Monday, June 5, 2017

Kevin Gillespie Hosts Terminus City Backyard Barbecue on Fourth of July


For more information:
Morgan Lanier or Olivia Tuttle
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068
morgan@melissalibbypr.com


KEVIN GILLESPIE HOSTS TERMINUS CITY BACKYARD BARBECUE ON FOURTH OF JULY
Ultimate Backyard Bash at Communion Cantina to Feature Barbecue, $4 Drinks, Games and More

ATLANTA (June 5, 2017) - There’s no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with a giant backyard blowout, and that’s exactly what Atlanta chef, restaurateur, speaker and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie has cooked up for Terminus City’s Fourth of July BBQ. This festive, all-ages event takes place at Communion Cantina, the Mexican-inspired backyard behind Revival, Gillespie’s family-style restaurant in Decatur. There will be barbecue, beer and outdoor games to round out this one-of-a-kind celebration on Tuesday, July 4 from noon-6 p.m. or until the barbecue runs out!

Gillespie's Terminus City is serving up heaping plates of chopped whole hog barbecue for $15 and vegetarian-friendly pimento cheese plates for $12. Each plate includes pickles, bread, slaw and potato salad.

In addition to these mouthwatering plates, the following will also be available for purchase:

· Barbecue – $18 per pound

· Brunswick stew – $16 per pint; $5.50 as a side

· Potato salad – $8 per pint; $2.75 as a side

· Shaker slaw – $8 per pint; $2.75 as a side

· Pimento cheese sandwich – $5 each

· Fried pie – $6 each

Of course, no cookout would be complete without plenty of drinks to beat that Fourth of July heat. “$4 on the Fourth” drink specials from Communion Cantina include cervezas, margaritas, wine by the glass and sangria. With food and drinks in hand, families can mingle at communal picnic tables and on the front and side porches of Revival (the restaurant itself will be closed).

“Backyard barbecues are a beloved July 4th tradition and an opportunity to gather with friends and family and celebrate our country,” says Gillespie. “Gather your party people, come as you are and have a summer afternoon to remember with us.”

No reservations or tickets are necessary for this event. Revival and Communion Cantina are located at 129 Church Street in Decatur. For more information, call 470-225-6770 or visit revivaldecatur.com.


###

Thursday, June 1, 2017

June Features on Tap at Taco Mac


For more information:
             Morgan Lanier or Olivia Tuttle
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068
morgan@melissalibbypr.com
                                                          
JUNE FEATURES ON TAP AT TACO MAC INCLUDE POUR ONE FORWARD PROMOTION TO HONOR VETERANS, BEER OF THE MONTH, LIMITED-TIME JUNKYARD DOGS AND GLASSWARE GIVEAWAYS  
Southeastern Destination for Craft Beverages Partners with Samuel Adams, Devils Backbone Brewing and Ole Smoky Moonshine for Satisfying Summertime Specials

ATLANTA (June 1, 2017) – Atlanta’s institution for award-winning wings, the most craft on draft and the best sports-watching environment is engaging guests on both a culinary and charitable level this month. Today, Taco Mac announces four special summer promotions, including a partnership with The Boston Beer Company to pour one forward for veterans, new Beers of the Month for June, a giveaway to celebrate National Moonshine Day (June 5) and a new limited-time menu feature.

“We believe our military veterans should be recognized every day, so we are encouraging our guests to thank those who have served our country with the purchase of a Samuel Adams beer,” says Senior Director of Marketing Emily Beesley. “And in an effort to offer new craveable food and beverage selections, Taco Mac is adding Junkyard Dogs and Devils Backbone beers to the menu for a limited time to celebrate the start of summer,” she adds.

