Sterling Hospitality Hosts Annual Tenure Party to Honor Longtime Employees
Sterling Hospitality, the parent company behind Marlow’s Tavern, the Woodall and Sterling Culinary Management, hosted its annual Tenure Party on May 12, 2026, at Rooftop Kitchen in Atlanta, celebrating employees whose dedication and loyalty continue to shape the company’s culture and long-term success.
The annual event recognizes both hourly and salaried employees beginning at five years of employment with Sterling Hospitality. This year’s celebration honored 25 employees celebrating 10 years with Sterling Hospitality, nine employees marking 15 years and three employees reaching an impressive 20-year milestone. Team members celebrating 15 years were awarded Rolex watches, while employees reaching 20 years received weeklong, all-expense-paid trips within the continental United States as part of the company’s ongoing tenure recognition program.
“We’ve always believed that taking care of our people is one of the most important investments we can make,” says John C. Metz, executive chef, CEO and co-founder of Sterling Hospitality. “These milestones represent years of hard work, loyalty and genuine hospitality. We’re proud to celebrate the people who have helped build Sterling Hospitality into what it is today.”
The tenure program has become a cornerstone of Sterling Hospitality’s employee culture and reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to recognition and retention. Metz personally selects each Rolex watch gifted to 15-year employees, making the recognition especially meaningful for recipients and their families alike.
The celebration also reflects Sterling Hospitality’s broader commitment to employee growth and long-term career development through initiatives like Marlow’s University, the company’s ongoing training and education platform. In an industry known for high turnover, Sterling Hospitality continues to retain longtime employees by fostering a culture built on recognition, advancement opportunities and meaningful investment in its people.
“It’s rare in hospitality to see this level of longevity, and that speaks directly to the culture our teams have built together,” says Kaffee Hopkins, vice president of marketing and administrative officer for Sterling Hospitality. “We want our employees to feel valued, supported and excited to grow their careers here.”
About Sterling Hospitality
Sterling Hospitality operates Marlow’s Tavern, which offers classic American tavern fare with an upscale twist, as well as Sterling Culinary Management, which specializes in creating on-site restaurant and café options for the corporate dining industry, and the Woodall, which serves a globally inspired take on contemporary favorites. In 2022, the Georgia Restaurant Association named Sterling Hospitality its Hospitality Hero of the Year during the annual Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards ceremony.
Photo credit: Brandon Amato