Georgia Aquarium honors the life and legacy of our founder, Bernie Marcus. His vision and generosity made Georgia Aquarium a reality, transforming it from a dream to a world-class destination that has welcomed over 40 million visitors. We are thankful for his support and vision and look back in gratitude on his incredible achievements. 

 

Mr. Marcus dedicated his life to philanthropic causes and is the reason Georgia Aquarium exists today. What began as a vision to build an aquarium in downtown Atlanta, as a gift back to the city that gave him so much, became an endeavor that changed not only the city but the aquarium industry as a whole. 

 

Through his imagination and tenacity, he conceptualized and created Georgia Aquarium. His commitment to excellence drew together world-class experts in animal care, research, and aquarium design, creating a place where guests from around the world could experience the wonders of the ocean firsthand. His vision for a transformative institution helped revitalize downtown Atlanta, turning it into a lively center for tourism, education, and community engagement. Through his leadership, the Aquarium became a beacon of discovery and conservation, inspiring millions and igniting a spirit of stewardship for aquatic life.

 

Bernie envisioned Georgia Aquarium as a place for all, a space where everyone could experience the magic of the ocean, regardless of background. He especially valued access for young minds, creating opportunities for school children to visit, learn, and be inspired. Since opening, Georgia Aquarium has welcomed nearly 1.7 million students on field trips. Through outreach programs, the Aquarium has connected with over 25,000 students, taking marine science beyond our walls and into the community. This dedication to education was at the heart of Bernie’s mission, ensuring that future generations grow up with a passion for our oceans and a drive to protect them.

 

We are forever grateful for his vision, his generosity, and his determination. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Billi, his family, and all who cherished him. Bernie’s impact will forever be felt here at Georgia Aquarium.

Wolfgang Puck Catering has been named Modern Luxury Atlanta’s “Best of the City” nationwide caterer, a recognition that reflects its dedication to culinary excellence and exceptional service. We spoke with Allison Grady, senior director of catering sales at Wolfgang Puck Catering, to get her insights on this prestigious award and what sets them apart.

What does this recognition mean to Wolfgang Puck Catering?

“Being named Modern Luxury’s Best of the City – National Caterer is an incredible honor for us. It validates our team’s tireless dedication to culinary excellence and exceptional service. This award celebrates our past achievements and motivates us to keep innovating and exceeding expectations. It’s a testament to our commitment to delivering unforgettable dining experiences, whether for an intimate gathering or a large-scale event.” – Allison Grady

What distinguishes Wolfgang Puck Catering from other companies?

“Our distinction lies in our world-class culinary expertise, commitment to locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, and our ability to customize each event to reflect the client’s vision. Our chef team’s creativity, coupled with meticulous attention to detail in presentation and service, ensures a memorable experience for every guest.”

How do you approach planning for different events?

“We tailor our approach based on the event type. For corporate gatherings, we create sophisticated menus for large groups that are efficiently served. We incorporate interactive food stations and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres. For smaller, private events, we focus on creating an intimate setting, often with a coursed meal and chef interaction.”

How did Wolfgang Puck Catering become the exclusive caterer for Georgia Aquarium?

“Our partnership with Georgia Aquarium started when Bernie Marcus, the Aquarium’s founder, participated in our cooking classes in Atlanta. A memorable event we catered was the recent Spring Showcase, where we highlighted delicious, seasonal fare. We look forward to many more years of collaboration.”

Congratulations to Wolfgang Puck Catering for their remarkable achievement and continued success in the catering world!