How Did McCray’s Tavern Become the Neighborhood Joint We Know Today

Some days it feels as if McCray’s Tavern has always been a part of our community. Since its opening in 2007, McCray’s Tavern has become a reliable place to get burgers and beer and has quickly become one of the best Lawrenceville restaurants. With 16 years of serving the community under our belt, we want to take a look back at how we got to where we are today. 

The Dream

McCray’s Tavern was the dream of two would-be restaurant owners: Scott McCray and Scott Kerns. They wanted to create a place where you always know what to expect from good food, great customer service, and an amazing atmosphere.

 “We wanted to have a place in the neighborhood that had something for everyone,” McCray said, “whether it be a business dinner or watching the game. It was about good food at a good price with familiar faces.” With three words on their mind: fresh, local, and casual, they set out to establish the McCray’s Tavern we know and love. 

Getting Started

Scott McCray knew what he wanted. His previous experience running and managing a restaurant taught him a thing or two about which direction he wanted to take their new restaurant. One of the biggest goals was to create something reliable. Before McCray’s Tavern, McCray owned two-night bars which were consistently fluctuating. He wanted something that would be reliable both for those managing it and for its customers. 

McCray knew what kind of food he wanted, most notably burgers and beers. He wanted hand-held foods and locally sourced ingredients. But most importantly he wanted everything to be cooked to order and made from scratch. That’s why when you eat at McCray’s Tavern you can be sure the food is fresh and the sauces are all made in-house. 

The Challenges

The hardest part about opening McCray’s Tavern was getting started. They had to get the money in line but more importantly, hire the right people. A restaurant requires a team to run smoothly and they need to surround themself with good people. 

Mary Lay, the Director of Operations for McCray’s Tavern, said, “I work for two of the best restaurant owners in Atlanta. They genuinely care about proving for the community and giving back.” 

But now that McCray’s Tavern is up and running, there’s no stopping it. With four locations, McCray’s is still growing. Every neighborhood grill has its unique characteristics which can sometimes lead to challenges when opening up a new restaurant, but it also offers rich opportunities to join the Atlanta community. 

Are you searching for places to eat near me? If you are looking for a fun and filling experience, come to McCray’s Tavern. The burgers are juicy, the beer is cold, and our rooftop dining is just what you needed to relax after a long day. As far as taverns go, McCray's is one of the best Lawrenceville restaurants for both its atmosphere and choice of food and drinks. Our promise to cook up delicious, made-from-scratch dishes is an added bonus, so you know you're getting quality that you can't get anywhere else. Whether it's a light snack or a robust meal you're looking for, McCray's Tavern is the place to go! So, if you're ever in the mood for some delicious burgers and beer, make sure to stop by McCray's Tavern for an amazing time.