Officially founded in 2007, Great Food Group Inc.’s foundation is based on 70 years combined experience of Chef Paul Albrecht, and his son Patrick.

    The restaurant business dates back to over 200 years in our family tree, back to the Austrian Hungarian Monarchy, where a Chef Albrecht was the culinary consultant to the king and queen at that time. Each generation thereafter continued the tradition of hospitality and entertainment even down to Chef Paul’s father, who owned and operated a first class inn, restaurant, and winery in Pressbourg, Czechlaslovakia,

Here we are, years later, father and son, carrying on the same traditions as our forefathers.

     Chef Paul Albrecht has been a fixture on the Atlanta restaurant scene for over three decades now. His culinary contributions to Atlanta include the foundation of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group and the renowned Pano’s and Paul’s restaurant. His last installation as executive chef and managing partner at Spice means the precedent he has set for fine dining in Atlanta is sure to continue. 

    Chef Albrecht’s culinary talents have garnered him numerous awards and accolades. In 1989 his peers named him Atlanta Chef of the Year. He also was named one of the four “Master Chefs of America” by California Gourmet, was Atlanta’s selected chef in the national SOS Home Cookbook, and was chosen to represent the southeast at the American Institute of Food and Wine National

Conference in Chicago.

    In addition, he has been spotlighted on PBS’ national “Great Chefs of Great Cities” program and has appeared on “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee,” CNN, and a number of national and regional television programs.

    Chef Albrecht has complemented his work with involvement in confrerie de la Chaine de Rotisseurs, Atlanta ’s Table, American Culinary Federation, Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, Nation’s Restaurant Association, and the Georgia Hospitality and Travel Association of Food & Wine.

Since the opening of his current restaurant “Paul’s” he has received many awards including Zagat’s “Godfather of Atlanta Cuisine”, and Atlanta Magazine’s “Best Kept Secret”. He is now expanding into the Atlanta market with the newly opened  “Social Vinings” , and is in partnership with “Peachtree Hills Place” a luxury assisted living community slated to open in 2011 in Peachtree Hills.

     Patrick Albrecht starting his restaurant career at the young age of 14 as a bus boy in the Buckhead Life Restaurant group. He worked his way through all positions in the company both in front and back of the house, including all kitchen stations and the butcher shop.

    At 18 he made his way to Europe where he began an apprenticeship in the culinary arts & hotel management at the famed Hotel Bachmair am See. He later went on to the Michelin Star ratedHotel Bayerishen Hof in Munich Germany where he excelled to the sous chef position.

    He then went on to learn another aspect of the hospitality industry as a banquet chef at Europe's renowned Shottnenhammel Catering. He earned numerous awards from  the confrerie de la Chaine de Rotisseurs national cooking competions, and from the German Chamber of Commerce for his academic achievements.

    During the time he spent expanding his knowledge at the well known establishments, he earned a business degree, a teaching degree, and a minor in computer sciences at the University District of Munich.

    As his travels throughout Europe broadened his knowledge of world cuisine and his heritage, he felt it was time to return to the States after 8 years to help his father with  the opening of Chef Paulʼs at Carillon Beach in Florida. During this time he was offered the position at The Paradise Found Resorts and Hotels as Executive Kitchen Director.When returning to Atlanta he found his way into Catering once again with Chef William Neal Catering as managing partner.