This week on our {Vendor Spotlight} we are seeing (and drooling over) the fantastic food from the Great Southern Restaurants. They are a major icon here in Pensacola, and I get so excited every time I get to work with them. I met up with Melissa Bailey, the Director of Catering and Private Events, to discuss the great work she does, and the company she loves. Melissa has been with Great Southern Restaurants for the past 17 years. Since the age of 15, she has worked her way to her current position, Director of Catering and Private Events. With her experience in both front and back of the house operations, she has everything it takes to execute any event large or small, from start to finish. A native of Pensacola — and planning to stay that way by continuing to build roots with friends, family and loyal customers — she is the perfect person to trust for any event that is important to you. I sincerely enjoy any time I get to chat with her, since it always involves a good laugh- her positive personality is infectious- and it’s no wonder why she stays as busy as she does!

Sweet P weddings: Tell us about your business.

{Great Southern Catering and Events}: Great Southern Restaurants is a Pensacola tradition. For over two decades, the Fish House, Atlas and Jacksons has been known for its fresh seafood cuisine coupled with upscale dockside dining overlooking beautiful Pensacola Bay and Seville Harbor while Jacksons overlooks the Plaza .

Just steps away from historic Seville Square, the award-winning restaurants feature an inventive menu of fresh, daily seafood selections, house-smoked steaks, sushi, a handpicked wine list with over 300 wines, and the world-famous Grits á Ya Ya: A delectable Southern specialty of our smoked Gouda cheese grits smothered with a sauce of fresh cream, sautéed Gulf shrimp, spinach, portobello mushrooms, applewood-smoked bacon, garlic, and shallots. Full bar. Late night menu. Brunch on Sundays.

With over half a million visitors a year, locals and tourists alike enjoy the cuisine as well as the views from the restaurant’s waterfront location. Inside and outdoor dining are both available.

SPW: Love love the Grits a Ya Ya! Tell us about the funniest moment that you have ever witnessed at a wedding.

{Great Southern Catering and Events}: During the bouquet and garter toss, the bride decided to play a small joke on the groom. She blind folded him and waited for him to get ready. She stepped out of the way and had the best man take her spot. The groom started to remove the garter with his teeth from the best man. Once he got it all the way off, he removed the blind fold and realized it wasn’t his bride.

SPW: What do you love most about weddings?

{Great Southern Catering and Events}: Our favorite part about weddings is how creative we can be with our menus. Our catering menu has been crafted by the same award-winning team that manages the Fish House and Jackson’s. Best of the Best.

SPW: What is the most unique attribute of your business?

{Great Southern Catering and Events}: For over a decade, we have provided Northwest Florida with premier catering ranging from intimate dinners to large functions for up to 500 or more guests.

With 3 award-winning restaurants to draw from, our Great Southern Catering and Events menu has been carefully crafted by a team of experienced chefs to provide you with a broad range of selections from simple to sublime.

In addition to offering private event venues at each one of our restaurants, we also have a dedicated event space, the Palafox House. We can also offer complete catering services at any off-site location of your choosing.

SPW: What is your busiest month?

{Great Southern Catering and Events}: October - December

SPW: What is one thing you wish your brides knew about you?

{Great Southern Catering and Events}: If you love what you do you never work a day in your life. I absolutely love what I do. Whether it’s a small event or a wedding. Great Southern is an amazing company to work for and with. We ensure your vision is executed beautifully.

Great Southern Events {Vendor Spotlight}

Wedding planning BASED in pensacola, florida

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