About Us.
At Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar, we honor the heart and soul of Southern cuisine while embracing a refined, ingredient-driven approach. Nestled in Augusta’s historic Surrey Center, our restaurant is a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and culinary excellence—where tradition meets innovation, and every meal is an experience worth savoring.
Our name, inspired by the timeless folk ballad “Abel Brown,” reflects our commitment to the everyday man—the hard worker, the dreamer, the one who appreciates life’s simple yet meaningful pleasures. Just as the song has been passed down through generations, our food tells a story of heritage, passion, and respect for the craft.
A Culinary Experience Rooted in Tradition.
At Abel Brown, every dish is thoughtfully prepared, balancing bold flavors with delicate technique, and has been since it was established in 2014. Chef & Owner Todd Schafer, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, has spent decades honing his craft in some of the country’s most acclaimed kitchens. From the freshest oysters at our raw bar to expertly curated seasonal menus, our focus is on quality, sustainability, and showcasing the best of what the South has to offer.
Beyond the plate, our restaurant is an experience—warm, inviting, and refined without pretense. Whether you're enjoying a leisurely dinner, gathering for a special occasion, or sipping a perfectly paired glass of wine, Abel Brown is where Southern hospitality meets elevated dining.
Todd Schafer, Chef + Owner
Our name, inspired by the timeless folk ballad “Abel Brown,” reflects our commitment to the everyday man—the hard worker, the dreamer, the one who appreciates life’s simple yet meaningful pleasures.
OUR TEAM
Todd Schafer | Chef + Owner
Chef Todd began cooking at the age of 15, with a passion for food that was inspired by his mother. This passion pushed him to graduate from the CIA in Hyde Park, New York. He pursued an education in Classical French Cooking at such iconic restaurants as the Cloister in Sea Island, Ciboulette in Atlanta, Provence in Washington D.C. and at Pinot Blanc Napa Valley. Todd opened Bistro 491 in his hometown of Augusta, Georgia in 1999. The French restaurant revolutionized formal dining in the area through its of farm-to-table seasonal menus that married the French technique he loved with the Southern Traditions that he grew up with. He closed Bistro 491 in May of 2014 to reimagine the space as Abel Brown Southern Kitchen & Oyster Bar, which has consistently been lauded as the top restaurants in Augusta.
Anna Claire Rascon | General Manager
Anna Claire started at Abel Brown in 2018 her very first job and quickly became known as the smiling face of the restaurant. Over the years, she worked her way through nearly every front-of-house role before earning her position as General Manager.
A graduate with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and an avid golf fan, her love for Augusta runs deep. Being just down the street from Augusta National, she’s reminded daily of what makes this city special….its tradition, charm, and community. For Anna Claire, the magic of Abel Brown lives in its people: the regulars, the team, and the Southern hospitality that turns every visit into something memorable.
