Community gathering at The Grey, celebrating culinary achievements.
Savannah’s culinary landscape is buzzing as Chef Mashama Bailey celebrates her 50th birthday at The Grey, coinciding with the restaurant’s upcoming 10th anniversary. This milestone event not only showcases her remarkable achievements but highlights The Grey’s impact on Savannah’s community and dining scene. With a focus on sustainability and a new Parisian venture, Bailey’s journey reflects resilience and dedication to Southern cooking. The celebrations promise vibrant culinary events that connect and enrich the community, making The Grey a cornerstone of Savannah’s social fabric.
What a thrilling time it is in Savannah! Chef Mashama Bailey recently turned the big 5-0 on Bastille Day, July 14, 2024, and she celebrated it with a party at her landmark restaurant, The Grey. This wasn’t just any birthday bash; it was a revolutionary event that brought together food enthusiasts, friends, family, and the community to honor her fabulous journey. Guests enjoyed delicious dishes crafted from Bailey’s imaginative menus while toasting to not only her birthday but also to the restaurant’s incredible journey.
As if that wasn’t enough, the celebrations continue as December 18, 2024, marks the tenth anniversary of The Grey. Since its grand opening in 2014, The Grey has done wonders for Savannah’s culinary scene, redefining the city’s dining experience both on the plate and through a shared connection with local culture. This iconic restaurant isn’t just a place to grab a bite; it’s a community hub that offers a taste of Southern cooking with a modern twist, something Mashama Bailey has become renowned for.
Bailey’s thrilling culinary journey, however, wasn’t without its challenges. When she and her business partner, Johno Morisano, first opened The Grey, they had their doubts and even faced the very real fear of failure. Financially, they dealt with hurdles that often left them wondering if they could keep their doors open. Presently, The Grey isn’t turning a profit as Bailey and Morisano have chosen to reinvest every penny earned back into the restaurant, nurturing a stable environment for both their staff and their guest experience. Sacrificing personal financial gain has brought them here, focused on sustainability over sheer growth.
The Grey prides itself on its strong community of dedicated staff. For Bailey, building a sustainable culture is the end goal for the next decade. It’s evident that finding and keeping talented individuals is paramount, and the restaurant’s platform has evolved in ways Bailey never initially envisioned. The first five years were nothing short of “pure grit and pure sweat,” as she recalls it. The restaurant is now seeing exciting new initiatives coming to life, including a menu reboot that brings back beloved staples like pickled oysters, house-aged steaks, and the fan-favorite Country Captain.
As The Grey moves forward, Bailey has her eyes set on the future. She is nurturing the ambition of expanding their culinary footprint by opening a new restaurant in Paris, which she describes as an “outpost of the Black South.” The new venue aims to celebrate the rich history of Black Southern cooking, and Bailey hopes it will resonate with food lovers across the globe.
Even within The Grey, social awareness is vital. Currently displayed is a stunning sculpture by Marcus Kenney, which lights up in memory of Ahmaud Arbery – a powerful reminder of the restaurant’s commitment to creating dialogue around important issues. Guests are not just indulging in food but also participating in a vibrant hub of social conversation.
To cap off the anniversary celebrations, The Grey is hosting a series of unique culinary events and partnerships, reminding everyone why it holds a special place in Savannah’s heart. From rich, soul-stirring meals to lively community gatherings, Chef Mashama Bailey and her team are all about bringing people together, one dish at a time. The future looks bright for both Bailey and The Grey, and patrons can’t wait to see what more is in store.
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