An Atlanta native, Rusty Newport began his career at Wild Dunes Country Club in Charleston, SC, where he developed a passion for the hospitality industry. Continuing his career with CCA, he led the service and special event planning programs in CCA’s various properties throughout the Lowcountry, focusing on weddings, wine dinners, and corporate events for the enjoyment of his clubs’ members and guests. Returning to Atlanta, Rusty continued his success with the private clubs of Canongate before administering the sales department of the Silver Platter Catering Company.

Rusty was awarded the degree of Sommelier in 2004 by the American Institute of Wine and Food and earned the classification of Certified Specialist of Wine from the Society of Wine Educators in 2011. He continues his passion for events, wine, and philanthropy and is noted in the industry for his creativity in event design, ingenuity, and dedication to his causes.

Born and raised in Zagreb, Croatia, Zhana Pesa found herself introduced to the hospitality industry in 1998. She graduated with a bachelor’s in international business. In 2005, she became a General Manager and then a Director of Sales at an event hall in New York City. She later opened her own design and floral events business in New York City, which led to her being featured in Style Me Pretty, the Knot, Best of Long Island, and the Wedding Wire. An industry veteran, Zhana uses her experiences to build long-lasting relationships with her clients with a deep understanding of event production and client needs.

Zhana moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 2014 and currently lives in Marietta with her husband and two dogs. When not working, Zhana spends her time snow skiing and scuba diving. Zhana is a huge admirer of the Arts and loves gaining inspiration from the world around her.

Jesus Niño has worked with Metrotainment Cafes since 2001 as an executive chef. In his 17 years with us, he has worked with our Garrison’s Steakhouse, several of our Hudson Grille locations, and Cowtippers concepts and is a self-taught chef, with influences from training with an Italian and an Argentinian-American chef. A perfectionist in his craft, his hard work has been a great motivation for other team members and he strives to continue that with each place he goes. He’s married with two children, and when not in his chef coat, you can probably find him fishing or wood-working (most likely fishing, he’s crazy about it!).

Tippa McClure is no stranger to the Hospitality industry. Although she is an Atlanta native she got her start by earning her Hospitality Management Degree from the University of Mississippi. Following graduation, she returned to Atlanta and has had the opportunity to work for many local businesses such as the Capital City Club Downtown, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, & A Peach of a Party Catering just to name a few.

Through these experiences, she has gained a well-rounded wealth of industry knowledge which she applies to every client she works with.

Yolanda Nelson was born in Georgetown, Guyana and came to USA in 1978. She and her family found a home in Jamaica, Queens. She attended pretensions Baruch College initially studying Business and

Education and later changed directions into a cosmetology and hair. She moved to GA in 2002, shortly after having her son.

She started with Epic Events Catering in 2015. Her love for the industry and Epic Events is evident through her success, and the love of her team and her clients who allow her to be herself. Seeing her clients event come together brings her joy and having fun and exciting team makes it even better!

Married in 2015, she has experienced first hand the detail needed to work in the industry bringing the same level of expectation with her for each event.