All of the June offerings include:
·         Pour One Forward: Taco Mac is partnering with The Boston Beer Company so guests can pre-purchase a Samuel Adams beer (Boston Lager or Light Lager) for $6 now through July 4 for veterans to redeem. The restaurant guest pre-purchases a beer and fills out a thank you card that is displayed in the restaurant indicating to vets that there are beers available for redemption. Limited to one beer per visit, and a military or veteran ID is required to redeem. In addition, each time a guest posts a photo or video thanking a veteran using the hashtag #PourOneForward, Samuel Adams will make a dollar donation to American Dream U, a non-profit dedicated to helping our military get the education and access to resources they need to find their dream job or to start a business of their own. 

·         June Beer of the Month: Each month Taco Mac partners with a different brewery to showcase new and exciting beers. June’s featured brewery is Devils Backbone Brewing Company, and Taco Mac will pour the following:
    • Trail Angel - Bavarian-Style Hefeweisen - 4.9% ABV
    • Gold Leaf - Golden Lager - 4.5% ABV
    • Vienna - Vienna-Style Lager - 5.2% ABV
    • Eight Point - IPA - 6.2% ABV

Taco Mac is also helping to support a partnership between Devils Backbone and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC). For $10 each, guests can purchase a commemorative stainless steel camping pint to keep, filled with any Beer of the Month beer and good for a new Brewniversity credit. Pints are available all month long while supplies last, and incremental profits from these cups will be donated to the ATC to support its efforts in crafting adventures from Georgia to Maine.

·         Moonshine Monday: In celebration of National Moonshine Day, Taco Mac is hosting a shot glass giveaway beginning at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 5. As a leader in everything craft, including cocktails, the restaurant will offer its Ole Smoky Hooch Punch cocktail, and each guest who orders one will receive a set of two mini mason jar shot glasses to take home while supplies last.

·         Junkyard Dogs: New mini chili cheese dogs are available at Taco Mac locations during June and July as either an entrée (three dogs + one side) or as a kid’s meal (two plain hot dogs + kids side). These mini all-beef hot dogs are topped with award-winning chili, shredded cheese, diced onion, tomato and pickled jalapeños and served with a choice of side for $9.99.

About Taco Mac
An Atlanta institution since 1979, Taco Mac offers over 100 beers on draft, the Southeast’s Original Buffalo wings and 50+ HD TVs for enjoying all your favorite sporting events. Started by two friends from Buffalo, New York, Taco Mac now has 30 locations across Georgia, Tennessee and North Carolina. Taco Mac has been named the best sports bar in Atlanta by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jezebel and Groupon and one of the five best sports bars in America by ESPN. Taco Mac is one of many portfolio companies owned by Dallas-based CIC Partners. For more information, visit tacomac.com.


###

Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar Lures Summer Diners with Weekly Chef’s Catch Menu


For more information:
Morgan Lanier or Olivia Tuttle
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068
                                                                              morgan@melissalibbypr.com



DRIFT FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR LURES SUMMER DINERS WITH
WEEKLY CHEF’S CATCH MENU
Three-Course Dinner Highlights Fresh, Inventive Seafood for Coastal Vacation in the City

ATLANTA (June 1, 2017) – Landlocked locals will rejoice in the latest menu news from Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar. Starting June 5, East Cobb’s premier destination for approachable, chef-driven seafood is reeling in a great summertime meal with the Chef’s Catch, a weekly three-course menu highlighting in-season fish and shellfish and peak seasonal produce.

“With the Chef’s Catch menu, our goal is to offer innovative dishes utilizing seasonal fish and shellfish that are packed with flavor, offer a great value and are harvested sustainably,” says chef/owner Doug Turbush. “Our guests will have something new to look forward to each week, and we’re going to have a lot of fun putting together three courses that showcase the best of the summer season.”

Guests can choose from two small plates, two entrées and two dessert options. Example of menu items from Drift’s executive chef Brendan Keenan include appetizers such as tuna carpaccio and salt cod croquettes and entrées like Florida hog snapper with summer peas, green tomato chow chow with a smoky bacon vinaigrette or Jonah crab capellini amatriciana. Sweet finishes include peach and rum raisin bread pudding and Key lime pie.

The Chef’s Catch menu is $29 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Wine pairings may be added for $10. Available Monday through Thursday, the menu changes each week and is announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page and via email every Sunday.  

