Today we’d like to introduce you to Ken Manring.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve always loved food and restaurant culture. I tried my hand at traditional college, and decided to switch gears and attend The Culinary Institute in Hyde Park, NY. After graduating I worked all around the US and finally ended up back in Athens, close to my family and where I grew up. White Tiger started off as just a BBQ cart, serving sandwiches and chips outside of the courthouse in Athens. Demand steadily increased, and I landed a brick and mortar space in 2007. The building White Tiger ended up in is a 110 year old former mill store. It is old, the paint is peeling, and the history is intact. We are right in the middle of a neighborhood we love, serving our local community.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The restaurant business is never easy. It is relentless, tiring, and trying. Things break, food costs fluctuate, farmers have bad years for produce, and employees have their own lives to lead, outside of your business. There are so many moving parts, and we are open 7 days a week, so it never slows down. It is all worth it when you are able to stand at the front counter and welcome people to your establishment, talk to them about great food experiences they’ve had in their lives, and serve them a meal they enjoy.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with White Tiger Gourmet – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
White Tiger is a small, family run business. My wife and I are the only full-time employees. We have a unique style and approach to the food we serve, and people seem to love it. We smoke meats fresh every day, and serve nearly as many vegetarians as meat eaters. We are proud of the quality of our products, proud to please our customers, and proud to employ the dozen or so local Athenians we are lucky enough to work next to every day.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We can’t spill the secrets of the Tiger!
Contact Info:
- Address: White Tiger Gourmet
217 Hiawassee Ave
Athens, GA 30601 - Website:www.whitetigergourmet.com
- Phone:706.353.6847
- Email:catering@whitetigergourmet.com
- Instagram:whitetigerathens
- Facebook:@whitetigergourmetathens
Image Credit:
Brian Austin Lee
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.
