Stakeholders in the Georgia restaurant community named Sterling Hospitality’s the Woodall their Favorite Neighborhood Hangout in the “Georgia on my Mind” People’s Choice Awards, a new category in the Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards.

The Woodall opened in 2021 in the Westside Village at Moores Mill and has quickly become a favorite for residents of Atlanta’s Westside. The restaurant is named for the creek that, along with Peachtree Creek, defines the borders of Moores Mill, and it is housed inside a converted brick warehouse featuring modern interior designs, including unique lighting elements, a spacious patio with community table seating, and an open-air firepit.

John C. Metz, executive chef, CEO, and co-founder of Sterling Hospitality, and his team have built an “approachable luxury experience,” that encourages guests to gather. The menu satisfies guests at multiple price points with contemporary takes on classic dishes and drinks that draw inspiration from all over the globe.

“This award is a testament to the success of our new concept,” says Metz. “We are honored that we received the most votes from our guests and others in the community who believe in the quality of our food and beverages and our great dining experience. It means a lot to have won a GRACE Award.”

During the awards ceremony, Sterling Hospitality also took home the Hospitality Hero of the Year award based on the world-class hospitality provided to its clients, vendors, employees, guests, and the neighborhoods and communities they serve. Metz credits his long-term staff as the "secret sauce" that makes each of his restaurants and cafés unique and different and is always looking for opportunities to support non-profit organizations that are important to them.