With a wealth of knowledge in the restaurant industry based on 30 years experience, Co-founder, Owner and Executive Chef John Metz along with Chef de Cuisine Kien Sam and Managing Partner Brian Longacre work together seamlessly at Aqua blue.
Presently, Metz is chef and co-owner of Hi Life kitchen & cocktails, Aqua Blue Restaurant & Bar, Marlow’s Tavern and Sterling Spoon Catering, a contract management company located in Atlanta, Ga. . Metz and partner Thomas DiGiorgio also own Greazy Spoon Consulting, whose clients include Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, Italianni’s, Longhorn/RARE Hospitality and Village Tavern Restaurants.
Trained at some of the top institutions and dining destinations in the country, Metz brings knowledge and flavor to the menus of the restaurants he operates. Metz is a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America and Penn State University and began his long-standing career at some of the finest restaurants in New York including the following: The 21 Club, Tribeca Grill, Park Avenue Café and Montrachet. In addition, Metz previously served as Executive Chef and Director of R&D for Carlson Worldwide, the franchisor for T.G.I. Fridays.
Not only is Metz involved in his own ventures, but he is also heavily involved in the restaurant community. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors of the National Restaurant Association and was appointed as Chairman for the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRōNA) for 2007.
Thomas DiGiorgio - Architect, Designer and Co-Founder
As the architect, designer and co-Founder behind Marlow’s Tavern, Aqua blue Restaurant & Bar and Hi Life kitchen & cocktails, Thomas DiGiorgio along with John C. Metz, Jr. have made a mark on the Atlanta restaurant scene.
DiGirogio is the president of the award-winning DK Group a diversified holding company with current interests in construction, architecture and real estate development. Based in Pompano Beach, Fla., the DK Group’s current client list includes Brinker International, Darden, Marriott and McDonalds. DiGiorgio’s full commitment to providing superior service to his clients has help make him a powerhouse in the development of commercial and residential real estate projects as well as an influential member of the Georgia restaurant scene.
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