Tastemaker

McKerrow recently returned from a fly fishing trip to the Yucatan Peninsula.

From Dishwasher to Philanthropic CEO

How George McKerrow climbed the ranks in the restaurant industry

Ted’s Montana Grill CEO and cofounder George McKerrow got his start in hospitality at 16 as a busboy and then a dishwasher. Fifty-four years later, after creating Longhorn Steakhouse, Canoe, Aria and Ted’s Montana Grill, he can still be found on occasion scrubbing dishes or whatever else needs to be done.

A Georgia Restaurant Association Lifetime Achievement Award winner, McKerrow takes pride in using only the freshest ingredients and sustainable practices in his restaurants. Though he serves as a silent partner in Canoe and Aria and retired from Longhorn’s parent company in 2000, he works with Ted’s daily, even opening a new location on the Upper Westside late last year.

With a home in Vinings, this family man makes sure to give back, remaining active in numerous philanthropic organizations, including ATL Family Meal and Share Our Strength. We spoke to him about his history, charity work and hobbies below.

What’s a typical day for you? I travel the country and visit the restaurants. My work at the office previously focused on development, marketing and public relations. Now I work on strategic planning, thinking and daily management. Our office is downtown. We’re an in-person business, and we’re an in-person company.

STORY: Carly Cooper PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

How often are you in the restaurants? Weekly! I plan trips throughout the year to get to all 40 of our businesses. I’m an inspirational leader. The success of a hospitality company is about the attitude and teamwork of team members. I try to speak to our teams with a great deal of transparency about where we are as a company. I like to recognize people for doing things right and thank them for their hard work and dedication.

What was it like to work with Ted’s Montana Grill co-founder Ted Turner? He’s the most honorable, supportive, honest business partner anyone could ask for. He’s the number one protector of our environment and conservationist in the country. I have the privilege of being his partner and his friend. We speak every day. We’ve been in business together for nearly 20 years—all [based] on a handshake. We don’t have a contract.

You’ve had such a storied career. What advice do you have for those just starting out? Consumer habits are changing. You need to have a well-thought-out business plan and concept before you venture out. You’re not going to be an overnight success. You need to have a financial plan that gives you a runway to success and allows you to deliver on your promises to the guest so you can build a case for loyal, regular customers.

Do you ever consider retiring? What inspires you to keep going? I wouldn’t know what to do with myself. I’ve been in this business over 50 years, and I enjoy being involved every day. I’m proud of what we do. Plus, I have a 9-year-old at home, and I have to keep buying her shoes [laughs].

Tell me about your philanthropic contributions. What motivates you to keep giving? I always felt the right thing to do was help those less fortunate. I have the opportunity and wherewithal. It makes me feel good. In the ’80s, I decided my focus would be children (with March of Dimes) because there is a tremendous number of college kids and families who work in our business. If we bring healthy children into the world and nourish them, they can develop strong bodies and souls and have the opportunity to come out of poverty. Thirty-three years ago, Share Our Strength was created, and in the ’90s, I got involved with Taste of the Nation led by Pano Karatassos. I’ve been co-chair for 22 years.

What do you do for fun? I’m an avid fly fisherman. I’ll go anywhere in the world I can fly fish or saltwater flatfish—Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Montana, Florida, North Carolina. You get to be out in nature. I practice 100% catch and release. I enjoy vacationing with my family. We’ve owned several sailboats and spent a lot of time sailing. n

TED’S MONTANA GRILL

2250 Marietta Blvd. N.W. Atlanta 30318 404.343.3406 tedsmontanagrill.com

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha and Angela Hansberger PHOTOS: Sara Hanna, Joann Vitelli

10 DEGREES SOUTH

After 15 years on the scene, this Roswell Road establishment is a highly original destination where food and wine from the tip of the Southern Hemisphere are celebrated with flair. Before we could pose the server with a query on the peri-peri, we got the hard sell on South African reds—particularly the Rupert & Rothschild 2009 “Classique.” The big, full-bodied R&R was the perfect match for the luscious, spicy food that followed. We wager that nobody makes bobotie (the South African national dish) like 10 Degrees South. The dish consists of tantalizingly sweet curried ground beef topped with a custardy crust. It’s time to get your head out of the sand and indulge in the kind of stuff our parents enjoyed when “Continental” cuisine was in vogue. Appetizers: $10-$16 Entrees: $21-$38 10degreessouth.com

