Today we’d like to introduce you to Tal Baum
Hi Tal, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began with a deep desire to connect people through food and a passionate understanding of the power of food as a great equalizer.
After living and studying architecture in Italy for seven years, I moved to Atlanta where I worked as an architect. However, I soon felt like something was missing and realized that architecture might not be my only path. I was craving the culture I experienced in Italy – most of all the food and ingredients I was exposed to. That longing inspired me to open my first foray into the restaurant industry – Bellina Alimentari. with Bellina, I really wanted to bring a touch of Italian charm to Atlanta in a way that hadn’t existed before.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think to own a business is to face constant challenges. One of my initial (and most significant) challenges was gathering the right group of people to rely on. Building a strong core team is essential to the success of any business.
Another ongoing challenge is managing inflation and the rising cost of ingredients. This naturally weighs heavily on most restaurant owners and creates a daily challenge to be flexible and creative to adapt to changing conditions. Owning a business is a continuous learning process, but each challenge pushes you to grow.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Our goal is to transport our guests to a different world and culinary experience for a few hours while they dine with us. Oliva Restaurant Group consists of four distinct concepts, each representing a unique chapter of my personal global journey:
Bellina Alimentari – Inspired by cafes and shops in northern Italy, Bellina Alimentari is an authentic Italian Market Café, specialty market, wine bar and destination for culinary classes and tastings located at Ponce City Market.
Atrium – Atrium is an American bistro and martini bar open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch at Ponce City Market. It is eclectic and bright, with thoughtful elements like bold florals, expansive tropical leaves and a color palette featuring pinks, greens and golds.
Carmel – A Buckhead Village restaurant inspired by the shores of California, the Yucatan Peninsula, and my upbringing on the Mediterranean coast featuring fresh and inspired contemporary seafood.
Rina – A casual, Israeli, diner-style eatery alongside the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail and at The Avalon inspired by the beach restaurants of Haifa, Israel – where I was born and raised – the food, drinks and ambiance are quintessentially effervescent.
What sets us apart is our focus on genuine connection through food, attention to detail, and the passion behind everything we do. From the ingredients we choose to the atmosphere we create, we aim to deliver something that feels authentic and memorable. I’m incredibly proud of how each concept embodies a different cultural experience, yet all share the same core value – bringing people together. At Oliva, we’re known for our commitment to quality, from the dishes we serve to the service we provide. For our guests, dining with us isn’t just about a meal – it’s about being immersed in a thoughtfully crafted experience. Our brand represents creativity, authenticity, and a love for the transformative power of sharing food and conversation together, and we want every guest to feel that when they visit us.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The COVID-19 crisis was a pivotal moment for the restaurant industry, and it taught me several important lessons. The biggest takeaway was how to be adaptable. We had to rethink the entire dining experience, from keeping our high standards to customer service with contactless options to keeping our guests safe by reworking our operations to comply with ever-changing safety regulations. It was a reminder that even in the face of uncertainty, creativity and innovation are essential to survival. Another lesson was the importance of community. Supporting each other became more crucial than ever. It reaffirmed my belief that people are at the heart of everything we do – whether they are our team members or visiting our restaurants – and taking care of them must always be our top priority.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.olivarestaurants.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olivarestaurants/
Image Credits
Photo Credits in each image file name. Feel free to reach out for these to be shared via email if needed.