Located in The Avenue East Cobb at 4475 Roswell Road in Marietta, Drift serves lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday, with brunch and dinner on Sunday. For more information, call 770-635-7641 or visit driftoysterbar.com.



###

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Beni’s Cubano Opens at The Avenue East Cobb June 5


For more information:
Morgan Lanier or Olivia Tuttle
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068



Beni’s Cubano Opens At The Avenue EAST COBB June 5
Old World Cuban Charm and Flavors in Marietta from Southern Proper Hospitality

ATLANTA (May 31, 2017) - Beginning June 5, say “¡Hola!” to unique Cuban dishes and a fun, immersive dining experience in Marietta at Beni’s Cubano, opening in The Avenue East Cobb. The new restaurant is from Southern Proper Hospitality, the successful team behind Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Smokebelly BBQ, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill. Designed to take diners back in time to the heyday of Havana, the menu at Beni’s Cubano was created by executive chef Cesar Velazquez and features innovative takes on classic Cuban dishes.

“At Beni’s Cubano, we want to transport you from the day-to-day and into a fun, festive atmosphere you’ll want to return to time and time again,” says Southern Proper Hospitality partner John Piemonte. “Just like our other restaurants, we are creating a sense of community, a super-comfortable place to kick back and enjoy a great meal and excellent beverages.”

From the antique bicycle hanging overhead, the colorfully painted antique shutters and the scent of simmering sauces that greet you as you walk in, Beni’s Cubano offers unique casual dining with a chef’s touch. Menu highlights include the following:

·         A classic Cuban sandwich with mojo-roasted pork, ham and Swiss cheese with pickles, mustard and garlic aioli
·         Seafood criollo, a sautéed shrimp and mahi mahi dish in a Cuban-Creole sauce with sofrito, tomato and olives  
·         Vaca frita, Velazquez’s creative new take on an old favorite made with crispy short rib, grilled onions and peppers, mojo and lime
·         Yucca fries or mariquitas (crispy spiced plantain chips) with a choice of two dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, mojo or house-made hot sauce
·         Beef picadillo empanadas stuffed to capacity and served with a choice of two dipping sauces

Diners looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can order a delectable house-made bread pudding with golden raisins, pecans, whipped cream and dulce de leche paired with a pot of classic Cuban coffee, espresso-style with sugar espuma.

The bar is accented with beautiful Cuban mosaic tile. The menu features classic Cuban cocktails, including:

·         Cuba Libre made with Havana Club Añejo rum and served on the rocks with a Mexican Coke and a lime
·         Havana Heat, a sweet-spicy concoction made from Flor de Caña 7 year rum, Ancho Reyes Chile liqueur, mango purée and sour mix
·         Beni’s Mojito made with Havana Club Silver rum, house-made mint simple syrup, muddled with limes and mint and topped with a splash of soda water

Beni’s Cubano is located in The Avenue East Cobb at 4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1510 (next to Tin Lizzy’s Cantina). The restaurant serves lunch and dinner daily beginning at 11 a.m. For more information, visit beniscubano.com or follow the restaurant on Facebook.

###


Babalu Tapas & Tacos Opening in Atlanta with Seasoned, Local Team of Restaurant Industry Veterans


For more information:
Morgan Lanier or Olivia Tuttle
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068


BABALU TAPAS & TACOS OPENING IN ATLANTA WITH SEASONED, LOCAL TEAM
OF RESTAURANT INDUSTRY VETERANS
Roswell-Based Office of Eat Here Brands Guides Growth in the City They Know Best

ATLANTA (May 31, 2017) – Babalu Tapas & Tacos is opening the doors of its first Atlanta location this June thanks to a local team of talented individuals working at Jackson, Mississippi-based Eat Here Brands’ offices in Roswell.Together, the company’s Chief Financial Officer Tim Walker, Chief Operations Officer Stan Stout, Director of Operations Ben Miller and Marketing Director Stacey McMinn have been instrumental in the growth and development of the Babalu brand, and their combined experience in the Atlanta restaurant market enables the Spanish-meets-Southern-style tapas eatery to deliver just what the city desires at its new Midtown location in the 33 Peachtree Place development.