ARNETTE’S CHOP SHOP

Arnette’s will dazzle you with its no-expense-spared interiors, cosmopolitan wine list and, of course, its meat. Chicago-sourced ribeyes, strips and tomahawk steaks are the main attraction supported by a top-notch cast of appetizers and sides, from decadent roasted marrow and wagyu beef tartare to classic wedge salad and

With the Tres Tacos at Big Sky Buckhead, you have your choice of delicious beef, chicken and shrimp. Dauphinoise potatoes. (There are also oysters and caviar, if you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks.) Favorite items include the 50-day, wet-aged cowboy ribeye; the bliss-inducing lobster spaghetti; and the shaved prime rib sandwich, a real scene-stealer. Don’t forget to ask about the members-only knife club. Appetizers, salads and sandwiches: $9-$25 Shrimp, oysters and caviar: $13-$150 Hearth-roasted shellfish, fish and steaks: $13-$140 Desserts: $8-$12 arnetteschopshop.com

BIG SKY BUCKHEAD

The laid-back cattle ranch decor in this West Village hotspot is the perfect foil for top-notch Tex-Mex-meets-DeepSouth eats. Specialty cocktails served up by fresh-faced mixologists combined with events such as Wednesday trivia nights, game-day viewing parties and weekend brunches with all-you-candrink mimosas make Big Sky Buckhead a favorite urban escape. Best-in-class dishes such as the Big Sky Nachos, Goose Island IPA wings, Original Burger and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich are good enough to brand this place in your memory forever. Good to know: Big Sky is a cashless establishment, so don’t forget your alt-currency. Also, free

ECLIPSE DI LUNA

At the tail end of Miami Circle is one of the most convivial joints in town. Head over for happy hour Monday through Thursday when most drinks and tapas are half price, and there’s live music. Yummy small plates of habanerospiced ahi tuna ceviche, smoky sundried-tomato mac and cheese (made with three different cheeses) and refreshing Granny Smith apple salad are some of our favorites. Still hungry? It’s hard to pass up the succulent balsamic-y spare ribs and flavorful, crunchy calamari. If you’re with family (or a family of friends), consider the exquisite saffron-infused paella, made with authentic Calasparra rice. Tapas: $2.95-$14.95 (most in the $5-$8 range) Large plates (for two or more): $20$24 eclipsediluna.com

HEARTH PIZZA TAVERN

Sandy Springs is lucky to be home to Hearth Pizza Tavern, where worldclass pie is served up in a cozy corner of the Exchange at Hammond. Pizzas such as the Ring of Fire and The Cure would earn three Michelin stars if there were a pizza rating, and other menu items aren’t far behind. If you’re eating

Casi Cielo's melt-in-your-mouth sea bass is dusted with achiote and topped with fresh corn puree. To drink? Smoky Old Fashioned, of course!

on-site parking spots are limited, so consider carpooling or ridesharing. Starters: $4-$12 Salads, sandwiches and tacos: $11-$13 Entrees: $15-$19 Brunch items: $12-$15 bigskybuckhead.com

DAS BBQ

In 2016, Stephen Franklin had a dream to make Georgia the most “inclusive, creative barbecue experience in the country,” and that’s just what he did at DAS BBQ. Whether it’s the rosy, smoke-ringed brisket, equally pink and juicy St. Louis-style ribs or the spicy, smoked chicken wings, every bony bite is a testament to Franklin’s focus on the art and science of smoked meats. Bring the whole family and don’t pass up house-made sides of decadent cream corn, mac ’n’ cheese and stickto-your-ribs Brunswick stew. Dig into white chocolate banana pudding after if you’re willing and able. Meats (whole, half and sandwich): $7-$28, sausages $5/link Wings: $9/$18 for half dozen/dozen Side dishes (in regular, pint or quart): $3-$23 Desserts: $3-$5 dasbbq.com

carb-free, go for the Tavern chopped salad, piled high with Italian meats and cheeses, or dig in to hot, crispy Brussels sprouts or zesty roasted cauliflower. If those don’t tempt you, then the steaming bowl of PEI mussels or an oozing, medium-rare Angus beef burger will be your best bet. Openers and salads: $6-$12 Burgers and sandwiches: $10-$12 Pizzas: $7-$19 hearthpizzatavern.com

