The power pair behind Southern Proper Hospitality Group checks in to share their recipe for success and what's cooking this season at the buzzy brand behind ATL'S hotspots.
From friends at Florida State University to full-blown business partners running an award-winning hospitality business, Chris Hadermann and John Piemonte are two of the handsome faces behind Southern Proper Hospitality Group (@southernproperhospitality). You’re familiar with their work: Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman, Chido & Padre’s and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, to name a few. The duo has helped build SPHG’s brand lineup to include eight top-tier restaurants across 17 primo locations throughout the Southeast—and they’re not even close to finished.
Here, the hospitality moguls answer our burning questions.
When did inspiration spark to start Southern Proper Hospitality Group?
CH: My two partners and I got into this business when we opened East Andrews Café as a passion project in September 2002. We were immediately hooked and began concocting what was next. We didn’t realize at the time that it would be the start of our journey into developing Southern Proper Hospitality Group.
How have you seen Atlanta’s hospitality industry evolve over the years?
JP: More than anything, everyone in Atlanta has upped the game. We continue to evolve each SPHG concept by challenging our chefs and beverage teams to continue to elevate what we’re able to offer guests.
We know your team values philanthropy. How do you get involved in the community?
CH: Giving back is important to us. When I was nominated the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man of the Year, our whole team got behind the campaign. We raised a significant amount for the organization and ultimately won the competition. It was such an honor and really rewarding to win altogether. We’ve also supported other local organizations like Atlanta Community Food Bank, Bert’s Big Adventure, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and New Story charity. We’re working on some ambitious philanthropic projects that we are excited to announce later this year!
What’s next for SPHG?
JP: After so much success in Atlanta, we’ve started expanding into other markets in the Southeast, starting with successfully opening a second location of Gypsy Kitchen in Washington, D.C. We also plan to continue to focus on growing our portfolio in Atlanta, so stay tuned.
Chris Hadermann and John Piemonte PHOTO BY BRANDON AMATO
Our last burning question: What’s your go-to dish?
CH: I grew up in Florida, so nothing makes me happier than sitting on the patio of The Big Ketch, enjoying a nice, cold beer, our signature grouper sandwich and a dozen freshly shucked oysters.
JP: Hands down, the birria tacos from Chido & Padre’s. They’re savory, sweet, slightly spicy and have addictively tender meat.
Photography by: Brandon Amato
