The Dynamic Duo Behind Little Alley Steak Embody The Essence Of Teamwork.

Excellence and accomplishment feel even sweeter when they are the result of the collective; a story of teamwork. This philosophy rings very true for the dynamic duo behind Buckhead’s Little Alley Steak restaurant: Co-owner Hicham Azhari and General Manager Youssef Chakrani. Friends for years, the colleagues are the toast of Atlanta and find inspiration from the city’s energy, diversity and vibrance. Their love for the city and community is real, and that feeling is mutual as Little Alley Steak’s buzzy opening in 2018 made an immediate mark on Atlanta’s metro culinary scene. The secret to their success? Trust, dedication and unity.

An established name in Atlanta’s food culture, Azhari left his home in Morocco in 1997 to study computer science at Georgia Tech. His path took a different turn when he channeled his love for food and opened the three Salt Factory Pubs and two Little Alley Steak restaurants under the FH Food Factory brand. According to Azhari “If you hope to have a successful restaurant, you must have a great team. There is no substitute for hard work. Nobody works harder than our team. It’s taken time to put it together and it is built on trust and respect. Good teamwork means we don’t point fingers when things go wrong. And we all take a bow when things go as planned. We listen to both our team and our customers. And in the end, that makes everyone happy.”

Chakrani met Azhari in 2012 and they were already teaming up long before Chakrani officially took over as GM. “I continue to learn from him all the time. We complement each other well. [Azhari]’s fearless, I’m more reserved. He has so much energy and never sleeps. He keeps all of us on our toes. But really our relationship is based on trust. Without it, our establishment would not succeed” says Chakrani. “I’ve known Hicham since I was 16. When I told him I wanted to one day open my own restaurant, he said to work hard, listen and learn, and never doubt my abilities. He has been and continues to be a tremendous mentor. I’m proud to be part of this incredible team.”

THE PERFECT PAIRING

Team Azhari and Chakrani created the ultimate food and drink pairing with an elevated version of a Manhattan cocktail. Featuring Rémy Martin 1738®, the Meat Packing Manhattan was then paired with one of the best steaks that Little Alley Steakhouse has to offer, the famous 30 oz. Bone-in Ribeye-Tomahawk steak, aged 60 days. The duo additionally recommends Rémy Martin as the perfect after-dinner drink. “I enjoy the slight hint of fruit and oak,” says Chakrani. Hicham adds, “It also has a silky hit of honey and a nice spice finish.”

THE MEAT PACKING MANHATTAN

• 2 oz. Rémy Martin 1738®
• ¼ oz. Calvados
• ¼ oz. Simple Syrup
• ¼ oz. lemon, freshly squeezed
• Rinse with sweet vermouth
• Dash of Xocolatl mole bitters

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Rinse martini glass with sweet vermouth.
• Pour bitters, spirits, and lemon juice over ice in a mixing glass, and stir and strain into martini glass.

You can enjoy Rémy Martin at Atlanta hotspots including New York Prime, Chops Lobster Bar and Le Bilboquet. For more toasts to excellence and perfect Rémy Martin pairings, visit remymartin.com/us. Presented by Rémy Martin.