Vintage Year Restaurant Celebrates 40 Years of Excellence

Montgomery’s beloved dining institution, Vintage Year, is proud to announce its 40th anniversary. Since its establishment in 1984, Vintage Year has been a cherished destination for patrons seeking exceptional cuisine, warm hospitality, and exceptional dining experiences that delight the senses and create lasting memories. Over the past four decades, The Vintage Year has stood as a symbol of tradition, quality, and community in Montgomery. Through its dedication to culinary and innovation excellence as well as unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, the award-winning restaurant has become a beloved gathering place for families, friends, and food enthusiasts alike.

“We’re proud that Vintage Year holds so many treasured memories across generations,” said current owner Jud Blount. “With pride, we continue the tradition and extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our valued customers. Cheers to 40 years!” 

Vintage Hospitality Group operates the fine-dining flagship restaurant, Vintage Year, Vintage Café, a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store as well as Frenchie’s, a French bistro, all in Montgomery’s historic Old Cloverdale neighborhood. Ravello Ristorante is its hot Italian establishment, along with several private event spaces located downtown. The company also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens and Red Bluff Bar, a venue that offers live music, beer, wine and small bites along the scenic Alabama riverfront. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving coverage in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Garden & Gun, PBS NewsHour, USA Today, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines.

For interviews, photos, menus, complimentary media tasting or additional information, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehg.com

Ravello Ristorante Announces Launch of Lunch Service in Montgomery, AL

Ravello Ristorante, a renowned dining destination in Montgomery, is pleased to announce the introduction of lunch service starting on February 13th. The new offering will provide guests with an opportunity to savor delectable fare expertly crafted by the talented culinary team in a warm ambiance with attentive service. Ravello will offer our exceptional Italian cuisine to patrons during the daytime hours from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Tuesday through Friday. The restaurant is taking reservations for lunch service through RESY, providing customers with a convenient and efficient way to secure their table and ensure a delightful dining experience.

“Adding lunch service is in response to the growing demand for a memorable midday dining experience in the downtown area,” said Vintage Hospitality Group Executive Chef and Co-Owner Eric Rivera. “Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional cuisine and hospitality, and we are excited to extend our offerings to accommodate the lunchtime crowd.”

Vintage Hospitality Group operates the fine-dining flagship restaurant, Vintage Year, Vintage Café, a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store as well as Frenchie’s, a French bistro, all in Montgomery’s historic Old Cloverdale neighborhood. Ravello Ristorante is its renowned Italian establishment, along with several private event spaces located downtown. The company also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens and Red Bluff Bar, a venue that offers live music, beer, wine and small bites along the scenic Alabama riverfront. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving coverage in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Garden & Gun, PBS NewsHour, USA Today, Forbes, and Newsweek Magazines among others. 

For interviews, photos or additional information, please contact Lorrie Dixson Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehg.com

Vintage Hospitality Group Recognized at Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s Stars of the Industry Awards

Montgomery, Alabama-based Vintage Hospitality Group (VHG) received recognition across multiple categories at the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s (ARHA) Stars of the Industry Awards annual dinner on November 14th. The event honors Alabama’s lodging, tourism and restaurant industry and represents over 1,200 members. A highlight from the evening included VHG’s Executive Chef Eric Rivera receiving the acclaimed Chef of the Year title for his work at Ravello.

Rivera’s extensive culinary skills, visionary leadership, entrepreneurial drive and community engagement were on full display this year as the VHG team opened their most ambitious project to date, Ravello Ristorante. This popular new Italian fine dining restaurant located in historic downtown Montgomery achieved national recognition for its wine program and hosted over 12,000 reservations within months of opening. Later this month, Ravello will open the city’s first and only rooftop bar, Bar Attico.

In addition, VHG Proprietor Jud Blount, named Restauranteur of the Year by ARHA in 2021, was selected as a finalist for ARHA’s Humanitarian Award, and VHG team members Maykol Garcia and J.R. Williams, both of Ravello Ristorante, were named finalists in the Front of the House Employee of the Year and Restaurant Manager of the Year categories. Ravello’s Beverage Director Joshua Hungerford competed as a finalist in the Bartender of the Year Competition as well.