“We have an amazing team in Atlanta who not only know the local market inside and out but who also have a wide breadth of experience within the restaurant industry,” said Bill Latham, CEO of Eat Here Brands. “I’m confident their talents and localized strategy will lead to a successful introduction of Babalu to Atlanta.”

CFO Walker joined the Eat Here Brands team in 2014 and brings over 20 years of broad based business experience and over a decade of experience working with Atlanta based restaurant groups. Prior to Eat Here Brands, he was the Senior Vice President and CFO of Stevi B’s Pizza, where he led the IT, finance and strategy functions.  Earlier in his career, he assisted Arby’s with its finance and development activities.

As COO, Stout brings over 20 years of Atlanta restaurant industry experience and connections to many Atlanta-based brands. Stout worked as the chief human resources and technology officer at AFC Enterprises. Then during his time as managing partner at In the Black Partners, he worked with national and regional brands such as Arby’s, Newk’s, McAlister’s Deli, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Sticky Fingers, Taco Mac and Tin Lizzy’s.

Miller has been working in Atlanta since 2000 and in the restaurant industry since 1992. His past experience includes time spent at Hardee’s, TGI Fridays and a vice president of operations role at Taco Mac, as well as a multi-unit management position with Hooters in the Georgia market. As director of operations since 2016, Miller takes genuine interest in his team members, developing those who are drawn to the restaurant industry and helping them to push their own limits to achieve goals.

As marketing director, McMinn is responsible for all marketing programs, brand management and restaurant grand openings. Prior to joining Eat Here Brands, McMinn was with FOCUS Brands, where she managed grand openings and local marketing strategy for McAlister’s Deli. Her previous experience includes more than 18 years of media strategy roles working with brands like Applebee’s, Blimpie, Buffalo Wild Wings, Pizza Hut and Ruby Tuesday.

Opening its doors this June, Babalu Atlanta is located at 33 Peachtree Place at the corner of West Peachtree Street and Peachtree Place next to the newly opened Dancing Goats Coffee Bar.

About Babalu
Babalu Tapas & Tacos is a fun, one-of-a-kind, sharing-style dining experience. Founded in 2010, in Jackson, Mississippi, the restaurant has quickly taken the Southeast by storm. The Latin-inspired dishes -- each with a unique Southern flair -- are sure to bring people together. Babalu is proud to use hyper-local produce and products for its made-from-scratch dishes and handcrafted cocktails. Babalu is a wholly owned subsidiary of Eat Here Brands. For more information, visit Atlanta.eatBABALU.com. Follow Babalu on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for additional updates.

About Eat Here Brands
In early 2012, Bill Latham and Al Roberts teamed up to establish Eat Here Brands, LLC. Headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, Eat Here Brands is the restaurant holding company for Babalu Tacos & Tapas, Table 100 and Interim Restaurant & Bar. For more information on Eat Here Brands, visit www.eathere.com.

###



Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Sublime Doughnuts and SweetWater Partner for National Doughnut Day Celebration


For more information:
Morgan Lanier or Olivia Tuttle
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068


SUBLIME DOUGHNUTS AND SWEETWATER PARTNER FOR
 NATIONAL DOUGHNUT DAY CELEBRATION
Enjoy Chef-Crafted Doughnuts and a Doughnut-Inspired Beer during June 2nd
SweetWater Brewery Tour 

ATLANTA (May 30, 2017) – Sublime Doughnuts, Atlanta’s specialty bakeshop selling high-quality, chef-inspired doughnuts, is partnering with SweetWater Brewing Company to make National Doughnut Day the sweetest day of all for beer and doughnut lovers. On Friday, June 2, these two Atlanta favorites are treating SweetWater tour-goers to perfectly paired beer-and-doughnut tastings when they purchase the $12 brewery tour (at 195 Ottley Drive) between 4:20 and 7:30 p.m.

