Chef Henry Chandler, Owner and Executive Chef at Henry’s Louisiana Grill, is dedicated to raising awareness for organ donation because he was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2007. A transplant was his only option for survival.  Though no donor was immediately available, at the eleventh hour prayers were answered and the Cajun chef underwent a successful transplant surgery at Piedmont Hospital in 2008.

“I am very pleased that so many guests took the pledge to sign the Donate Life Georgia registry. They are committed to save a life like a donor saved mine. As long as I am here, I will continue to encourage people to support organ donation by registering. There are 117,841 people right now waiting for an organ donor. I am proud to support this important cause and encourage others to do the same,” says Chef Henry.

Donate Life Georgia

The Donate Life Georgia registry was created in 2008 to allow Georgians an easy and user-friendly means of joining the state’s registry.  Their website, www.donatelifegeorgia.org, provides the opportunity to join Georgia’s organ, tissue, and eye donor registry, a confidential database of donor designations to be carried out upon death. The database is maintained at the direction of LifeLink of Georgia, a non-profit organ and tissue recovery organization and member of Donate Life Georgia.  If you already have “organ donor” on your driver’s license, you still are encouraged to join the new registry to ensure your previous designation is documented.

Prior to the Registry, the responsibility for giving authorization for donation fell solely on the donor’s family. Unfortunately, the family members were not always aware of their loved one’s wishes regarding donation. The Registry eliminates any doubt that a family member may have about your intention to DONATE LIFE. In the event of your death, your family will be provided a copy of your Registry sign-up at the hospital so that your life-saving wishes can be fulfilled.

Henry’s Gives Back Throughout the Year

Throughout crawfish season, Henry’s hosts crawfish boil nights every Wednesday, which feature crawfish races (the winner of which receives all the crawfish they can eat for 30 minutes!). Henry’s donates all proceeds from its crawfish races to the Georgia Transplant Foundation. Last year, the races alone raised $1,500.

The restaurant also holds its annual Cajun Celebration in September to celebrate the anniversary of Henry’s liver transplant, affectionately referred to as “Liverversary”. This event is a fundraiser that includes a sampling of Chef Henry’s delicious specialties, live auction, raffle, music, and dancing. 100% of the proceeds of the Cajun Celebration benefit the Georgia Transplant Foundation, raising over $15,000 in 2012.

About Henry’s Louisiana Grill

Henry’s Louisiana Grill, which debuted in 2000, is an award-winning community gathering place with local and national acclaim. The menu is designed by award-winning Chef Henry Chandler, sparked by the southern-inspired food he loved and prepared with his Nanny Castell as a child. With an emphasis on world-class hospitality and dishes using the finest ingredients, Henry’s southern comfort cooking has people driving cross-country just for a taste.

Henry’s Louisiana Grill is located in Acworth, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.chefhenrys.com or find us on Facebook.

]]> http://www.chefhenrys.com/2013/05/henrys-louisiana-grill-makes-major-impact-on-georgia-organ-donation-registry/feed/ 0 http://www.chefhenrys.com/2013/03/chef-henry-featured-on-fox-5-good-morning-atlanta/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=chef-henry-featured-on-fox-5-good-morning-atlanta http://www.chefhenrys.com/2013/03/chef-henry-featured-on-fox-5-good-morning-atlanta/#comments Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:00:22 +0000 pswright http://www.chefhenrys.com/?p=729 It’s a celebrated around the world and it’s the last day for many Christians to celebrate before the Lenten season. Some call it Carnival, others Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras. No matter what it’s called, Good Day celebrated Louisiana style Chef Henry Chandler from Henry’s Louisiana Grill in Acworth.

He cooked up some delicious New Orleans barbeque shrimp for your Mardi Gras feast!

