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BON APPÉTIT MENU FIRST / HEIRLOOM APPLE SALAD Marcona Almonds, Frisée, Arugula, Baby Beets, Chèvre, Citrus Vinaigrette MAIN / BRAISED BONELESS SHORT RIB White Cheddar Polenta, Crispy Onions, Sauteed Winter Vegetables, Mustard Bordelaise DESSERT / CARAMEL CHOCOLATE DELICE Vanilla Bean Cake, Salted Caramel Cream, Chocolate and Berry Compote 06
LEADING WITH HUMILITY. INSPIRING WITH PURPOSE. 09QUICK FIRE WITH PHIL What’s a hidden gem in Georgia that everyone should know about? The Dillard House in North Georgia. I always felt that if all my Yankee friends would come down and try it, they’d want to be down in Georgia as well. What has been the most rewarding part of your career? I feel very blessed and very rewarded in my career for a lot of different reasons, but it's really the development of people. To see someone who has come and made their way through their career in a position of leadership. I talked to a fella a couple of weeks ago who started as a waiter for us at LongHorn, and today is the president of restaurant company. And there's more out there like that, and I feel energized by that and very blessed that some way I was able to help them along their way. What’s your proudest accomplishment outside of work? Being married to the same woman for 46 years—and those are restaurant years! Reedy has been a huge blessing for me so to be married to her successfully and have two beautiful children and four spectacular grandchildren. At this stage in my life, I’m very proud of that. What does the restaurant industry mean for Georgia? The Restaurant Industry is intertwined with very heart and soul of the state of Georgia, from Dalton to Augusta, from Savannah to Columbus, from Bainbridge to Atlanta, and everywhere in between. We are essential to the wellbeing of Georgia residents, as well as the millions of visitors each year. We are the places where people come to reconnect, to unplug, to be nurtured and nourished, to celebrate, to make memories. As a result of all this, we elevate lives and make Georgia better.
YOUR VOICE AT EVERY TABLE 25 The Georgia Restaurant Association stands up for the restaurateurs who feed our communities and fuel Georgia’s economy. From city halls to Capitol Hill, we champion policies that protect and empower our industry. RECENT WINS: Helped pass beer and wine to-go in Atlanta, giving restaurants added flexibility and revenue opportunities. Advanced landmark tort reform, reducing frivolous lawsuits and creating a fairer business climate statewide. Supported federal tax reforms that delivered meaningful small-business relief, allowing restaurants to reinvest and grow. ADVOCACY IN ACTION GRA FOUNDATION: BUILDING THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY The Georgia Restaurant Association Foundation helps grow the next generation of Georgia’s hospitality workforce through programs like ProStart. ProStart brings the restaurant industry and classrooms together, giving high school students real culinary and management experience. Volunteers like you make all the difference, offering guidance and skills, that inspire students to pursue careers in hospitality. GET INVOLVED. MAKE A DIFFERENCE.L-R: Sarah Birdsong, Jay Bandy, Isela Morales, Tom Johnson, Stephanie Fischer, Patrick Fischer, Hans Schmidt, Bill Goudey, Rob Thrower, Alexis KinseyProStart Program students competing at the 2025 Georgia ProStart competition.