Big Table Restaurants is wrapping up 2023 with a major new hire announcement. The company that owns beloved Atlanta-area restaurants HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern (Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Atlantic Station, Halcyon in Alpharetta and Vinings), Cattle Shed Wine & Steak Bar in Alpharetta and Big Table Events & Catering has selected Donald Gale (pictured below) as its new director of culinary. His vast and diverse experience in the restaurant industry is destined to shape Big Table’s restaurants in 2024 and beyond. 

“With more than three decades of experience, Donnie has been recognized for leading restaurants to higher quality and higher success,” says Big Table Restaurants co-owner Sean Yeremyan. “His broad range of skills and industry knowledge are invaluable. We’re pleased to welcome him to our team.”

Gale’s focus will be on menu development, multi-unit operations consistency and training, supply chain vendor collaboration, testing/feedback performance analytics and operational fit. His impressive background includes stints at several prominent restaurant groups including as vice president of R&D and procurement of Outback Steakhouse International from 1991-2012. During his time, he led menu development of locally inspired items for each market while maintaining the core Outback Steakhouse experience. While establishing meat sourcing and portioning programs, he developed an incredible appreciation for cultural traditions and the beginning of globalization. 

Most recently he was director of R&D, procurement and culinary for Southern Proper Hospitality Group’s Tin Lizzy’s brand in Atlanta. Previous positions also include director of R&D and culinary for Metro Diner in Tampa and vice president of R&D and procurement of Blackburn Ameripub in North Carolina.

Gale says he values people, stewardship and having fun when working with a restaurant group and looks forward to bringing those ideals along to the Big Table Restaurants team.