ALEX RIVERS - OWNER & MAITRE D’
Equipped with contagious happiness, a firm handshake, flip-phone and sparkle in his eye, Chattanooga native “Rivers” has exceptional hometown pride and local wisdom, a commitment to making local partnerships, and an affinity for the city’s and region's sports teams. He attended Notre Dame High School where he played basketball and is a loyal University of ND football fan. Rivers has been fostering relationships with his customers in his nearly two decades of bartending, serving, and brewing in Chattanooga, and has generated a hefty following of loyals. A true ambassador for the city, Rivers has been speaking to his out-of-town guests about how amazing this town is since the year 2000. Known for anticipating his customers' every need and his relentless positivity, the secret of his craft is that he genuinely enjoys making new friends, listening and connecting people to each other to create community. Outside of work he may be found playing disc golf or watching Star Trek with his wife Karah Nazor and their four spoiled shih-tzus.
Executive Chef - Andrew MIllsap
Growing up in Chattanooga, Andrew was first introduced to the culinary world as a young Sous Chef in his grandmother’s kitchen where he gained a strong appreciation for the field to-table concept. His passion for creating elevated cuisine with the best possible ingredients has found him in many of the best kitchens around, including in Hyde Park in the hallowed halls of The Culinary Institute of America. For nearly the last decade Chef Millsap has been Executive Chef at UTC, serving on the Southeast Culinary Council. Awarded Culinarian of the Year in 2020, Andrew strives to bring his best to every bite. When he’s not whipping up something in the kitchen he can be found with his wife, Jessica, and dog, Sampson, relaxing and enjoying all that our scenic city has to offer.
Our Story
OMR acquired our small house, originally built in the 1920’s from Karen and David Loveless, who operated the much loved restaurant The Big Table from this site for 18 years. Rivers, his father “Old Man” Mark Rivers I, Andrew, and a lot of family members and close friends worked together in to renovate and modernize the building to the highest quality. OMR opened its doors on May 31, 2023.
As many food and beverage establishments move towards automation and ordering kiosks and self-pour beverage walls, OMR takes a people-focused approach where the staff prides themselves on developing relationships with customers. We aim to create a comfortable environment where people do not feel invisible. To facilitate socializing, we ask that our customers unplug, slow down, and perhaps enjoy an old fashion, the Old Man Rivers way.
OMR is a place where people come to celebrate life’s special occasions, no matter if they are happy or hard moments (anniversaries, birthdays, Dad and daughter date night or Mom and son date night, or even after funerals). At our table, we want people to connect and talk to each other and leave their devices in their cars or at home.
OMR selects local sustainably resourced products from our beer, whiskey, meats, cheese, and in-season vegetables. We are invested in our local community. We support small local businesses and entrepreneurs where possible. To minimize food transport and reduce our Carbon footprint, we use eggs and fresh vegetables grown on our family farm, Tilleigh Sue Farms (Sequatchie county) and other local farms. We compost, recycle, use bio-based compostable to-go containers, and minimize our use of glass (since it is not recycled in Chattanooga) and single-use plastics. Our team takes pride in their work and knowledge of ingredients and is happy to answer any questions.