“The Vintage Hospitality team is honored to receive this recognition from our partners and peers in the industry,” said Blount. “The high-quality experience we strive to create for our guests starts with each team member, and we are so proud of their dedication to delivering outstanding culinary and beverage selections with unparalleled service.”

In addition to Ravello Ristorante, Vintage Hospitality Group operates their fine-dining flagship restaurant, Vintage Year, as well as a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store, Vintage Café, in Montgomery’s historic Old Cloverdale neighborhood. The company also owns the hydroponic farm MGM Greens and Red Bluff Bar, a venue that offers live music, beer, wine and small bites along the scenic Alabama Riverfront.

For more information on Vintage Hospitality Group, please visit https://www.vintagehg.com/. For more information on the ARHA Stars of the Industry Awards, please visit https://www.arhaonline.com.

Release courtesy of the Lou Hammond Group. 

 

Vintage Hospitality Group Expands its State of the Art Hydroponic Farm in Montgomery, Alabama

In partnership with Alabama Power, Vintage Hospitality Group recently expanded MGM Greens by adding Freight Farm’s Greenery, a fully climate-controlled hydroponic farm built inside of a compact 320 sq. ft. container. This smart farm is self contained, growing vertically and hydroponically without soil, getting its nutrition from water and light energy from powerful LEDs. Through these climate controlled components, plants can thrive inside the containers offering the capability to harvest fresh produce multiple times a week and grow 365 days a year. This addition lets MGM Greens work within multiple environments to grow additional produce allowing a diverse crop yield for its restaurants, Vintage Cafe and Vintage Year, both 50 feet away. With the Greenery expansion, the group is selling retail and also plans to host its own local neighborhood farmers market on a monthly basis. 

“Purchasing the second Greenery has allowed us to now be able to curate our menu based on new successful crops,” said Vintage Hospitality Group’s Executive Chef Eric Rivera. “It will further maximizing growing potential as it also offers the capability for multiple test crops for upcoming menus at our new restaurant, Ravello.” 

While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. As the group also owns MGM Greens, it will be opening City Fed and Ravello restaurant in 2021. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving mentions in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines. In addition to being named a Smart Catch Leader, Executive Chef Eric Rivera has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a winner of its Blended Burger competition. Chef Eric has also led Vintage Year to be named one of OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America and a Traveler’s Choice winner by Trip Advisor. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and spirits along with unparalleled customer service.

For additional information, interviews, photos or a complimentary media tour, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehospitalitygroup.com

Vintage Year Earns Wine Spectator Restaurant Award in 2020

Vintage Year restaurant has been honored for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator Magazine’s 2020 Restaurant Awards. The Award of Excellence recognizes restaurants whose wine lists feature a well-chosen assortment of quality producers along with a thematic match to the menu in both price and style. Vintage Year is also on James Beard Foundation’s Smart Catch Leader list in 2020 for sustainable seafood sourcing. 

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized again on such prestigious lists,” said proprietor Jud Blount. “We have assembled an outstanding staff who are focused on bringing the best experience to our customers.”

“This year’s Wine Spectator Restaurant Award program celebrates restaurants’ resilience, dedication and bravery during these unprecedented times,” said Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator. “We look forward to raising a glass together, and to new beginnings.”

While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. The group also owns MGM Greens, a hydroponic container farm, and will be opening City Fed and Ravello restaurant soon. Vintage Hospitality Group’s national press accolades include receiving mentions in the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Forbes and Newsweek Magazines. In addition to being named a Smart Catch Leader, Executive Chef Eric Rivera has been recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a winner of its Blended Burger competition. Chef Eric has also led Vintage Year to be named one of OpenTable’s 100 Most Romantic Restaurants in America. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and spirits along with unparalleled customer service.

Wine Spectator is the world’s leading authority on wine. It examines the world of wine from the vineyard to the table, exploring wine’s role in contemporary culture and delivering expert reviews of more than 15,000 wines each year. 

