Join us for a panel discussion with our guests Ashley McMakin, owner of Ashley Mac’s and Becky Satterfield, owner of Satterfield’s Restaurant and El ZunZún Restaurant. Hear how they started their businesses, and how they have overcome challenges along the way.
OUR GUEST PRESENTERS
Ashley McMakin attributes her love of food to the amazing cooking of her mom and grandmother. After graduating from the University of Alabama with a degree in marketing, Ashley spent a year in East Asia serving with Campus Crusade for Christ. She got her start in the food industry catering for friends, but within months the demand had increased so much, she left her job to pursue catering full time.
It wasn’t long before Ashley’s husband Andy joined her and in June of 2007 they officially opened for business in Bluff Park. A second location followed in November of 2008. As they continued to grow they opened their first dine-in location in the summer of 2010 and additional locations in Inverness, Riverchase, Homewood and Pizitz in 2012, 2015, 2018 and 2020 respectively.
Ashley gives God the credit for their success and is thankful for the staff and customers He continues to provide.
Betty Satterfield also learned her love of food from her mom and grandmother. Her childhood was filled with good meals, togetherness and bonding around the dinner table. After working in the legal and financial industries, she began studying pastry arts at Culinard. She soon found herself catering parties for friends and neighbors.
Although she never planned to open a restaurant, Satterfield’s became a reality in 2005. It is well-known as one of Birmingham’s favorite dining destinations. Becky is also a founding member and past president of Les Dames d’Escoffier, Birmingham, an international philanthropic society of professional women leaders in the fields of food, fine beverage and hospitality. The organization is celebrating Birmingham’s food scene this month at their annual fall fundraiser, Southern Soirée.
In August of 2018, Becky opened the doors of El ZunZún Mexican Restaurant, a casual authentic Mexican restaurant located in Cahaba Heights.