Issue link: http://maconmagazine.uberflip.com/i/1458429
Vibez VIBEZ, on Cherry Street, is a local bar and grill owned by Chris Martin and Tennessee Titans outside linebacker Bud Dupree. The Wilkinson County natives, who have been friends since they were kids, traveled together extensively while Dupree played for the Pittsburgh Steelers. On their travels, they compiled creative ideas from places they visited including New York, Los Angeles, Miami and Atlanta. Chris defines their establishment as a "restaurant with a lounge vibe. We cater to give you a wow factor. We strive for a more upscale event for the Macon area, from our platings to certain drinks we have." He says their goal is to give customers a great experience from beginning to end. "We have dry ice that smokes when you get certain drinks. We have a drink called the Dupree that's pineapple and cognac that has a pineapple glass," Chris said with enthusiasm. Unlike A Brooke Haven and Fall Line, Vibez didn't open until summer 2021. Instead of opening, then shutting down, the pandemic completely delayed their launch. "It wasn't the plan. It took us about a year to open with the pandemic. It pushed us back. With everything going on, the best decision was to wait . So, when things started letting up, we decided to go ahead and give it a try," he said. Despite opening later, they still faced trials. "We were open about 30 days, then our head chef caught COVID, so we had to shut down for two weeks for the safety of everyone, and that was very challenging. The COVID protocol was challenging, the fact that we lost product, ensuring the safety of everyone involved from staff to customers, finances, it was all challenging," Chris said. "Now, we have a system in place for COVID, so if this ever happens again, we know what procedures to take to get ahead of it ." Even open for just a short time, Chris said he's had the opportunity to meet many great people and do some cool events. Just before Christmas, they had a kids' brunch complete with Santa. "About 200 kids came. We had Fruity Pebbles waffles, chicken fingers and plastic champagne flutes with Sprite and orange juice," he said. "It was so great!" Vibez is open for brunch, dinner and late-night on the weekends. "Come give us a try," he said. "We have the best lamb chops in downtown Macon!" TOP: MARSHALL TALLEY, GENERAL MANAGER AT VIBEZ ABOVE: CHRIS MARTIN AND BUD DUPREE FEBRUARY/MARCH 2022 | maconmagazine.com 61