For additional information, interviews, photos or a complimentary media tasting, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehospitalitygroup.com

 

  

 

 

 

Vintage Cafe in Montgomery, Alabama Celebrates One Year Anniversary

Located in the heart of Cloverdale, Vintage Cafe has quickly has become a favorite coffee shop and healthy eatery in the neighborhood and beyond after opening its doors just a year ago. Offering specialty coffees, teas and gourmet cuisine from Executive Chef Eric Rivera combined with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent customer service have been key components to its success. Not to mention, the Cafe was recently mentioned in Forbes Magazine as well as in the New York Times last year.

“The overwhelming support and warm welcome from the community and media have been crucial to the success of this venture,” said Proprietor Jud Blount. “In the coming year, we plan to expand Vintage Cafe’s catering services and in house private events. “

Vintage Hospitality Group’s Vintage Café is in the Old Cloverdale neighborhood at 416 Cloverdale Road. The team of Proprietor Jud Blount, Executive Chef Eric Rivera, Sous Chef Amber Bonds and Catering Manager Whitney White has over 50 years of combined experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and spirits along with excellent customer service.

For additional information, interviews, photos or a complimentary media tasting, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Cafe, visit www.vintagecafemgm.com

Vintage Cafe Announces Signature Brands To be Offered

Vintage Cafe will be a purveyor of only the finest products in its new coffee shop and retail store that will open in early fall. Stumptown Coffee will be the signature brand served as it is not only one of the best coffee roasters in the U.S. but a like minded company also focused on the community and providing the best product which Montgomery deserves. Blends such as the “Hair Bender” and “Hollar Mountain” as well as seasonal single origin varietals will be carried. There will also be hot and iced teas by Steven Smith Teamaker, a company that procures and blends teas of outstanding quality and freshness. Customers can also shop the retail store for an array of blends, produce and honey from local farmers, Dak’s Spices, and pickles from Bern Farms in addition to finding accessories and gifts including ceramics from Earthborn Studios.  

“Vintage Cafe will be a welcoming community spot where patrons can unwind by enjoying premium coffees, teas, espressos, cappuccinos and hot chocolate as well as grabbing a healthy alternative for a quick bite of lunch,” said Executive Chef Eric Rivera. “I am creating a menu that will feature healthy options for breakfast and lunch including fresh salads, baked goods, grilled paninis, along with grab-and-go items.”

Vintage Hospitality Group is set to bring Vintage Café to the Old Cloverdale neighborhood in the former Regions Bank building located at 416 Cloverdale Road. Vintage Hospitality Group’s team of Proprietor Jud Blount, Executive Chef Eric Rivera and General Manager Chase Brown have 45 years of combined experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café will be a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. Open daily from 7am – 5pm, Vintage Café will offer indoor/outdoor seating, a drive-thru and walk-up window for both specialty coffee, tea and a variety of food choices. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and spirits along with excellent customer service.

For additional information, interviews or photos, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vymgm.com.

Vintage Café Coming Later this Year to Old Cloverdale

Vintage Hospitality Group is excited to introduce Vintage Café. Coming in early fall to the Old Cloverdale neighborhood, this new bistro will be located at 416 Cloverdale Road in the former Regions Bank building. While its flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café will be a coffee shop and daytime eatery. The menu will feature healthy options for breakfast and lunch including fresh salads, baked goods, grilled paninis, along with grab-and-go items. Open daily from 7am – 5pm, Vintage Café will feature indoor/outdoor seating, a drive-thru and walk-up window for both specialty coffee and a variety of food choices. 

“We look forward to adding this additional concept to the already successful businesses in this thriving area,” said Vintage Hospitality Group Proprietor Jud Blount.  “As I grew up in this neighborhood and have worked on the 400 block of Cloverdale Road for over 20 years, I knew this historic building that served as a bank for 62 years would be the perfect spot.”

Blount and his Vintage Hospitality Group team of Executive Chef Eric Rivera and General Manager Chase Brown have 45 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Vintage Year has been an important part of the fabric of Montgomery’s social scene since 1984. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, specialty coffees, outstanding wines and spirits along with excellent customer service. 

For additional information, interviews or photos, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vymgm.com.

 

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