2020 AWARDS & RECOGNITION
The original Alabama Grill was opened in 1947 by Mack Liveakos , a Greek immigrant , born in 1890 in Nafplion , Greece .
Liveakos sold the establishment in 1960 to Mr . James Arthur , where it remained in his possession for the next 41 years until its closing in 2001 .
For nearly the next two decades the facade of the Grille served as a quaint reminder of days gone by for locals until 2018 when Resa Bates and Allan Bloodworth purchased the building and began the painstaking process of devoting many hours of blood , sweat and tears , in a labor of love to reestablish the historic restaurant in downtown Greenville .
The building was gutted down to a dirt foundation with the floors , ceilings , and kitchen all being replaced , and a cozy deck built out back . The iconic restaurant officially reopened its doors in April of 2019 and the establishment ’ s 75 seats have been occupied ever since .
Resa is a local girl who learned her restaurant skills from her grandmother , Teresa Bates , the owner of Bates House of Turkey here in Greenville . Allan grew up in Florida with a family in the produce industry and has owned restaurants of his own in Montgomery to include the Olive Room , Tomatino ’ s , the Olive Room , Cafe Louisa , and ElRey . He started those from scratch just like the Grill .
While the Alabama Grill underwent a major overhaul of renovations , much of the original detail remains , creating that really
NEW BUSINESS OF THE YEAR
This award honors a Chamber member business ( large or small ) that demonstrates steady growth , solid leadership and a strong commitment to the success of the Greenville area . This business shows innovation in strategic planning , employee development , and customer service and is actively involved in the betterment of the community . The business must be a member of the GACOC , in good standing with the Chamber and must be an established business in operation for 1 to 24 months . A business cannot be considered for this award if they have received the award in the past 24 months .
special vibe that existed in the original Alabama Grill .
Today ’ s menu includes specialty and traditional pizzas , calzones , salads , burgers , a grilled chicken sandwich , and a grilled cheese sandwich made with sliced brioche bread with cheddar , swiss , and provolone cheeses . One specialty pizza is named after Liveakos and definitely has a Greek flair .
The drink menu consists of your regular fair and includes domestic , import and craft beers , along with house and midscale wines , and even champagne .
Resa , who prior to reopening the Alabama Grill , has dedicated 20
years of her career to education , teaching in Montgomery , New Orleans and Greenville . She believes in Greenville and the importance of supporting local businesses and organizations . During the Grill ’ s first 11 months of business they ’ ve supported Greenville High School and Fort Dale Academy athletic programs , Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce events , and Safe Harbor Children ’ s Advocacy Center .
In addition to the locals , the Alabama Grill also attracts people from all over the U . S ., and even the occasional visitors from abroad - which is pretty impressive .