CEO, Executive Chef and Co-founder

As chef & co-owner of Marlow’s Tavern, the Woodall & Spinning Room, John Metz is thrilling residents in the Southeast with cuisine that inspires. Trained by the best, John earned his degree at the Culinary Institute of America. He began his long-standing career at some of the finest restaurants in New York such as The 21 Club, Tribeca Grill, Park Avenue Café, Montrachet and Restaurant Daniel.

Not only is Chef Metz integrally 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 Culinary Institute of America, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the Georgia Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association and was appointed as Vice Chairman 2005 for the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA).

Architecture Design and Co-Founder

As co-creator, designer and partner behind Sterling Culinary Management, Marlow’s Tavern, 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 Atlanta restaurant scene. As a well-respected and award-winning entrepreneur with an impressive 25-year history in real estate and restaurant development, architecture, and large construction oversight.

He is charged with spearheading real estate development initiatives, from site selection and architectural design to initial pro forma statements and comprehensive financial analysis for Sterling, Marlow’s and the Woodall.

He diligently works to ensure that all key stakeholders – inclusive of investors, clients, vendors, and employees – are treated equally and given superior levels of attention. Tommy has an exceptional educational foundation in the principles of finance, which he obtained during five years of concentrated coursework at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He offers his time and energies to several civic and government agencies, including a Board of Directors membership on the Tiger Trail Festival Committee, as Director of the Research for the Cure Cancer Foundation, and as Chairman of the Pompano Beach Economic Development Council.

VP of Operations & Development

Brent’s career in food and beverage started in 1997 with a strong passion for food and customer service. Following in his father's footsteps, he grew up bussing and setting tables in restaurants his father managed. At the age of 18, Brent accepted his first management position in the hotel industry.

Since then, Brent has expanded his knowledge studying Hotel Restaurant Management and Business Management. He has had extensive knowledge and experience with Darden Restaurants, Healthcare, NASCAR, and, most recently with Aramark. Brent's passion for food and strong leadership proved to be invaluable, and he was the first individual to be awarded the R.O.C.K award in 2013. Brent also developed an Executive Leadership Council focusing on developing young leaders while working toward their goals as professionals.

VP of Marketing & Administrative Officer

Kaffee is responsible for marketing strategy for Marlow’s Taverns, the Woodall and Sterling Culinary Management. She manages corporate branding and communications to ensure brand integrity and growth. Also develops and implements all marketing communications including advertising, social media, on-line/web media, broadcast, public relations, and sponsorships. As well as directs PR, media and advertising agency partnerships.

Kaffee has 30 plus years of marketing and advertising experience, which includes time on both the agency and client sides of the business. Before joining Sterling Hospitality, she consulted for such notable companies as AGCO, GE, Applebee’s, and Georgia Natural Gas.

Prior to entering the freelance world Kaffee was Vice President/Group Account Director at the Atlanta office of Grey Global. Kaffee also worked on accounts for GCI, Grey’s sister PR agency. She was the lead on the PR efforts for the Olive Garden brand as well. Before joining Grey she was SVP of Account Service for Fletcher Martin.

Hopkins’ career began in the marketing department with Applebee’s International in 1987 when they had a mere 50 restaurants.

Kaffee has served seven years on the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executive Group (MEG) board where she is currently Chairman. She is a member of the Atlanta Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Market Partner

Keith has been with Sterling Culinary since 2017. His 32 years of experience in the hospitality industry began in private catering and his family’s restaurant serving and catering to residents at Lake Lanier. Keith spent several years in the hotel industry with Renaissance Hotels and Chateau Elan. Keith also worked in contract food service in 2003 with Aramark. Keith is an Alumnus of UGA and The School of Culinary Arts at the Art Institute of Atlanta.