The tradition of independent restaurateurs owning multiple locations isn’t uncommon, as even those with varying styles and menus are often closely held by food-loving and business-savvy owners. There are several such success stories in and around Music City. But, according to Jerry Brown, founder of Hospitality Group, which operates Watermark, Miro District and the newly opened Blind Pig at No. 55, his own latest additions are going to raise the bar for our entire area.
For starters, he set out to give the 12th South neighborhood another friendly, casual dining spot and watering hole in taking over the former location of Mirror. Brown spared no expense on cleaning up and improving the interiors, the overall structure and even the patio. That was just part of his overall plan for his burgeoning dining empire.
Another goal was to find a clever, talented chef to take over the helm at Watermark in the Gulch and in his search, found an even more insightful way to keep diners coming back for more: Instead of just hiring a single chef, he recruited two. One for the restaurant, and yet another to direct and oversee the operation of all three of his ventures.
For the role of mentoring all of his chefs and restaurant employees, Brown brought in renowned chef Louis Osteen (winner of the James Beard Award in 2004). Charleston fans likely remember his stint at the famous Charleston Place Hotel where his Louis’ Charleston Grill received major awards and attention as well as praise from national magazines. He went on to open anther restaurant in Charleston, two in Las Vegas and also one in Pawley’s Island, S.C. Along the way, his recipes and techniques have been featured in Bon Appetit, GQ, Southern Living, The New York Times, Town and Country and Food and Wine publications. He’s also appeared on numerous television programs including The Discovery Channel’s Great Chefs of America. Osteen is known for his take on Southern dishes, and most famously for championing and redefining Low Country cuisine. Now, he brings his skill and expertise to Nashville, where it’s likely he will develop an entirely new group of fans and followers.
“My plan in bringing someone with his experience to our team is so that he can collaborate with the chef at each individual restaurant, and serve in a mentoring role for our talented line up,” Brown explains. “With him on board, we are positioned to gain national attention, which ultimately benefits the entire city ...
Info:
Watermark
507 12th Ave. S.
(615) 254-2000
www.watermark-restaurant.com
Mon-Thurs—5 -9:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat —5-10 p.m.
Order: Daily specials and seafood dishes
Parking: Valet available