Locals On The Square: 5Church

10.09.2024

For almost a decade, 5Church Midtown has stood tall at its prominent location just off the bustling valet loop at Colony Square. Fun fact: when the iconic mixed-use destination underwent redevelopment in 2018, the team built around the New American restaurant (open throughout construction), fully reopening the reimagined urban oasis in 2021. Just like Colony Square, the culinary hotspot has transformed throughout the years, refreshing its seasonally inspired menu, aesthetic design elements, creative programming, and more. Steering the ship is K5 Hospitality CEO and Midtown local Ayman Kamel.

We caught up with the restaurateur to learn more about his background and journey through the food and beverage industry. Get the scoop below and be sure to catch 5Church’s feature on our Instagram too!

 

5Church has been part of Colony Square and the Midtown dining scene for almost a decade. How has the restaurant evolved since opening in 2016?

Since opening our doors in 2016, 5Church has been an integral part of the dramatic transformation of Colony Square and the vibrant Midtown dining scene. Over the years, we’ve seen the destination evolve around us, and we’ve evolved right along with it. Our commitment to growth and innovation has allowed us to increase our business year after year, and we’ve embraced change as a constant, always looking for ways to enhance the experience for our guests.

One of the ways we’ve maintained our relevance and appeal is by refreshing our offerings regularly. Our menus are updated seasonally, allowing us to introduce new flavors while staying true to our core culinary identity. But our evolution isn’t limited to the food—we also pay close attention to the visual and artistic aspects of our space. Artwork is a huge part of our concept, and we frequently update it to keep the environment fresh and engaging for both new and returning guests.

In 2021, we significantly renovated our rooftop, transforming it into Virtue Rooftop, a modern and stylish space that quickly became a favorite among locals and visitors alike. We also made substantial upgrades to our private dining spaces, ensuring that they offer the perfect setting for any special occasion.

In addition to these physical changes, we’ve introduced several successful seasonal pop-ups that have added a fun and festive element to our restaurant. Our Christmas Bar, Valentine’s Bar, and Spring Bar have all been major hits, drawing crowds and creating memorable experiences for our guests. These pop-ups reflect our ongoing efforts to find new and exciting ways to stand out in Atlanta’s highly competitive market.

Through it all, our goal has remained the same: to offer an exceptional dining experience that resonates with our guests and keeps them coming back for more. As we look to the future, we’re excited to continue evolving and finding new ways to delight and inspire our community.

Describe the perfect food and beverage pairing at 5Church Midtown.

A standout pairing at 5Church Midtown starts with our beloved Sushi Tot appetizer. This dish, which has become a staple on our menu, features crispy fried sushi rice topped with yellowfin tuna, sriracha aioli, eel sauce, nori, and wasabi tobiko. It pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, offering a refreshing balance to the dish’s bold flavors. However, if you prefer something different, a Pinot Noir also complements the dish nicely, adding a touch of richness that enhances the overall experience.

For those looking to explore more of our menu, we highly recommend dining family style. By ordering a selection of appetizers, entrées, sides, and desserts, you can experience a variety of flavors and textures. This approach not only makes for a more communal and interactive meal but also ensures you get to sample the best of what 5Church has to offer, including the incredible homemade desserts.

Another must-try dish that has become a permanent fixture on our menu is the Lamb Burger. Made with red onion marmalade, gorgonzola fondue, arugula, secret sauce, and served on a brioche bun with hand-cut fries, this burger has been a runaway hit. It’s become so popular that we’ve added it, along with the Sushi Tots, to the menu at our Buckhead location.

Whether you’re enjoying these dishes individually or as part of a shared meal, the perfect food and beverage pairing at 5Church Midtown is all about indulging in flavors that excite and satisfy.

How did you begin your journey in the restaurant world?

My journey in the restaurant world began long before I became the operating principal of K5 Hospitality. It’s been a path shaped by a deep passion for creating memorable guest experiences and a commitment to constantly evolving within the industry.

I’m an immigrant of Egyptian and Italian descent, and my family and I moved to New York in the 1990s. We lived there for 20 years, a period that significantly influenced my approach to hospitality. In January 2016, I made a pivotal decision to move my family to Atlanta to oversee the opening of 5Church Atlanta. We quickly fell in love with the city—Atlanta offers much of what New York does, but with the added benefits of better weather and genuine Southern hospitality.

One of the aspects I find most exhilarating about the restaurant industry is its constant reinvention. The industry evolves around the clock, and there’s always a new idea waiting to make today’s concept feel outdated. That’s what drives me—the excitement of always looking ahead, anticipating trends, and finding new ways to delight our guests.

Before founding K5 Hospitality, I served as the executive general manager for Big Bowl LLC, an international entertainment group specializing in growth strategies, business improvement, and systems optimization within the hospitality and retail sectors. My work with Big Bowl honed my skills in managing complex operations and laid the foundation for my current role. I continue to provide consulting expertise to this group, sharing insights and strategies that help other businesses thrive.

Now, I live in Midtown Atlanta with my wife and two children. Outside of work, I enjoy watching soccer, keeping up with politics, and staying informed about the latest developments in the restaurant industry. I also serve as an advisor and board member for several hospitality companies, where I share my experience and passion for the business with others.

Describe your relationship with the Midtown neighborhood.

We have a deep and active relationship with the Midtown neighborhood, which is central to our identity at K5 Hospitality. We’re proud members of the Midtown Alliance, and we work closely with Phillip and his team, hosting one to two events with them each year. These events allow us to connect with the community and contribute to the vibrancy of the area.

Our involvement extends to partnerships with local institutions like the Atlanta Botanical Garden, where we send one of our chefs each fall and spring to prepare a special four-course meal on-site at the garden kitchen. This event is always a highlight of the season and sells out quickly, underscoring the strong ties we have with the local community.

We’re also committed to giving back, regularly making donations to various local initiatives throughout Atlanta. This is an important part of our philosophy—we believe in supporting the community that supports us.

In addition to our community efforts, we’ve recently expanded our presence in Midtown by opening a new concept, further solidifying our connection to the neighborhood. We strive to build and maintain positive relationships with the wonderful residents and visitors who make Midtown such a dynamic place. We also work closely with the local hotel groups, ensuring that we’re a welcoming and integral part of the Midtown experience for everyone who comes through the area.