HOUSTON’S

Houston’s probably won’t make the list of any highfalutin, big-city critic. And yet the Beverly Hills-based chain, which has had an Atlanta presence since 1978, has a devoted following, thanks to its consistently good, all-American food; its commitment to customer comforts; and its flagrant disregard for culinary razzle-dazzle. While the gooey spinachand-artichoke dip and the Famous French Dip are the stuff of legend, we are crazy about the Thai steak and noodle salad, the crispy-skinned rotisserie chicken and the warm, five-nut brownie with vanilla ice cream. At Houston’s, every table is bolted to the floor so it won’t wobble, servers bring chilled glasses so your drink never gets tired and the napkins have buttonholes so the white-shirt crowd can save its ties. We can only hope this classic sticks around for a few more decades. Starters and salads: $4-$20 Burgers and sandwiches: $18-$20 Entrees: $25-$45 hillstone.com/houstons

PRICCI

Opened in 1991, Pricci is the Italian jewel in Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s crown. This Buckhead institution still aspires to (and delivers) exceptional service, superlative Italian cooking and a vibe that’s both elegant and inclusive. Nothing says buon appetito like silky burrata Pugliese (cream filled mozzarella), tangy parmesan and anchovy-rich Caesar salad and aromatic steamed cozze (mussels in tomatogarlic sauce). Barbera-braised short rib ravioli, pecorino-sauced cacio e pepe and pizzas of all varieties are favorites, but if you’re extra peckish, order the Dutch-imported 16-ounce veal chop. Mangia bene, but don’t forget to try Pricci’s world-class tiramisu. Appetizers and salads: $8-$26 Pizza and pastas: $17-$27 Entrees: $24-$46 Desserts: $6-$15 buckheadrestaurants.com

Smoked wings, tender brisket and flavorful side dishes are DAS BBQ signatures.

PURE TAQUERIA

Nestled in the heart of Brookleigh Marketplace, Pure Taqueria is a true Brookhaven oasis. After 6 p.m., head up to the adults-only rooftop bar for killer Lunazul tequila margaritas and sumptuous soft tacos complemented by more than a half dozen chile salsas. Downstairs in the bright and sunny dining room, families and hipsters gather for silky fondue-like queso con todo, sizzling cazuela bowls, hearty sandwiches such as the torta de carne y chorizo and myriad Tex-Mex specialties featuring the freshest seafood, meats and vegetarian options. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more cheerful and accommodating waitstaff. Appetizers and taco platters: $4.79-$15.99 Classics, sandwiches and specialties: $8.49-$22.99 Desserts: $5.09-$8.49 puretaqueria.com

The five-nut brownie at Houstons is a decadent overload of chocolate, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

R. THOMAS DELUXE GRILL

Open 24/7 and bedecked with ’70sstyle disco lighting, beaded curtains and groovy plastic walls, this Buckhead favorite feels like a throwback to the days when the health food craze was in its genesis. Whether you go for the sizzling bone-in hot wings or Dr. Joe’s Mango Salad with a side of raw cashew “cheese,” R. Thomas lives up to its promise to “treat carnivores and vegetarians with equal respect.” More menu favorites include the quinoa-rich Thai Express bowl, the classic Thomas Burger with sprouts and guacamole, the curry coconut seafood linguine, Southwestern-style R.’s Quesadilla and an unforgettable peanut butter chocolate pie. Breakfast: $9.75-$14.75 Appetizers: $4.50-$17.50 Sandwiches, salads and veggie mains: $5.99-$17.50 Entrees: $13.25-$20.75 Desserts: $6.50-$8.75 rthomasdeluxegrill.net

YUZU

Chamblee is to Atlanta what 1980s SoHo was to Manhattan: edgy and on the verge, which is why traditional, sedate Yuzu is such a welcome respite in its midst. Veteran restaurateurs Anna and Kenny Kim run their dining room with efficiency and grace. With a flash of his Masamoto knife, Chef Kim delivers top-notch sushi and sashimi such as chu-toro, escolar and salmon, as well as mouthwatering rolls (we highly recommend the special spicy rainbow roll and the crunchy dragon roll). With dishes such as tempura udon, charred salmon skin salad, Japanese ceviche and an impeccable teriyaki chicken, there’s something for everyone at this authentic sushi bistro. Appetizers, salads: $4-$14.50 Special plates: $13.50-$17.80 Sushi plates, rolls: $8.50-$16.50 Dinner entrees: $13.50-$15.90 yuzusushiatlanta.com

Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.

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