“We are big fans of creative doughnut pairings at Sublime, so it is an honor for us to have the SweetWater team create an exclusive beer inspired by our fresh strawberry ‘n’ cream doughnut,” says Sublime Doughnuts owner Kamal Grant. “I can’t think of a better way to celebrate National Doughnut Day in Atlanta than with our doughnuts and a specialty craft beer from SweetWater.”

In addition, the following Sublime doughnuts will be available for sampling during the SweetWater tour:

Dulce de Leche: a yeast doughnut ring topped with caramel sauce; paired with The Hatchery Mexican Style Lager
·    
     The Dirty D: a yeast doughnut topped with milk chocolate and Oreo™ and Nestlé™ crumbs; paired with SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale

     The Birthday Doughnut: a yeast doughnut topped with vanilla glaze and sprinkles; paired with SweetWater Blue

·    The Glazed Ring: a yeast doughnut topped with Sublime Doughnuts’ signature vanilla glaze; paired with Old Man Johnson’s Farm Raspberry Stout

For those who want to celebrate the holiday all day and night, Sublime Doughnuts’ shops in West Midtown (535 10th Street NW) and North Druid Hills (2566 Briarcliff Road NE) are open 24 hours serving Sublime’s signature doughnut offerings.  

About Sublime Doughnuts:
Sublime Doughnuts has been bringing chef-inspired sweets and treats to Atlanta since 2008. With hand-pressed, gourmet coffee, homemade ice cream and over 30 varieties of doughnuts, Sublime proves that they don’t take the cake--they take the dough. In addition to their flagship store in West Midtown, Sublime has expanded to North Druid Hills and plans to open two locations in the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2017. For more information, visit www.sublimedoughnuts.com.

###


Thursday, May 25, 2017

Help Willy’s Mexicana Grill Raise $22K in 22 Days for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta


For more information:
Morgan Lanier or Olivia Tuttle
Melissa Libby & Associates
404-816-3068


HELP WILLY’S MEXICANA GRILL Raise $22K in 22 Days 
FOR BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF METRO ATLANTA
Donate $5, Get $5 Coupon During 22nd Anniversary Celebration June 1-22


ATLANTA (May 25, 2017) – For the last two years, Willy’s Mexicana Grill has turned its birthday into a chance to give back to the community. After raising $20,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta in 2015 and $21,000 in 2016, Atlanta’s first (and still best) burrito restaurant celebrates turning 22 this year by offering customers the opportunity to help raise $22,000 for the organization in just 22 days.

Starting June 1, customers who donate $5 or more to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta’s Workforce Development Program will receive a coupon for $5 off their next visit. Every contribution directly benefits this local program, which provides high school students with volunteer and leadership opportunities that will help prepare them for successful careers.

“During the month of June, stopping in at Willy’s for our birthday celebration is a gift that keeps on giving,” says Willy’s founder Willy Bitter. “Not only do you get to enjoy the good feeling of supporting a worthy cause, but you also get a coupon good for $5 worth of our signature, fresh-made favorites.”

Bitter adds, “Best of all, our customers’ donations will have an impact in their own communities. If you make a donation in Athens, Columbus or Cartersville, that money will go directly to the clubs in those neighborhoods. You could be contributing to the future success of someone you see every day.”

The fundraiser runs through June 22 at all Willy's restaurants. The coupon may be used for a future visit to all locations except Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

About Willy’s Mexicana Grill
Willy’s Mexicana Grill was started by Willy Bitter, an entrepreneur who fell in love with California-style burritos after living in San Francisco and visiting the Mission District in the 1990s. He brought the idea for a new style of fast-casual Mexican restaurant back to Atlanta and opened his first Willy’s in 1995. Willy’s is growing responsibly and steadily, with 31 restaurants presently in the metro Atlanta area as well as Athens, Cartersville and Columbus, Georgia. For more information, visit willys.com.


###