With a nod to the past and a focus on the future, this hospitality group is doing far more than feeding people; it’s reinvigorating neighborhoods and delivering an elevated, personalized dining experience. During National Small Business Month, we’re dishing on the unique approach that makes this Regions client a culinary standout.
Physician, entrepreneur, restaurateur – it’s not a career combination you see every day.
Was it something Dr. Atul “Lucky” Chopra imagined for himself?
“Short answer: no,” said Chopra, a radiologist and the founder and CEO of Advanced Diagnostics Healthcare, an independent group of hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers. “I always knew the journey was going to be a lot of fun; I just wasn’t sure where it was going to take us.”
Where Chopra’s unexpected journey has led him, and others, is a dining destination – make that seven distinctive destinations – and counting.
“If you walk into a Hearsay, you know you’re in Hearsay – but every Hearsay is different,” said Chopra, founder of Landmark Hospitality Group, which owns and runs the restaurants. “We have a style and an agenda we’re executing, but we adapt it to the space.”
That adaptation involves redeveloping historical buildings at risk of being demolished and honoring their past through design elements and menu items that reflect the neighborhood of each Hearsay gastro lounge. Landmark has an internal team dedicated to creating its unique decor known as “chic antique.”
“I have an appreciation for design and architecture,” he said.
Something Chopra doesn’t have? Culinary skills.
“I can barely use a microwave, although I joke I’m the head chef because I like to eat,” he said.
But no worries, because that’s where Landmark’s CEO, Joe Natale, CFO Mark Previty, director of Operations Ozzy Canales and Hearsay’s 525-plus associates provide support with the restaurant’s day-to-day operations.
Also part of the Hearsay team?
Regions Bank Commercial Banking relationship manager Cesar Guerra.
I feel fortunate and proud to be part of the Hearsay team and history.
“Cesar and Regions are our cheerleaders,” said Natale. “Cesar is our advocate. He’s a great listener; he’s interested in the goals of the business. We love working with him.”
And Guerra loves working with the Hearsay team as well – so much so, he knew exactly who to turn to when the opportunity arose to serve lunch to customers during Regions’ Big Bike tour across Houston this spring.
Hearsay On the Go’s food truck rolled up to treat hundreds to brisket tacos, chicken wraps and more delicious fare at the bank’s Sugar Land, West Chase and Briar Forest locations.
Guerra fully savored the experience given it was a decade-plus in the making.
“I met Mark Previty 15 years ago while in a previous banking role,” he said. “We weren’t able to work together at the time, but we got along great and stayed in touch. After Mark went to work for Lucky and I moved to Regions, the timing and opportunity were finally right.”
Today, Guerra plays a key role in supporting both the hospitality and medical banking relationships. He remains grateful for the enduring relationship with Previty, which has since grown to include Chopra and Natale on the Hearsay side. It’s also deepened to include Caroline Vérot Moore, Commercial Banking executive and Houston market executive, and Commercial Banking leader Chad Cargile on the Regions side.
“Building a mutually beneficial business relationship with the benefit of creating great friendships has been incredibly rewarding,” Guerra said. “The Hearsay brand is personal for me. My wife and I were regulars as newlyweds at their first location. We cherish our fond memories of the food and music that kept bringing us back. I feel fortunate and proud to be part of the Hearsay team and history.”
Earlier this month, Hearsay wrote the next chapter of its history, opening a location in Beaumont. Guerra attended the ribbon cutting.
“Regions worked with us through the acquisition and construction process,” said Natale. “The bank’s support reflects an investment in the Beaumont community. This is something the city has needed for so long.”
But wait, there’s more – as in, three more Hearsay locations set to open in Dallas, Austin and Waco in the next 18 months.
While the décor at each will pay homage to its neighborhood, there’s one thing you can count on them sharing.
“We build restaurants where we want to go to,” said Natale. “We’re building places for folks who want to enjoy a culinary experience. It’s not pretentious, but it is about providing great food and a great experience, whether that’s having business dinners, family dinners or simply watching the game.”
Chopra’s medical background makes him highly attuned to providing something else, too.
“We also have to make food that makes you feel good,” he added.
We’re building places for folks who want to enjoy a culinary experience. It’s not pretentious, but it is about providing great food and a great experience.
Joe Natale, Landmark Hospitality Group CEO
Chopra takes healthy eating so seriously that Landmark Hospitality Group now prepares meals for Advanced Diagnostic Healthcare patients with considerations like reduced sodium and calories.
“We’re here to serve our customers, whether that’s in healthcare or hospitality,” said Chopra. “There’s actually more synergies between hospitality and healthcare than people realize. That’s why we have the food services at our hospital taken care of by our hospitality group.”
As Hearsay continues to expand, Chopra knows there’s no one luckier than he is thanks to the support he receives from his team, including Guerra.
“For Cesar to take the time to learn who we are and where we’re going, it’s really refreshing,” he said. “It’s as if the stars lined up for us with him. We’re having fun doing this. It’s a lot of fun making people happy.”