Kellie Thorn, 37, Atlanta, GA

Beverage Director for Hugh Acheson; Bar Manager, Empire State South

Raising the bar

Born in Atlanta and brought up on the Southern coast, Thorn says that she’s always been drawn to the hospitality industry. She began work in the field more than 16 years ago, the last 13 of which were spent as a bartender. In 2010, she returned to Atlanta, where she became bar manager for Empire State South, a vibrant reimagination of traditional Southern fare from star Chef Hugh Acheson. Three years later, she was named beverage director of spirits and cocktails for all of his restaurants, a list that includes The National, 5&10, Achie’s and Empire State South, where she still tends bar a few nights a week.

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