04/17/07: Walk Up and Smell the Coffee!
09/13/05: All-Star Reunion of Chefs Marks 25th Anniversary of Murphy’s


All-Star Reunion of Chefs Marks 25th Anniversary of Murphy’s

Atlanta, GA  (September 13, 2005) – Murphy’s restaurant, well known as the heart and soul of Virginia Highland, will celebrate its 25th anniversary on October 26, 2005 with a spectacular cocktail event and the release of the long-awaited cookbook, 25 Years of Recipes and Memories. Civic and business leaders, local celebrities, community members and restaurant fans will join owner Tom Murphy as he hosts an all-star reunion of former chefs who comprise a portion of Atlanta’s culinary A-list.

From 7 to 10 p.m., Chefs Michael Tuohy of Woodfire Grill, Alon Balshan of Alon's Bakery & Market, Gerry Klaskala of Aria, Shaun Doty of Table 1280, Hector Santiago of Pura Vida and the culinary team of Nick Oltarsh, Gregg McCarthy and John Hamstra will prepare their favorite culinary treats for attendees as well as sign copies of the new cookbook. Guests will have the opportunity to mingle with neighbors and notables, taste the distinctive array of chef styles and enjoy displays of memorabilia. In tune with Tom Murphy’s philosophy to give back to the community, net proceeds from the event will benefit Share Our Strength, a program that fights hunger and poverty worldwide. Visit www.strength.org for more information. Tickets are $55 per person and are available by calling The Reynolds Group at 404-888-9348. 

Tom Murphy and award-winning writer Jan Butsch have also assembled a 192-page commemorative book of favorite and famous recipes, as well as remembrances by former chefs and patrons. 25 Years of Recipes and Memories, published by Schroder Media, may be purchased at Murphy’s, Atlanta area bookstores or online at Amazon.com for $24.95. Visit www.amazon.com, murphysvh.com or www.schrodermedia.com.

Murphy’s opened for business in December 1980, by then Georgia State University business student Tom Murphy as a feasibility study. The restaurant was a rounding success and arguably became the catalyst in revitalizing the decaying Virginia Highland neighborhood, now one of the most vibrant restaurant and shopping districts in Atlanta. Starting in a humble brick bungalow as an all-you-can-eat brunch attraction with long lines of neighborhood residents, it survived a move to a larger nearby location and a major renovation. Twenty-five years later, Murphy's has grown into one of the most popular and fashionable restaurants in the city – with lines that now also include tourists. Winner of innumerable awards and critical praise, Murphy’s still maintains its neighborhood friendliness, comfortable pricing and aptly proves its slogan, “Where Virginia Highland Meets.”

Celebrating 27 years of service, Murphy’s is the long-standing hub of neighborhood camaraderie and the choice destination for visitors seeking the perfect combination of upscale comfort food and unpretentious service in a cozy, vibrant setting. Visit murphysvh.com for more information.