Vintage Hospitality Group Announces Auburn Hospitality Scholarship

The Vintage Hospitality Blount-Rivera Annual Scholarship was established for students enrolled in the Hospitality Management Program at Auburn University. In addition to assisting with the economic burden of tuition, the grant provides internships for all three hospitality majors pursuing a degree to gain valuable professional experience and make important industry contacts in the industry. The scholarship was created to engage and encourage students by creating a bridge between Auburn and Montgomery hospitality industries.   

“Providing this scholarship is our opportunity to invest in the future of hospitality,” said Executive Chef Eric Rivera. “We also want to honor students who are working hard to ensure that forthcoming hospitality success is rooted right here in the south.”

Recognized with many awards and national press, Vintage Hospitality Group’s team, led by Proprietor Jud Blount and Executive Chef Eric Rivera, 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. Headquartered in Montgomery, 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.

The Hospitality Management program at Auburn University provides a strong educational foundation and excellent career preparation for students interested in the premium service segment of the hospitality industry. The Hospitality Management Program’s mission is defined by its focus on instructional, research and outreach initiatives. It develops exceptional leaders and educators for the Hotel, Restaurant, Culinary, and Event Management fields to serve the state of Alabama and global hospitality communities.

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 Hospitality Group Introduces New Items on Fall Menus

Vintage Hospitality Group, which owns Vintage Year and Vintage Cafe, has unveiled new dining options at both restaurants. New to the Fall Dinner menu at Vintage Year include Autumn Salad (Artisan Lettuce, Roasted Butternut Squash, Fried Goat Cheese, Toasted Pistachios and a Tart Cherry Vinaigrette), C.A.B. Filet (Sweet Potato Fingerlings, Fioretto Cauliflower, Crispy Vidalia Onion Petals, Sauce Mornay), Gulf Crab Cake Fritters (Arugula, Cajun Sauce Noir), and Gulf Snapper (Butternut Squash‏ & Shrimp Bisque, Heirloom Wild Rice, Sautéed Spinach, Grilled Jumbo Gulf Shrimp). Vintage Cafe also has new breakfast and lunch menu selections for Fall including Jackson’s Reuben (Corned Beef, Swiss, Vintage Cole Slaw, Marble Rye), Capital Panini (Sweet Potato Butter, Honey Crisp Apple, Gruyere, Peppered Bacon, Arugula, Everything Bagel), Pimento Grilled Cheese (Super Suppers Pimento Cheese, Toasted Multigrain Bread) and Butternut Squash Panini (Roasted Butternut Squash, Herb Goat Cheese, Arugula, Crispy Pancetta). These new menus allows Vintage Hospitality Group to engage with its patrons by providing offerings that are new, exciting and different.

“We still have some additional items to release on this autumn menu,” said Executive Chef Eric Rivera, “As the season changes, our menus reflect fall flavors and utilize the availability of not only local products but also seasonal ones.”

Vintage Hospitality Group’s team of Proprietor Jud Blount, Executive Chef Eric Rivera, Sous Chefs Brian Morrison and Amber Bonds 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, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest hand-cut meats, the freshest seafood, premium coffees, specialty teas, outstanding wines and specialty spirits along with excellent customer service.

For additional information or interviews, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. Click here for Vintage Cafe photos or here for Vintage Year’s images. For more information about Vintage Cafe, visit www.vintagecafemgm.com and Vintage Year or photos, visit vymgm.com

Vintage Café Opens in Historic Regions Bank Building in Montgomery, AL

Amidst Montgomery, Alabama’s reemergence, Vintage Hospitality Group recently brought Vintage Café to the Old Cloverdale neighborhood in the former Regions Bank building. Serving Monday-Saturday from 7am–5pm, Vintage Café has grab-and-go offerings as well as indoor/outdoor seating and a drive-thru window for customers to enjoy Stumptown Coffee Roasters specialty coffees, Steven Smith Teamaker teas, fresh juices, smoothies, beer, wine, a variety of healthy food choices and a retail area full of blends, gifts and accessories. The space was created for everyone in the neighborhood from moms grabbing a quick bite or smoothie after school to professionals working remotely or getting a cup of joe on the way to the office.

“At Vintage Café, our team is committed to providing a crisp level of service that is prompt and polite,” said General Manager Bryan Wooden. “Welcoming each of our guests into our comfortable environment coupled with our quality offerings are the ingredients to providing the preferred Vintage Café experience. This is our contribution and commitment to our community.”

