In late 1999
Frank Taylor, then Director of Food & Beverage for
the Troy Marriott met Robert Porcher, star defensive
lineman for the Detroit Lions. As the team captain,
Robert was looking to host a dinner for his teammates
and their families and was impressed by the customer
service he received when dining at Schula's.
Frank Taylor, a very savvy manager, offered to have
Schula's host the team dinner at no cost. "At no
cost" was not a familiar term for Robert; and knowing
a good deal when he heard one, Robert took Frank
up on his proposal. That team dinner was not only
a success, but became an annual event while Porcher
was with the Detroit Lions.
Over the next few years, Frank and Robert had many
conversations about potential dining experiences
that could be offered within the city of Detroit.
They also found they had many commonalities: both
had moved to Detroit from other states, both felt
the urge to give back and create business opportunities
for their adopted city. And as Frank moved about
the restaurant industry they kept in touch, keeping
that dream very much alive.
Following the Troy Marriott, Frank opened Parkway
Grille at the Centerpoint Marriott, where he managed
food and beverage for three Marriott properties.
Frank then had the opportunity to manage what we
now know as Sweet Georgia Brown. Frank had developed
a relationship with Chef Jerry Nottage, which he
felt was the key piece to his puzzle. It was this
string of successes that led to the formation of
the Frank Taylor Management Group.
Frank of course contacted Robert about the opportunity,
but Robert still in the throws of his football career
and community service commitments decided to pass
on a partnership opportunity. However, the opening
of Sweet Georgia Brown only made the magnetic draw
to the restaurant business even stronger.
Finally in 2004, the perfect opportunity presented
itself. Frank, Robert and Chef Jerry partnered in
the award winning Seldom Blues. The restaurant opened
with much fanfare and kicked off the Southern Hospitality
Restaurant Group. Continuing to manage Sweet Georgia
Brown, the company then opened the Detroit Breakfast
House & Grill in 2005, shortly followed by the opening
of the Grand City Grille in 2006. It was shortly
thereafter that Seldom Blues won the coveted "Restaurant
of the Year" award from the Detroit Free Press.
Each restaurant has a unique identity, but the underlying
theme is constant - a wonderful dining experience
in unique and beautiful environments.
Due to the growing staff now employed by the Southern
Hospitality Restaurant Group, Frank, Robert and
Chef Jerry decided to hold their first annual manager's
meeting at the origin of their brainchild. In early
2006, managers assembled at the Troy Marriott for
a series of discussions. It was then that Robert
presented Frank with the Southern Hospitality Restaurant
Group "Best of the Best" Award; and told this very
story to the management team.
This chance meeting was destined to become what
is now known as the Southern Hospitality Restaurant
Group. Frank, Robert and Chef Jerry encourage everyone
they speak with to follow their dream, proving that
it can become bigger and better than you ever imagined.
Many times people come up to Frank and Robert and
ask "how did you meet" or "how have you been able
to maintain this type of success". Their simple
response . . . It's just the Southern Hospitality
Way. .”
