As chef and co-owner of Marlow’s Tavern, Aqua Blue, and Hi Life Kitchen and Cocktails, John Metz is thrilling residents in the Atlanta area with cuisine that inspires and entraps even the hardest to please.

Metz brings knowledge and flavor to the menu of Marlow’s Tavern, as well as Aqua Blue and Hi Life Kitchen and Cocktails. Trained by the best, he earned his degree at the Culinary Institute of America. He also began his long-standing career at some of the finest restaurants in New York such as The 21 Club, Tribeca Grill, Park Avenue Cafe, Montrachet, and Restaurant Daniel.

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 recently appointed as Vice Chairman 2005 for the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA).

As creator, designer and partner behind Marlow’s Tavern in Alpharetta, Aqua Blue in Roswell, GA, and Hi Life Kitchen and Cocktails in Norcross, GA, Thomas DiGiorgio, along with John C. Metz Jr., has made a mark in the culinary scene. DiGiorgio and Metz plan on opening a fourth venture in February 2005.

DiGiorgio is the president of the award winning DK Group, a diversified holding company with current interests in construction, architecture, real estate development and film production. Based in Pompano Beach, FL the DK Group’s current client list includes Brinker International, Darden, Marriot and McDonald’s. DiGiorgio’s full commitment to providing superior service to his clients has helped make him a powerhouse in the development of commercial and residential real estate projects as well as an infuential member of the Georgia restaurant scene.

Rivera’s company, Rubicon Enterprises LLC, is a restaurant development company based in Sarasota, Florida. The company is involved in a number of operating ventures, including Corner Bar Partners, LLC and Metz Enterprises, both of which are involved in the development and operation of casual dining restaurants (Marlow’s Tavern and TGI Friday’s, respectively).

He began his career of more than 30 years in the restaurant industry with Steak and Ale Restaurants of America. He has held executive positions with a number of leading restaurant companies, including Darden Restaurants; RARE Hospitality International, Inc.; TGI Friday’s, Inc.; Applebee’s; and El Chico Corp.

Rivera’s achievements have been recognized by numerous industry awards, including the “Golden Chain” award from Nation’s Restaurant News, and the “Restaurant Business Leadership Award.” He was also honored as one of the top restaurant operators in the U.S. with the prestigious Silver Plate award from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. Women’s Foodservice Forum awarded Rivera its Trailblazer Award for his commitment to the diversity of cultures, perspectives, attitudes and ideas in the workplace. In May of 2007, he was elected Chairman of the National Restaurant Association .

Mr. Rivera is past chairman and a member of the Executive Committee of the Florida Citrus Sports Association, a community-based charitable organization that sponsors, among other events, the annual Champs Sports and Capital One Bowls in Orlando, and he is active in the World President’s Organization. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University, and an Honorary Doctorate of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University.

An enthusiastic leader who thrives on interacting with a range of personalities, Hank Clark has worked in the restaurant industry for 16 years. Since 2002, he has served as the Operations Partner for Aqua Blue and Hi Life Kitchen and Cocktails in addition to Marlow’s Tavern, which is undergoing a remarkable regional expansion plan. Clark strives to exceed not only his guests’ expectations but his employees’ anticipations, as well.

Clark studied Business Administration at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Okla., where he also played college baseball for the Titans. The knowledge, dedication and skill he obtained in school gave way to Clark’s flourishing career in the restaurant management field.

From 1990 to 1995, Clark worked for Brinker International in the Grady’s division and was promoted to general manager at age 23. He also served as general manager at Darden Restaurants in the Bahama Breeze division and at Clubhouse International. Teaming up with John Metz, chef and co-owner of Marlow’s Tavern, Aqua Blue and Hi Life, Clark has worked with the three restaurants since 2002.

Clark, a native of South Georgia, returned to Atlanta in 1995 from the Tampa market. He now lives in Alpharetta with his wife and three children. When away from work, Clark enjoys spending time with his family, taking wonderful vacations and golfing with friends.