Location:
Chef Henry’s
4835 N. Main St., Acworth, GA 30101
(770) 966-1515

Recipe: Louisiana BBQ Shrimp Compound Butter
Ingredients

2.5 pounds butter, unsalted
6 Tbs. Tony’s Cajun seasoning
1/2 cup basil, fresh
1/2 cup rosemary
3/4 cups garlic
1 cup shallots (1/4 Inch Dice)
1 cup L&P Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup Tabasco sauce
1 cups paprika
1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper

Directions:

1. Place softened butter in a 5 quart mixing bowl using a paddle attachment and whip butter for 15 minutes on medium speed.
2. Using a plastic spatula scrape the sides of the bowl.
3. Add all the ingredients. Whip for another 10 minutes.
4. Using a plastic spatula, scrape the sides of the bowl. Whip for another 5 minutes
5. Using a plastic spatula remove butter from the bowl and refrigerate until used

6. Place a medium size sauté pan over medium heat. Add 2oz of soften unsalted butter and squeeze two lemon wedges. Do not let brown.
7. Place shrimp (with shell on) in the pan and sauté until shrimp are done (approximately 3-4 minutes) the shrimp will be pink in color.
8. Add 2oz of Abita Turbo Dog Beer to the sauté pan and let reduce down to half of the amount.
9. Remove from heat.
10. Add softened BBQ butter and toss until shrimp are
thoroughly coated.
11. Add 1 oz of diced sweet red pepper and 1 oz of thin sliced green onion tops.
12. Pour into serving dish and serve.

King Cake Martini
Ingredients

1 ½ cup granulated sugar
Yellow, green and purple food coloring
3 glass jars with lids
1 small round plate
1 martini glass
Vanilla Vodka
Ice
Shaker
1 lime slice
Bailey’s
Orange liquor
Amaretto
Cinnamon

Preparation

To make the colored sugar for the rim of the martini glass, put ½ cup of sugar in the glass jar. Then put 3 to 4 drops of one of the colors into a jar.

Put the lid on the jar and shake rapidly until the sugar is evenly covered.

Repeat these steps to make the other two colors. Once you have all three colors made, pour a small amount of each color side by side on a plate. Then slide the sliced lime around the rim of the glass. Dip the rim into the colored sugar. The sugar should rest neatly at the rim of the glass.

Next, fill your shaker half way with ice. Add 2 oz. of Vanilla Vodka, 1 oz. of Baileys, 1/2 oz. of orange liquor, and 1/2 oz. of Amaretto. Shake until chilled. Pour the mixture into the glass. Finally, top off your festive martini with a pinch of cinnamon.

Enjoy!

Read the article and se the video on the Fox 5 website

All of the servers, along with restaurant patrons, were invited to dress up in Mardi Gras garb, and prizes were awarded to “best costume” winners in the downstairs dining room and upstairs in the 21-and-older party Tuesday night.

“What we are really trying to do is capture that celebration culture,” said General Manager Justin Williams. “We’ve been rocking since 11 a.m.!”

They also served traditional Louisiana meals for the lunch and dinner crowds, including Boudin balls and dirty rice, and invited a Zydeco band, Delta Moon, to perform upstairs, ringing the Mardi Gras festivities into the wee hours of the night.

“We have live music, a costume contest, giveaways and King Cake for everyone,” he said.

Mardi Gras, which means “Fat Tuesday” in French, is the day before Ash Wednesday each year and refers to the last night of indulgence before Lent.

Read more: The Marietta Daily Journal – Mardi Gras party rocks Acworth

Williams began working at Henry’s Louisiana Grill in 2006 as a bus boy and with incredible tenacity and natural leadership he has earned this recent promotion.

When asked about his new role, Williams says that the most important thing he’s learned over the years is that every guest counts and that by putting them first every single day and giving them a great experience, Henry’s business thrives.

“I have to think about every decision I make,” said Williams. “Because we are such a marquis business in downtown Acworth, I feel an obligation to give our neighborhood a place that has fantastic food, and an awesome environment; one that leaves them with positive memories.”

