I recently met with Ashley Gardner, a Greenville native, who is the new General Manager for Oliver Steak Company here in Oxford located at 1007 College Hill Road, just west and adjacent to the airport.
Ashley is as experienced in hospitality management as she is beautiful and has prepared her staff well to serve the Oxford patrons.
HottyToddy.com: Ashley, tell our readers a little about yourself.
Ashley Gardner: I am a Delta girl. I have been involved in hospitality management since obtaining my MBA. I have just recently moved to Oxford and truly love it here.
HottyToddy.com: How did you connect with Oliver’s?
Ashley Gardner: The owner ( Jane Oliver ) and I are family friends. We have been working together for about a month now. She has owned this building for some time and wanted to recreate a “home feel” here in Oxford.
HottyToddy.com: Share with us the emphasis for the restaurant.
Ashley Gardner: We will offer the highest quality steaks with southern accents. These will be USDA aged prime beef. Our southern favorites will include shrimp and grits. Our dessert menu is very special and features an array of choices. The Caramel Factory from Batesville will be supplying our caramel cake in addition we’ll be serving brownies; home made pies; and home made ice cream.
HottyToddy.com: Is it time for dinner yet (LOL)? Do I need reservations?
Ashley Gardner: Reservations are preferred but not essential. These can be accommodated by calling 662-380-5072. Wednesday through Sunday we’ll be serving lunch and dinner. Lunch is from 11-2 and dinner 5-10 except Sunday when we serve 5-9.
HottyToddy.com: Everyone is always price conscious. How expensive is Oliver’s?
Ashley Gardner: Our entrees vary from $28 to $42. We also offer specials often. Your dining experience with us will be relaxing; most enjoyable with value received for the cost along with exceptional service the standard every time.
HottyToddy.com: Speaking of service, my first experience here was incredible. The customer service was very special and noticed immediately.
Ashley Gardner: Our servers are well trained as we seek individuals who have considerable experience or none at all. In this manner we can train them from the ground up as to our high standards and expectations.
HottyToddy.com: No great restaurant is without a great chef.
Ashley Gardner: Our Executive Chef is Wyatt Williams who I recruited from Tunica. He has been an award winning chef all over the US. He has more than 25 years of experience.
HottyToddy.com: Explain Ashley’s role in the restaurant.
Ashley Gardner: I am in charge of everything outside of the kitchen. I insure that every customer is well taken care of and leaves here having a great experience and wants to return.
Ashley Gardner: I want to become very active in the community. I wish to develop a loyal clientele and surround myself with happy employees. We want to develop a reputation for having a “great steak.”
HottyToddy.com: Your outdoor patio is very inviting.
Ashley Gardner: We have named it Patio Gertrude and our bar is called the Lamar Bar. The patio is going to be a favorite spot that is open at all times.
HottyToddy.com: I couldn’t help but mention the music that was most enjoyable listening to the other evening while dining here. The selections were outstanding.
Ashley Gardner: Ms. Oliver selects the songs. These are great tunes that appeal to our customer base. She is a “hands on” owner and a huge Ole Miss football fan.
Ashley is a natural who clearly understands her role and what it takes to have a quality restaurant that is hitting on all cylinders. The Millsaps alum is talented well beyond her years as the future of the Oliver Steak Company is in very good hands!
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
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