About
Timeline
Diner
& Corner Cafe
History
On his philosophy for success, Pano has said, “Running a restaurant is not one big thing. It is a thousand little things.” Which is the reason each night, in every restaurant, it is a thousand little things that make the Buckhead Life experience unlike any other.
Subtly-lit, velvet-draped and awash in Old World charm, PANO’S & PAUL’S debuted in 1979 to the acclaim of critics and locals alike. The shared vision of Pano and longtime friend, Chef Paul Albrecht, PANO’S & PAUL’S would defy fine-dining convention with a blend of casual sophistication and innovative gourmet fare. An instant landmark, it was little wonder that PANO’S & PAUL’S, the first Buckhead Life restaurant, would be far from the last.
More than 39 years and 10 internationally renowned restaurants later, the name Pano Karatassos rings synonymous with upscale Atlanta and South Florida dining of every flavor. While CHOPS, PRICCI and ATLANTA FISH MARKET mirror the dark-wooded, traditional sensibilities of forbearer PANO’S & PAUL’S, nouveau concepts such as KYMA and BISTRO NIKO dazzle with super stylish surrounds and chic, clubby vibes. For business or pleasure, Buckhead Life offers a destination perfect for any appetite, mood and occasion.
Pano Karatassos did not set out to build a dynasty. Yet, starting with a passion for food, a pioneering spirit, and a now-famous hideaway in the heart of Old Buckhead, he would launch the company – and culinary renaissance – that put Atlanta’s restaurant scene on the map.
Team
Pano believes the secret to his success is passion and working with the right team. Passion helps you share your vision, and the right team helps you deliver it. Many of our employees have been with the Buckhead Life for their entire career. For decades, Pano’s reputation as a mentor has attracted talent for the front of the house and the back of the house.
I. Pano Karatassos, Founder/CEO
Niko Karatassos, President
Pano I. Karatassos, Corporate Executive Chef
Community
Buckhead Life’s main philanthropic focus has long been the fight against hunger. The company has dedicated countless hours to hunger-based organizations on both the local and national level. Pano Karatassos was a pioneer in developing Atlanta’s Table, the country’s first freshly prepared food program for the hungry. In 2014, BLRG won the Community Service Leadership award from Feeding the Homeless Project for its involvement with this program and the March of Dimes awarded Karatassos the Culinary Salute Award for his distinguished leadership and devoted service in the Atlanta community.
For 29 years, Pano Karatassos has served as the Atlanta chairperson for Share Our Strength’s (SOS) annual Taste of the Nation fundraiser. Pano, his Buckhead Life Family and the entire hospitality industry in Atlanta are key contributors to the success of this elegant black-tie gala, which raises funds to end the causes and consequences of hunger and poverty. Locally, the event benefits Atlanta’s Table and the Atlanta Food Bank, Project Open Hand and Genesis Shelter. Since its inception in Atlanta, the SOS Taste of the Nation has raised over $15 million dollars. Since 1989, Pano and his Atlanta team have raised more money than any other city in the United States.
In addition, Buckhead Life makes monthly donations to silent auctions, live auctions, raffles, and other fundraising events hosted by local grassroots charities. BLRG receives more than 300 donation requests per month and over the years has donated to more than 2,000 of these charitable organizations. Some recent examples include Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Bert’s Big Adventure, Wounded Warrior Project, Woodruff Arts Center, Ronald McDonald House, and the United Way. To requests a donation for your charity, click here to read our guidelines.
Giving Guidelines
In addition to our ongoing philanthropic efforts, Buckhead Life donates to various charities and community groups each month. If your group would like to be considered for a donation, here’s what we need from you:
Because we receive more than 300 requests each month, you must submit your request at least six weeks in advance of your event.
Be sure to include the date of your event, information about your organization, a mailing address to mail the donation and email address where you can be contacted. We respond to every request we receive. Look for our reply by email around the 15th of the month previous to your event. Please note that donation funds are limited, and we cannot guarantee that your group will receive a donation.
Thanks again for thinking of Buckhead Life, and best of luck with your work in the community. We salute your efforts!
Career Opportunities
We have many exciting job opportunities at Buckhead Life. We also offer excellent pay, health/dental insurance and other benefits. We believe in cultivating talent and have a strong promote-from-within policy. So, even though you’ll be starting at the top, there’s no place to go but up.
Management Positions
• General Manager
• Assistant Manager
• Executive Chef
• Sous Chef
• Pastry Chef
Hourly Positions
• Line Cook
• Prep Cook
• Pastry Chef
• Server
• Server Assistant
• Cocktail
• Bartender
• Hostess
• Steward
• Office/Clerical
All applicants must have experience with quality operations. Only those with excellent references need apply. We are a drug-free, equal opportunity employer.
General Inquiries
General Inquiries
404-237-2060
dish@buckheadrestaurants.com
Ultimate Card Inquiries
404-237-2060, x3045
ultimatecard@buckheadrestaurants.com
Guest Feedback
404-237-2060, x3037
dish@buckheadrestaurants.com
Donation Requests
404-601-1334 x3034
donations@buckheadrestaurants.com
Expansion & Real Estate Opportunities
404-237-2060, x3805
nikok@buckheadrestaurants.com
Human Resources
404-237-2060, x3051
mharfoot@buckheadrestaurants.com
Filming Inquiries
404-601-1310 |
vstanger@buckheadrestaurants.com
Media Inquiries
404-601-1310 | (media on deadline 678-663-4966)
vstanger@buckheadrestaurants.com