Southern hospitality is more than just a phrase—it’s a way of life. It’s about warmth, kindness, and making people feel at home. In today’s fast-paced world, where convenience often takes priority over connection, Susan DeRose believes in preserving the values that make Southern dining special. As the President of Liberty House Restaurant Corporation, she has made it her mission to ensure that OK Cafe remains a place where tradition thrives, customers feel like family, and quality is never compromised.
In an era of digital menus, self-service kiosks, and fast food on every corner, DeRose understands that keeping true hospitality alive requires effort. Here’s how she and her team at OK Cafe continue to honor the rich traditions of Southern hospitality while adapting to the modern world.
1. A Warm Welcome That Feels Like Home
One of the key elements of Southern hospitality is greeting guests with a genuine smile and a warm welcome. At OK Cafe, every guest is treated like family the moment they step through the door.
“We don’t just serve food—we serve experiences,” DeRose says. “When someone comes to OK Cafe, we want them to feel like they’ve come home.”
Unlike many modern restaurants that have replaced personal service with screens and automated ordering, OK Cafe prioritizes real human interaction. From the friendly hostess at the door to the attentive servers who remember regular customers by name, every detail is designed to make guests feel valued.
2. Keeping Classic Southern Comfort Food Alive
In an industry where menus are constantly changing to follow trends, OK Cafe has stayed true to its roots by serving classic Southern comfort food made from scratch.
“People don’t come to OK Cafe for the latest food fad. They come for the meals they grew up with,” DeRose explains.
Dishes like fluffy buttermilk pancakes, crispy fried chicken, homemade biscuits, and creamy macaroni and cheese have remained staples on the menu. These aren’t just meals—they’re memories on a plate. Many customers have been dining at OK Cafe for decades, bringing their children and grandchildren to experience the same delicious food they enjoyed growing up.
“Food is more than just fuel,” DeRose says. “It’s about connection, tradition, and comfort. We want every meal at OK Cafe to remind people of home.”
3. Customer Service That Goes the Extra Mile
At OK Cafe, customer service isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about making people feel special.
“Our goal is to create an experience where customers leave happier than when they arrived,” DeRose explains.
Servers at OK Cafe are trained to pay attention to the little details. Whether it’s refilling a coffee cup before the guest has to ask, remembering a regular’s favorite order, or simply offering a kind word, small gestures make a big difference.
“In today’s world, so many places treat customers like numbers,” DeRose says. “We never want to lose that personal touch. That’s what makes us different.”
4. The Role of Atmosphere in Southern Hospitality
Great food and service are essential, but atmosphere is just as important. OK Cafe is designed to evoke a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and comfort.
“When you walk into OK Cafe, you should feel like you’ve stepped into a place that’s both familiar and welcoming,” DeRose says.
The decor reflects a classic Southern diner feel, with bright colors, cozy booths, and a lively yet inviting ambiance. The walls are adorned with elements of Southern charm, making it clear that this isn’t just another chain restaurant—it’s a place with history and heart.
Music, lighting, and even the smells from the kitchen all contribute to the experience. For DeRose, these details are not just aesthetic choices; they are part of the storytelling that makes OK Cafe feel like home.
5. Balancing Tradition with Modern Expectations
While DeRose is committed to keeping tradition alive, she also understands the need to adapt to modern expectations. Today’s customers expect a balance between nostalgia and convenience.
“We believe in staying true to who we are while still making smart updates that enhance the customer experience,” DeRose says.
For example, OK Cafe has maintained its old-fashioned values while integrating modern technology where it makes sense. Online reservations, efficient takeout services, and a strong social media presence help connect with younger generations while maintaining the essence of hospitality that has always defined the restaurant.
“You don’t have to sacrifice tradition to embrace progress,” DeRose explains. “It’s about knowing what should evolve and what should stay exactly as it is.”
6. Community and Giving Back
Another key part of Southern hospitality is giving back to the community. OK Cafe is not just a restaurant—it’s a pillar of the Atlanta community.
“We’ve been here for generations, and we feel a deep responsibility to give back,” DeRose says.
OK Cafe regularly participates in charitable events, local fundraisers, and community outreach programs. Whether it’s providing meals for those in need or supporting local schools, DeRose believes that a successful business should always find ways to serve its community.
“When you care about people, they care about you in return,” she says. “That’s what Southern hospitality is all about.”
A Tradition Worth Preserving
In an era where speed and convenience often take precedence over warmth and connection, Susan DeRose remains committed to keeping true Southern hospitality alive.
Through warm welcomes, timeless comfort food, exceptional service, and a deep connection to the community, OK Cafe continues to thrive as a beloved institution.
“Tradition matters,” DeRose says. “People crave authenticity, and when you give them that—when you make them feel valued and at home—they will keep coming back, generation after generation.”
As the world changes, one thing remains certain: at OK Cafe, Southern hospitality will always be served with a smile.