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Meet Marti Schimmel of Marti’s at Midday in Athens

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marti Schimmel.

Marti, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I moved back to my hometown, Athens Ga, and started a small catering company 20 years ago. I providing catering for weddings, UGA events dinner parties, baby showers – if you needed food for a party I was there to cook for you!

15 years ago, I moved my catering operation (which was originally called Gourmet to Go Catering) into an existing restaurant location. It is a small house dating from the 1930’s and was “off the beaten path” at the time for restaurants. I thought I would serve a sandwich every once in a while – still thinking catering was going to be my main attraction. I put together a menu that included all my favorite lunch options – homemade soups, sandwiches on fresh baked breads, salads that were prepared to order and with love – everything I had always wanted to see on a lunch menu. Marti’s at Midday was born on October 31 2002. After 15 years I serve a lot more than “a sandwich every once in a while” – I have a wonderful lunch business that attracts professions, students, and locals. And, I still love to cater and get to provide love from my kitchen to events all over Athens and North East Georgia almost on a daily basis.

I am so grateful to be able to cook for my customers, whom I consider like guests in my home. And to be a part of the wonderful community of Athens, Georgia.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
For the most part. The recession was difficult but we survived. I got to drive the catering van for 2 years at that time – without a personal car which was not really the “sexiest” ride but it was sufficient.

Marti’s at Midday – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
We offer gourmet lunch Monday – Friday from 8 am until 3:30 pm. catering any-where any-time any-place. At my restaurant we are known for our chicken salad and pimento cheese- which most folks say is the best in the state! And customers are always commenting on our friendly service and atmosphere – if you are a customer you are also a friend. For catering – I can cook almost anything: so if you request my services for a party you are sure to get the best food in the city! I am the most proud of building a business on my own, from conception to 15 years. That is an accomplishment. And I am very proud of my staff – several have been with me for over 10 years and a few have gone on to open other local restaurants!

What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Paula Deen’s sons (Bobby and Jamie) came and filmed with me 2 years ago – that was very cool to be on the Food Network. But to be honest, I am proud every day I walk in to my place. It is so special to me.

Pricing:

  • Our lunches are very generous – typical lunch is $11.00 per person.

Contact Info:

  • Address: 1280 Prince Ave
    Athens, Ga 30606
  • Website: meschimmel@gmail.com
  • Phone: 706 543-3541
  • Email: meschimmel@gmail.com





Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

2 Comments

  1. Marsha

    December 21, 2017 at 3:12 am

    Love to eat at Marti’s every chance I can! I work in Suwanee so it is not as often as I would like. Wonderful lunch place filled with southern charm.

  2. Rachel

    December 22, 2017 at 3:53 am

    Marti is also a very generous business owner, who often donates food to charity events and non-profits!

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