A local restaurant in Statesboro brings a new twist to the dining experience with food quality and guest satisfaction as their number one priority.

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"I tell people all the time that we are in the people business, you can have good food, but if you don’t have good service and if people don’t respect you and what it is that you’re doing they don’t get on board with what you are trying to do" Stephen Maenpaa, general manager of 40 East Grill, said.

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40 East Grill has had growing success since its opening about Five and a half years ago. Its relaxed scenery and welcoming atmosphere make it a hot spot for any type crowd. From an open, glass-faced kitchen to high energy music and staff, set it apart from other local eateries. It is located on 40 East main street in downtown Statesboro.

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Each year 40 East Grill has seen about a 20% growth increase, which is huge in this market. That is primarily because of its food quality and friendly service.

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40 East Grill's theme was originally a farm-to-table aspect, but then recently changed to incorporate an American dining experience. They have a very diverse menu that ranges from fresh soups and salads to burgers and steaks grilled to perfection.

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“We have a very broad menu that people enjoy, the 40 East burger is probably our number one selling item, especially at lunch time,” Tucker Outz, line cook at 40 East Grill, said.

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Outz said the burger includes high quality ground beef that is hard seared and topped with fresh red onions, pickles, lettuce, American Swiss cheese and pepper incrusted bacon all between warm toasty buns.

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Aside from the amazing food, 40 East Grill offers a bar with high quality drinks and friendly bartenders for those who just want to grab a drink with some friends and enjoy the game. However, this is not your average run-of-the-mill college bar. It attracts a more mature crowd for those looking to relax on break or after a long day.

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“The friendliness of the staff, the ambiance, it’s kind of a more adult bar, not there is anything wrong with college bars, but it’s a little bit older of a crowd and that’s what attracts me to the establishment,” Jeffrey Smith, a frequent customer of 40 East Grill, said.

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Smith has been coming to 40 East Grill about 3 times a week and has built friendships with the manager and its bartenders. He loves their friendly service and will continue to be a regular customer for as long as he can.

40 East Grill offers live entertainment Thursday-Saturday night. Not too many other restaurants offer this kind of service. It gives the Grill that competitive edge to make it a step up from other eateries in the area. It also gives residents and even workers a chance to showcase their talents.

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“I’m a singer and song writer and I started performing here on Thursday nights occasionally and on Fridays and Saturdays, just in the past couple of months B.C. offered me to perform here every Thursday and I’ve loved it ever since,” Brandi Harvey, a Bartender and performer at 40 East Grill, said.

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40 East Grill also features a large venue called “The Hall” located directly behind the restaurant that is used for large events such as parties, proms, meetings and even weddings. All of the food and drinks are self-catered and ran by their staff. This is yet another aspect that increases that personable feel 40 East Grill works hard to maintain and adhere to.

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“You run somebody’s wedding and that’s a special day for them in their life and all of a sudden, they’re sending you business because they had such a great time working with you through your levels of customer service and the quality of the product you’re able to provide,” Maenpaa said.

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With its experienced manager and well-trained staff, 40 East Grill will continue their growth and success in hopes of making a name for themselves in Statesboro as one of the most prominent establishments.