Williams says that Chef Henry has been a huge part of his life.  When he was bussing tables he didn’t know what he wanted to do and had little to no direction.  He took an economics class and all he could think about was applying what he had learned to Henry’s.  Chef Henry saw something in him, believed in him, taught him about the business, invested in him, and because of that, Williams says he has the life he has today.  He has direction and feels he has a purpose. Since he has married his beautiful wife, Ashley, and owns a home right down the street from Henry’s Louisiana Grill, so the neighborhood truly is his own.

“I will never forget Henry giving me a chance,” Williams said. “He took someone without a degree or training and invested in me.  I feel honored to be here.”

Williams says that working his way through the ranks at Henry’s has given him the ability to listen and understand his employees and manage them effectively.  He’s always on the lookout for a dynamic person to nudge because he was that person starting out six years ago.

Chef Henry Chandler, founder of Henry’s Louisiana Grill, is excited about Williams becoming the new GM at Henry’s Louisiana Grill.

“Justin has great integrity, common sense, and management skills. He isn’t afraid to pull the trigger and make split decisions.  He brings vitality and youth to the restaurant and clearly sees my vision,” says Chef Henry.  “He is infectious and hits the ground running day in, day out, giving 150 percent.  He believes in the brand, Henry’s Louisiana Grill, in Acworth, and potentially as a nationwide company.”

Williams’ main goal is to continue making every guest happy, to manage effectively, and to grow the brand.

“I’m so happy and lucky to work with such wonderful people and I have learned so much from Chef Henry,” says Williams.  “He has taught me about what it takes to be successful and I am extremely honored.”

About Henry’s Louisiana Grill

Henry’s Louisiana Grill, which debuted in 2000, is an award-winning community gathering place with local and national acclaim. The menu is designed by award-winning Chef Henry Chandler, sparked by the southern-inspired food he loved and prepared with his Nanny Castell as a child. With an emphasis on world-class hospitality and dishes using the finest ingredients, Henry’s southern comfort cooking has people driving cross-country just for a taste.

Henry’s Louisiana Grill is located in Acworth, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.chefhenrys.com or find us on Facebook.

Henry’s Louisiana Grill today officially launches an updated look and feel for the popular restaurant’s communications. Working with the award-winning Marietta agency 524 Creative, the restaurant unveils a new logo, menu design, signage and website today.

The logo, featuring a new bolder “Henry’s” and Mardi Gras beads, echoes Chef Henry Chandler’s famous custom of draping his guests with the colorful necklaces at the door of the bustling and friendly establishment. The logo underscores the restaurant’s high-energy fun and passion for great food, shared with each and every guest. The new design uses the restaurant’s unique version of traditional Mardi Gras purple, green and gold and nods to Chef Henry’s Louisiana heritage with the fleur-de-lis. The traditional French symbol also represents the restaurant’s own longevity and well-established history, now in its twelfth year.

Chef Henry Chandler says that after twelve years’ worth of growth and development, the restaurant wanted to refresh its look, without moving away from its roots:

“With the new logo, we were looking for an improved symbol of our unique atmosphere—something that conveyed the warmth and excitement, as well as the particular offerings of our restaurant. We are making these changes so that the restaurant’s component pieces are more ‘like us,’ but we aren’t changing ‘us’ to be more like these things. Be assured, the menu contents are not changing, our staff is not changing—they’re still as dedicated to guests as ever— and I’m not changing, because you couldn’t change me if you wanted to!”

The restaurant’s new website, www.chefhenrys.com, includes updated menus, comprised of all the same offerings, the restaurant’s history and Chef Henry’s personal story, in addition to an entirely new design and functionality by 524 Creative.

