ABOUT THIS EPISODE
Every great Southern city has people who quietly shape its identity. In Atlanta, Kevin Rathbun helped shape the way the city eats, gathers, and celebrates.
In this episode of Retire Southern, James Lewis sits down with the celebrated chef and restaurateur to trace his journey from cooking professionally as a teenager in Missouri to learning from Ella Brennan, Emeril Lagasse, and Pano Karatassos before taking the risk of building restaurants of his own.
Kevin shares the stories behind Rathbun's, Kevin Rathbun Steak, KR SteakBar, and Krog Bar; defeating Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America; and the lessons he has learned about ownership, partnership, leadership, philanthropy, and hiring people smarter than yourself. He also reflects on the essential role his wife, Melissa, has played in building something designed to last.
Because restaurants do more than feed a city. They become part of its memories.
Read the companion feature, "What Kevin Rathbun Taught Me About Building Something That Lasts," and discover more stories about the people, places, and experiences shaping the South at:
https://www.retiresouthern.com
Rooted in the South. Driven by Purpose. Built for Living.
