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.
From the carefully chosen name, the intentionally crafted atmosphere, and the hiring of award-winning chef Daniel Barron, his dream has been fully realized. 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.
Daniel Barron
HEAD CHEF
Meet our award-winning chef, Daniel Barron, who brings years of experience in the art of cutting and preparing aged steaks to our restaurant. With a passion for creating culinary masterpieces, Daniel has honed his skills through years of training and practice, earning accolades and recognition from industry experts and food enthusiasts alike.
At our restaurant, Daniel carefully selects and ages our steaks to perfection, ensuring that each cut is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. His expertise and attention to detail are evident in every dish he creates, from the perfectly marbled ribeye to the succulent filet mignon.
Come and taste the difference that Daniel’s experience and expertise make in every bite of our delicious steaks.
Gabby Dunbar
SERVICE MANAGER
With over 20 years of hospitality and food service experience, Gabby Dunbar is proud to deliver the ultimate fine dining experience with Grace A Prime Steakhouse. Hospitality-focused, dedicated to excellence, and highly knowledgeable are just a few words most often used to describe Gabby. Originally from Texas, Gabby moved to Las Vegas after college and worked as a server, becoming a corporate trainer and eventually manager in a variety of concepts including Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group. She moved to Blue Ridge in 2011 to be close to family and worked as the Service Trainer of The Black Sheep, owned by Brandon Lofton. Inspired by Brandon’s desire to bring a completely new culinary experience to Blue Ridge and disrupt the norm, Gabby looks forward to training and developing the team to create an unforgettable experience.
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.
Morgan Tinker
MAÎTRE D’
Meet Morgan Tinker, he is our skilled Maître D’ 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.