Chè Gaines Sr.
Executive Chef
Ché Gravy Gaines Sr. is an award-winning Executive Chef, culinary innovator, and hospitality leader with more than 25 years of experience creating memorable dining experiences across the United States.
A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Class of 2001, Chef Ché has built a career defined by creativity, technical excellence, and a relentless passion for elevating cuisine through bold flavors and refined execution.
Throughout his career, Chef Ché has led kitchens in six of the nation's most competitive culinary markets—New York City, Las Vegas, Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, and Birmingham—bringing his expertise to luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, upscale casual concepts, and high-volume hospitality operations.
His broad experience has shaped a culinary style that seamlessly blends Southern comfort, French technique, Caribbean influence, Latin flavors, and global inspiration.
Chef Ché's talent and personality have earned him national television appearances on Bravo TV, NBC, and The Food Network, expanding his reach across major broadcast and cable platforms.
His leadership philosophy centers on respect, consistency, and inspiring the next generation of chefs to pursue greatness through craftsmanship and hard work.
Coe Taylor
General Manager
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Coe has long been inspired by the city's vibrant culture and deep rooted hospitality. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management from Auburn University, where he focused on hotel and restaurant operations.
Coe began his career with the Pihakis Restaurant Group as a cashier, quickly rising through the ranks while contributing several restaurant concepts across Birmingham and Atlanta. Through dedication and leadership, he ultimately advanced to the role of General Manager.
Most recently, Coe spent three years leading the food and beverage program at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook. During that time, he also supported the reopening of the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville following the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene. While curating the wine program at the hotel he has also received a Level One certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Outside of the restaurant, Coe enjoys cooking at home with his wife, Farley, and spending time with their two English bulldogs.
Stan Reynolds
Maître D'
Stan earned his chops at the world renowned Commander's Palace in New Orleans, where he spent over two decades starting as a food runner and departing as one of the key restaurant managers. After Hurricane Katrina, Stan returned back to Alabama and has spent the last 15 years in restaurant management, including opening with G&G in 2014.
Stan graduated with a B.A. in Art from Auburn and is an avid painter. His watercolors adorn the walls here at Galley & Garden.
Teri Stewart
Event Coordinator
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Teri is a graduate of Samford University. She spent nearly 15 years in the west, beginning her fine-dining career working for James Beard award winner Michael Mina. In Los Angeles, she spent five years at the awarded Patina Restaurant, headed by celebrity Chef Joachim Splichal. Now back in Birmingham, Teri joined the Galley and Garden team in 2017. With a passion for entertaining, she loves to bring our guest’s private party visions to life.
When she is not helping others party, Teri can usually be found on a boat in the Gulf of Mexico.
Elise Loehr
Wine Consultant
Elise's education has led her on extensive travels across the world’s great wine regions. Her accreditations include some of the wine industry’s most challenging programs: the Advanced School of Service and Hospitality in Napa, California, the advanced level of the Wine and Spirits Educators Trust which she passed with merit, and the completion of the Court of Master Sommelier’s Advanced Exam. Elise has passed two of the three portions of the Court’s Master Sommelier Diploma. She’s been featured in several magazines, including People Country & The Sommelier Journal.
In her free time, Elise regularly participates as a sommelier and lecturer for events such as the Nashville Wine Auction, the Hilton Head Island Food & Wine Festival in South Carolina, Savannah Food & Wine Festival, and the Sandestin Wine Festival in Florida.
