Our Team

Brandon Lofton

FOUNDER & OWNER 

Brandon Lofton is a seasoned hospitality professional with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Originally from South Louisiana, he made the move to Blue Ridge, Georgia after purchasing the Black Sheep Restaurant.

Prior to this, Lofton spent two decades working in various capacities for Landry’s and eventually finished his career as VP of operations for McCormick & Schmick’s. However, his dream was always to own his own restaurants. Two years ago he founded The Dogwood Hangout, which now acts as a double concept, with the very popular Bigfoot Biscuit, in addition to the Black Sheep. 

Despite his success, Lofton felt that something was missing from the dining scene in Blue Ridge. For Lofton, the inspiration behind the steak concept was simple: he wanted to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience that would stand out from the rest. He envisioned a steakhouse that would not only serve delicious cuts of meat but also provide a unique ambiance and atmosphere. For years, this idea had been brewing in his mind, until a couple of years ago, when he decided to bring it to life.

Grace, a true prime steakhouse located in the heart of Downtown Blue Ridge, is housed in a beautifully redeveloped lot that exudes the elegance of the most treasured steakhouses in the country. 

Brandon is thrilled to introduce this dining gem to Blue Ridge, offering a spectacular dining experience that is sure to make the town proud.

Shaun Albers

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Meet Shaun Albers, our esteemed Vice President of Operations, overseeing the management of Grace, The Black Sheep, and The Dogwood. With years of industry experience, Shaun is an expert in restaurant operations, ensuring that each venue runs smoothly and efficiently.

Shaun’s leadership and guidance have been instrumental in the success of our restaurants, and his commitment to excellence is evident in everything we do. He works closely with our management teams to develop strategies for growth, streamline operations, and enhance the overall dining experience for our guests.

With Shaun at the helm, our restaurants are in good hands. His passion for the industry and dedication to providing exceptional service and cuisine is the driving force behind our success. Come and experience the excellence that Shaun and our team bring to each of our venues.

Austin Garner

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Austin Garner has dedicated more than a decade to the restaurant industry, gaining diverse experience across a range of establishments before cultivating a deep interest in fine dining.
 
A native of Ellijay, Chef Austin is passionate about crafting innovative dishes and utilizing his homegrown talent with a particular focus on infusing a sense of culinary magic into the North Georgia restaurant scene.

Morgan Tinker

GENERAL MANAGER

Meet Morgan Tinker, he is our skilled General Manager here at Grace Prime Steakhouse. With years of experience in the restaurant business, Morgan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team.

His passion for hospitality and dedication to providing an exceptional dining experience for our guests is evident in everything he does. Morgan works closely with our staff to ensure that every aspect of our restaurant runs smoothly, from managing reservations to overseeing the preparation of our delicious dishes.