andrews Drive in Buckhead. The restaurant opens in March with lunch and dinner and will add a weekend brunch at a later date. Free self-parking is available on site. For more information, visit chidoandpadres.com.

About Southern Proper Hospitality

Southern Proper Hospitality owns and operates The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Beni’s Cubano, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina.  Chosen by Restaurant Hospitality as one of the “25 Coolest Multi-Concept Companies in America” and named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies for 2017, Southern Proper Hospitality offers genuinely hospitable service and exceptional, high-quality food. For more information, visit sphospitality.com.

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Southern Proper Hospitality to Open Chido + Padre’s in March

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Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes

Melissa Libby & Associates

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morgan@melissalibbypr.com

olivia@melissalibbypr.com

SOUTHERN PROPER HOSPITALITY TO OPEN CHIDO + PADRE’S IN MARCH

Atlanta Restaurant Group Brings the Baja Party to Buckhead, Celebrating the Baja Peninsula’s Vivacious Culture and Fresh, Coastal Cuisine

ATLANTA (Feb. 12, 2018) – Southern Proper Hospitality (SPH) CEO Tory Bartlett announces today that the company’s newest concept, Chido + Padre’s, will bring authentic Baja-style Mexican food, tequila and fun to Buckhead in early March. The restaurant will be located in the Smokebelly BBQ space at 128 East Andrews Drive and will pay homage to the bold flavors, traditions and spirit of the Baja Peninsula’s vivacious culture.

“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 Bartlett. “Chido + Padre’s will celebrate Mexico’s fresh, coastal cuisine and bring a fun and festive party to Buckhead.”

Chido and Padre are the personification of the notion that opposites attract. Chido is the mischievous risk taker, while Padre is the do-gooder voice of reason. Together, they are the perfect pair; a unique blend that just works.

As a result, foodies and families will appreciate the fresh, elevated Baja-Mex fare, festive atmosphere and convenient parking while the after-work and party crowd will enjoy the strong drinks, modern food and high-energy vibe (after 10 p.m., the tequila takes over for a “fiesta forever” feel limited only by the imagination). Chido + Padre’s goes all out for birthday celebrations with sombreros and fun surprises, making the restaurant an ideal spot for large parties and special occasions.  

Executive chef Benjamin Meyer, who also serves as SPH’s corporate chef, utilizes a mesquite wood burning grill and fresh flavor combinations in a modern way at Chido + Padre’s. Lunch and dinner items on the coastal menu include 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.

The restaurant’s beverage program is upscale yet approachable, featuring fresh ingredients and fun flavors. To top off the margarita, cocktail and tequila list, there will be wine and a variety of Mexican, domestic and craft beers for all. The Bandida Bar off the dining room appeals to the Chido side in everyone, with an edgier feel and an emphasis on tequila and mezcal varietals and the exploration of off-the-menu cocktail creations.

The decor and design at Chido + Padre's is inspired by the arts and culture of Mexico from the Otomi Indians and Frida Kahlo to current artists that are internationally renown. There are pops of coastal Baja colors on a clean and modern palette, floral and animal prints, authentic tapestries and even deer antler chandeliers. The Bandida Bar, separated from the dining room by a chain-link fence, features a darker look and atmosphere with charred wood accents and a Frida Kahlo Bandida image serving as the main inspiration. 

Known for providing a “short term escape” for diners by creating distinct restaurants that appeal to customers’ sense of adventure, SPH ensures Chido + Padre’s will give guests an authentic Baja-Mex experience.

Chido + Padre’s will be located at 128 East Andrews Drive in Atlanta. The restaurant opens in early March with lunch and dinner, and will add a weekend brunch at a later date. Free self-parking is available on site. For more information, visit chidoandpadres.com.

Smokebelly BBQ closed on January 28. SPH is currently looking for a space for the Smokebelly concept and will reopen when a new location is found. The Blind Pig Parlour Bar is located directly behind the Chido + Padre’s space, serving craft cocktails Thursday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 am.

About Southern Proper Hospitality

Southern Proper Hospitality owns and operates The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Beni’s Cubano, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Chosen by Restaurant Hospitality as one of the “25 Coolest Multi-Concept Companies in America” and named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies for 2017, Southern Proper Hospitality offers genuinely hospitable service and exceptional, high-quality food. For more information, visit sphospitality.com.

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Southern Proper Hospitality Appoints Alex Curley as Executive Vice President of Operations

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Morgan Lanier or Olivia Mayes

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SOUTHERN PROPER HOSPITALITY APPOINTS ALEX CURLEY

AS EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

ATLANTA (Feb. 9, 2018) – Today, Southern Proper Hospitality (SPH) CEO Tory Bartlett announces an addition to the Atlanta restaurant group’s leadership team. New executive vice president of operations Alex Curley is now overseeing all restaurant operations for the company, which includes nine concepts and 21 restaurant locations. Curley’s progressive history of restaurant operations and hospitality background will help SPH continue to shape the cultural fabric of Atlanta with distinct dining experiences.


“Guests should feel they are being cared for by their loved ones in their own home,” says Curley of the kind of experience he wants to provide at SPH restaurants. “I look forward to helping bring to life that vision of hospitality and the notion of friends serving friends.”


Curley most recently served as vice president of operations for Richard Sandoval Restaurants, a company with 45 restaurants across 20 upscale concepts in six countries. He was directly responsible for 13 locations and nine concepts with annual sales of over $50M, executing the cultural and operational model for the company.


Prior to this role, Curley was an area director for Barcelona Wine Bar, where he operated five locations covering Washington, D.C., Atlanta and Virginia. His career experience also includes management positions at both fine dining restaurants and high-volume operations in Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area.


Curley was inspired to get into the restaurant business thanks to his overseas upbringing while his father worked for the United States Foreign Service. After living in Greece, Africa, Australia and Germany, he moved to the United States for college and began working in restaurants to help pay for school. “I always felt that restaurants provided the same experience as growing up overseas in that they are constantly changing and evolving, and you have a chance to shape peoples’ experiences,” he says. “I always liked to work hard, and I loved the fact that in restaurants you get out exactly what you put in. I was always attracted to that purity.”


About Southern Proper Hospitality

Southern Proper Hospitality owns and operates The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Beni’s Cubano, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Chosen by Restaurant Hospitality as one of the “25 Coolest Multi-Concept Companies in America” and named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies for 2017, Southern Proper Hospitality offers genuinely hospitable service and exceptional, high-quality food. For more information, visit sphospitality.com.

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