Built in 1955, the two story, former Regions and First National Bank building is owned by Café proprietor Jud Blount and his uncle, Tom Blount. Prior to transforming this historic building, the elder Blount, a retired architect, also designed the Alabama Shakespeare Festival and Blount Cultural Park in addition to several other buildings internationally. The sleek, modern interior design was done by Laura Dockery Design while the renovation was brought to life by R.F. Pruett Construction. Working together, the team refurbished the bank’s terrazzo floors, transformed the teller window into a drive thru and re-purposed safety deposit boxes along the counter. Guests will see other elements of the old bank including a working camera in the height chart by the entrance, the depository box, and metal vault gate. Additionally, the second-floor mezzanine that overlooks the entrance is next to a private room that is available for daytime meetings as well as receptions and cocktail parties at night.

Vintage Hospitality Group brings Vintage Café to the Old Cloverdale neighborhood located at 416 Cloverdale Road. The team of Proprietor Jud Blount, Executive Chef Eric Rivera and General Manager Bryan Wooden has over 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 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 or photos, please contact Lorrie Griggs of Eskimo Advertising at lorrie@eskimoadvertising.com. For more information about Vintage Cafe, visit www.vintagecafemgm.com. 

Vintage Year Introduces Gourmet to Go Menu in Montgomery

After many requests from guests, Vintage Year restaurant is pleased to offer Gourmet to Go for house parties, events and social gatherings. Available by the half and full pan, family style sides include Mac ‘n Cheese, Collards, Turnip Greens with Bacon, Duck Fat Baby Potatoes and Goat Cheese Au Gratin ranging from $25 to $100. Pimento Cheese, Artichoke Dip, Andouille Stew and Seafood Dynamite can be ordered by the quart and serve 6-8 people for $15 to $25. 24 hour advance notice and scheduled pick up times are required for orders from this special menu. 

“We chose selections that are easily transportable and reflect the quality as if you were dining at Vintage Year,” said Executive Chef Eric Rivera. “Items such as the Seafood Dynamite and Andouille Stew have always been favorites on our menu and in the past patrons have ordered larger quantities for family visits.” 

An important part of the fabric of Montgomery, Vintage Hospitality Group’s team of Proprietor Jud Blount, Executive Chef Eric Rivera and General Manager Bryan Wooden have over 45 years of combined experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining, Vintage Café will be a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest hand-cut meats, the freshest seafood, 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 Year, visit vymgm.com.

Vintage Hospitality Group Joins Share the Gulf Initiative and James Beard’s Smart Catch Program

As Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to the community by providing the best to its clientele, its Executive Chef Eric Rivera will be heading to Washington to represent Alabama by joining fisherman and other chefs from around the Gulf to speak with congressional staff about key sustainability issues that directly affect the Gulf and the area’s seafood. The trip is through the Share the Gulf Initiative, a coalition of chefs, restaurateurs, seafood businesses, fishermen conservationists and consumers who want to keep the local Gulf fishing and seafood industries fair and strong. The trip and initiative are important as Vintage Year is known for fresh seafood and is passionate about where it comes from and those who supply it.  Vintage Hospitality Group is committed to sourcing local and domestically sustainable products first. 
 
“We are proud and grateful to have the gulf so close that we need to protect its fishing and seafood industries,” said Chef Rivera. “That’s why we are also now a member of the James Beard’s Smart Catch program that has a similar goal of increasing the sustainability of the seafood supply chain.”

 
Share the Gulf was launched to raise awareness of and support for local fishing businesses, restaurants, grocery stores and the communities who depend on Gulf seafood. Better management of commercial fishing and new progress by charter fishermen are keeping both industries within sustainable limits. But a broken system for managing recreational fishing has led to years of unsustainable overages, angering everyone, especially anglers. The initiative believes that if groups sit down and work together we can give recreational anglers the flexibility and certainty they want and deserve while ensuring Americans can continue to enjoy red snapper and other Gulf seafood now and into the future. 

The idea for James Beard’s Smart Catch is simple and powerful as the program provides training and support to chefs so they can serve seafood fished or farmed in environmentally-responsible ways. With more than 90 percent of the world’s fisheries either fully fished or overfished, preserving marine life to assure stable fishing stocks and promoting sustainably farmed options is more important than ever. By earning the Smart Catch emblem, chefs give consumers a simple way to identify and support their restaurants. Through Smart Catch, chefs have a chance to use their influence to lead industry efforts to maintain healthy, sustainable food sources both for now and for future generations. They will be able to expand not only palates, but also views. 

Vintage Hospitality Group’s team of Proprietor Jud Blount, Executive Chef Eric Rivera and General Managers Chase Brown and Bryan Wooden 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, Vintage Café will be a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest hand-cut meats, the freshest seafood, 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.vintagehospitalitygroup.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.

 

Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View on Instagram