April Wright, Principal of 524 Creative, says her company is proud of the component pieces of the project and their overall impact:

“Everyone loves Henry’s because Chef Henry is full of life, the food is delicious, and the place has a down-to-earth, high-energy atmosphere where everyone is welcome. But we also can’t forget that Henry Chandler is a professional chef, trained in international cuisine by a London academy. Our goal was to update the elements of the brand so they are a true reflection of Henry’s unique market position, the only one of its kind, and the place it holds in the hearts of its guests, some of whom travel cross-country for a meal. The logo, photography, website, updated messaging and signage bring all the brand elements in line with who the restaurant is and on par with its phenomenal menu offerings. It has been a pleasure to work with the Henry’s Louisiana Grill family, who are as warm behind the scenes as they are in the restaurant.”

About Henry’s Louisiana Grill

Henry’s Louisiana Grill, which debuted in 2000, is an award-winning community gathering place with local and national acclaim. The menu is designed by award-winning Chef Henry Chandler, sparked by the southern-inspired food he loved and prepared with his Nanny Castell as a child. With an emphasis on world-class hospitality and dishes using the finest ingredients, Henry’s southern comfort cooking has people driving cross-country just for a taste.

Henry’s Louisiana Grill is located in Acworth, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.chefhenrys.com or find us on Facebook.

In addition to this, Henry’s is a yearlong supporter of donorship signups in the restaurant, with a big push in April, which is Donate Life Month. During crawfish season, Henry’s holds crawfish races, the proceeds of which also benefit GTF.

Henry continues to be strong, energetic, and healthy and is grateful to have received life because of a donor. Henry’s goal is to continually pass blessings forward by constantly educating and promoting the value of donorship.

On September 15th, join us at Henry’s Louisiana Grill in Acworth for the third annual “Cajun Celebration” to benefit the Georgia Transplant Foundation. The evening will feature musical entertainment and Heavy Hors D’oeuvres, as well as a variety of raffle and live auction items.

For sponsorship or additional information about Cajun Celebration, please contact Cheryl Belair at cbelair@gatransplant.org.

Individual tickets are $25 each and will not be sold at the door.

See the entire article at Independent Restaurateur or download a PDF version here.

With 16 years as an Executive Chef and 23 years in the industry, Kennesaw resident Derek Banks joins Henry’s from the Dark Horse Tavern and Neighbors Pub. In addition to positions as Kitchen Manager and Executive Chef at restaurants such as the Cheesecake Factory and Planet Hollywood, respectively, Derek knows all about Southern fare from his years spent at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis and Mary Mac’s Tea Room in Atlanta.

Chef Henry Chandler, the restaurant’s owner and namesake, explains, “We are excited to bring Derek aboard, who will be joining veteran managers Justin Williams and Aaron Boggs. I respect diversity in management styles, and they each possess an incredible mixture of experience, education, and foresight. We are thrilled to welcome them to the Henry’s family.”

Like all of the restaurant’s new additions, Derek is eager for the chance to join the growing and lively family at Henry’s Louisiana Grill:

“I’m looking forward to being part of a thriving and vibrant community centerpiece. The restaurant gets busier and busier every year and is the main attraction in downtown Acworth–no surprise, with its superb food, great guest experience, and of course, Chef Henry. He’s a superior, inspiring chef and I want to follow in his tracks.”

For Derek, the difference in Henry’s approach to guests is exactly what draws him to the restaurant:

“I love what makes the restaurant unique; namely, that along with incredible food, Chef Henry cares about each guest. Some chef’s will chat at a few tables, but Chef Henry makes it a point to speak to each and every one, because he is personally happy that they’ve come. All three of us are excited to be a part of a place like this.”

About Henry’s Louisiana Grill
Henry’s Louisiana Grill, which debuted in 2000, is an award-winning community gathering place with local and national acclaim. The menu is designed by award-winning Chef Henry Chandler, sparked by the southern-inspired Cajun food he loved as a child. With an emphasis on world-class hospitality and dishes using the finest ingredients, Henry’s combines down-home cooking with an international flair that has people driving cross-country just for a taste.

Henry’s Louisiana Grill is located in Acworth, Georgia. For more information, please visit www.chefhenrys.com or find us on Facebook.