ABOUT US
JOHN C. METZ
CEO, Executive Chef & Co-Founder
With more than 28 years of restaurant and hospitality experience, John Metz knows what it takes to create, run and maintain a successful restaurant company and has done just that for the past 18 years with his many culinary ventures in the Atlanta area. As Executive chef and co-owner of Marlow's Tavern, the Woodall, Aqua Blue, Hi Life Kitchen and Cocktails, and the Spinning Room, John is thrilling residents in the Atlanta area with cuisine that inspires and entraps even the hardest to please.
Metz is very involved in the industry and communities in which he operates his businesses. He serves on numerous local and national boards as well as many local charity organizations. He is on the National Restaurant Association and Georgia Restaurant Association Boards of Directors, The Atlanta Visitors and Convention Bureau Board and was appointed as Vice Chairman 2005 for the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA). In addition, he is actively involved with the Special Olympics of Georgia and Share our Strength organizations. Sterling Hospitality has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for these and other local community organizations.
CEO, Executive Chef & Co-Founder
With more than 28 years of restaurant and hospitality experience, John Metz knows what it takes to create, run and maintain a successful restaurant company and has done just that for the past 18 years with his many culinary ventures in the Atlanta area. As Executive chef and co-owner of Marlow's Tavern, the Woodall, Aqua Blue, Hi Life Kitchen and Cocktails, and the Spinning Room, John is thrilling residents in the Atlanta area with cuisine that inspires and entraps even the hardest to please.
Metz is very involved in the industry and communities in which he operates his businesses. He serves on numerous local and national boards as well as many local charity organizations. He is on the National Restaurant Association and Georgia Restaurant Association Boards of Directors, The Atlanta Visitors and Convention Bureau Board and was appointed as Vice Chairman 2005 for the Distinguished Restaurants of North America (DiRoNA). In addition, he is actively involved with the Special Olympics of Georgia and Share our Strength organizations. Sterling Hospitality has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for these and other local community organizations.
ROBERTA NEMO
CSW
Roberta Nemo is an American Society of Wine Educators Certified Specialist of Wine and restaurant industry veteran. She began her career in restaurants at 14, working as a dishwasher before quickly being promoted to prep cook, then on to host, server, bartender, and manager, before becoming an owner. During her career, Nemo has worked with hotels, country clubs and fine dining restaurants, developing a passion for hospitality, food and wine. Nemo has served as the Assistant Sommelier at Canoe in Vinings, Georgia, as well the General Manager and Wine Director for Aria in Atlanta. Today, Nemo uses her passion and extensive knowledge to develop the wine list for Marlow’s Tavern and the Spinning Room.
CSW
Roberta Nemo is an American Society of Wine Educators Certified Specialist of Wine and restaurant industry veteran. She began her career in restaurants at 14, working as a dishwasher before quickly being promoted to prep cook, then on to host, server, bartender, and manager, before becoming an owner. During her career, Nemo has worked with hotels, country clubs and fine dining restaurants, developing a passion for hospitality, food and wine. Nemo has served as the Assistant Sommelier at Canoe in Vinings, Georgia, as well the General Manager and Wine Director for Aria in Atlanta. Today, Nemo uses her passion and extensive knowledge to develop the wine list for Marlow’s Tavern and the Spinning Room.
BRENT RABREN
Vice President 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 busing 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 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.
Vice President 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 busing 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 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.