The Family
The Owners: N'Gina and Ian Kavookjian
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Some would say that he’s “The Mayor” and she’s “All
Business”, when describing the husband and wife team of Ian and N’Gina
Kavookjian. Owners of South, these restaurateurs started their first food based
business in 2009 with the opening of their catering and full service wedding
company, Private Events by Eight. With a combined thirty plus years
encompassing all aspects of the service industry from restaurants to hotels,
this couple has a passion for service, well thought out menus and balanced
beverages. The Kavookjian’s goal for South is to offer a friendly and
comfortable neighborhood restaurant with an energetic vibe and a creative menu
designed to appeal to the palate of Sacramento.
The Chef: Michael Wright
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He was born a “left brain” in a family of CPA’s, but his
creative “right brain” could not be restrained. While other kids watched
cartoons, Michael was watching “Yan Can Cook” and “The French Chef” on
PBS. Michael began his culinary career
after finishing his B.A in Economics from the University of Arizona in 2001.
Upon returning home to Woodland, he got his first culinary job at The Sheraton
Grand Sacramento; quickly working his way up through the ranks under the
tutelage of Chefs Mark Helms and Bill Daniels.
He began his career with The Kavookjian’s in 2009 as the Lead Catering
Chef.
A Community "Barn Raising"
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Over the last two years we've been pouring our lives into
our restaurant project South. After two years of waiting for all our permits,
we finally received the last permit from The City of Sacramento. The last two
years have been financially difficult with many ups and downs taking toll on
the original budget. Located in Southside Park in Sacramento, California, this
project has been a labor of love that’s in its final stages of coming to
fruition. We hope that South will be the catalyst project that reawakens the
Southside Park neighborhood. A neighborhood that is rich in Sacramento history,
culturally diverse and home to many families wanting to see their neighborhood
returned to its former glory.
We need to raise $75,000 in addition to our original
investment to bring the project to life. Those funds will be used to help pay
for the repair and replacement of the 100 year old plumbing and electrical
system, foundation, floors and rough carpentry. All the components that will
put the heart back into the building and make her functional again.
Other Ways You Can Help
It would mean the world to us if you'd spread the word by
simply forwarding this link to friends, family, co-workers...anyone you think
would be interested in South. Thank you for anything that you can do to help us
spread the word. We are so close to making this dream a reality and every
shared link, click to our campaign, Facebook post, Tweet, or forwarded email
counts.