PINE MOUNTAIN, GA. (March 12, 2015) – The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens, an elegant interpretation of a traditional mountain lodge in the heart of Middle Georgia, is proud to welcome David Harrison as the new executive chef. With more than 20 years of epicurean experience, Harrison brings a wealth of farm-to-table knowledge and inspiring culinary skills to The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens serving eclectic Southern fare in Piedmont Grille and Ironwood Lounge.

A veteran in the Southern hospitality industry, David Harrison has served as executive chef in a number of notable hotels and restaurants, including The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North in Atlanta, Ga. where he organized the daily food operation for the hotel, created custom menus for the sales and catering team and implemented new seasonal menus for the restaurant and banquets. Under his domain, The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North operated a full kosher kitchen and raised guest satisfaction through a successful hands-on style. Harrison’s additional prominent positions include executive chef at the renowned Shula’s Steak House Birmingham at Hyatt Regency Birmingham, The Wynfrey Hotel, executive sous chef at the Sheraton Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta, Ga. and executive sous chef at Horseshoe Bend Country Club in Roswell, Ga. Most recently, Harrison lent his talents as director of operations for High Road Craft Ice Cream, a luxury ice cream and sorbet company in Marietta, Ga.

“We are thrilled to have such a talented chef join our team at The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens,” said general manager, Randy McMichael. “Chef Harrison brings the perfect Southern cuisine experience to our location.”

Piedmont Grille and Ironwood Lounge present Southern classics, yet eclectic fare featuring locally-sourced, organic ingredients. Providing fresh dishes, The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens delivers a new taste of the South with a seasonally-changing menu. Adorned with rustic décor, exposed timber beams, floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors, guests of Piedmont Grille enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner and Friday evenings, from 5-9 p.m., a fresh seafood buffet.

The Ironwood Lounge presents scrumptious, creative pub-style fare in a warm and inviting environment. Surrounded by the tranquility of natural surroundings, this is the perfect place to relax and unwind after enjoying a day at Callaway Gardens. Here, guests can gather with old friends or make new ones as they indulge in the extensive menu and sip on a delicious, refreshing cocktail or premium lager on tap by the large stone fireplace. Guests should be sure to leave room for dessert so they can delight in the Red Velvet Cheesecake Napoleon or the special Lodge S’mores for Two, which is prepared tableside.

Piedmont Grille is open every day of the week. Their breakfast hours are from 7 – 11 a.m., lunch is served 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. and dinner is available from 5 – 9 p.m. Ironwood Lounge & Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 2 – 11 p.m. along with Friday and Saturday from 2 p.m. – 12 a.m. In-room dining is available from 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. for all-day dining.

Nested along 6,000 acres of inspiring gardens and preserved forest land, The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is the new standard of luxury and service delivered with amenities and attention to detail as one of Georgia’s finest destination resorts. Located inside Callaway Gardens, The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is a member of the Autograph Collection – a distinct group of unique properties carefully selected to represent an upscale line of prestigious hotels. The 150-room hotel is home to extensive meeting spaces, an award-winning spa, delicious southern-style fare at Piedmont Grille and Ironwood Lounge as well as activities and attractions fit for meetings and families. The hotel is located in the Appalachian foothills just 80 miles southwest of Atlanta.

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is operated by Interstate Hotels & Resorts (www.interstatehotels.com), the leading U.S.-based global hotel management company. For more details, visit www.AutographCollectionHotels.com or visit http://www.callawaylodgeandspa.com.