A Dynamic Duo on the Move

A Master Chef Teams with a Restaurateur

By Jordan Staggs | Photography by Hunter Burgtorf

Influences from the Tuscan farmland and Sicilian seaside join forces in another beachside haven, the area known as Scenic Highway 30-A or simply “30A” along Florida’s Gulf Coast. Lola Coastal Italian resides there in the bustling town center of Seacrest Beach, attracting locals and visitors alike with its signature pizza, fresh seafood, select-cut steaks, and delectable pasta. The brainchild of Chef Tom Catherall, one of the world’s few certified master chefs, Lola has become a 30-A staple since its inception in 2020. Now celebrating the five-year milestone of this casual-yet-refined restaurant, Chef Catherall, co-owner David Richard, Sr., and their team are thrilled to announce an overhaul of the space, menu, and wine list at Lola.

“We’ve loved serving the community these past five years,” says Chef Tom Catherall. “Now we want to make some changes and improvements to elevate the experience for our regulars and draw in new customers to see what Lola is all about—the finest local and sustainably sourced ingredients, great wine, and authentic Italian ambience.”

The menu updates include a new array of top-quality steaks alongside all-time favorites such as Lola’s pizzas, pappardelle pasta, jumbo lump crab cakes, and Chef’s famous garlic bread. Meanwhile, an upscale interior makeover brings new life to the dining room, boasting a partially open kitchen where guests can get a taste of the action, a bar boasting high-end wines, beer, specialty cocktails, and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. New seating and tables were added in March, and guests can enjoy alfresco dining on the terrace as they watch the sunset and passersby.

While Lola is nestled in Seacrest Beach between Alys Beach and Rosemary Beach on 30-A, just a short drive away, you’ll find Aja 30A, Catherall and Richard, Sr.’s hot spot for elevated Asian cuisine and nightlife, located at 30Avenue. With a diverse menu boasting freshly rolled sushi, nigiri, and sashimi, craving-worthy appetizers, fresh seafood, ramen, Thai curry, and other Asian favorites in an upscale, vibrant space, Aja 30A has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors since opening on December 31, 2022. Fittingly, its first public event was a New Year’s Eve party, welcoming the new spot for DJs, dancing, fine liquor, and good food to the area with a bang. Weekends at Aja 30A are loved by patrons seeking a place for dining and an upscale late-night atmosphere on 30-A.

David Richard, Sr., and Chef Tom Catherall | Photo by Mark Little

Thanks to the overwhelmingly positive feedback and support of the community who love Aja 30A, Richard and Catherall hope to expand the concept into new markets within the near future. This includes the Atlanta area, where Chef Catherall formerly owned and operated twelve unique dining concepts across fifteen locations through his hospitality group, Here to Serve Restaurants. Helming iconic spots including Azalea, Tom Tom’s, and Twist, Chef Catherall is known for shaping the Atlanta dining scene before he moved to 30-A.

“Expanding to Atlanta is something we’ve talked about from the beginning,” says Richard. “With Chef Tom’s insider knowledge of the area and our goal of creating unforgettable dining and nightlife experiences worthy of any major metropolis, it just makes sense. I love Atlanta, and the chefs and restaurants there continue to raise the bar with incredible quality and atmosphere. We hope to bring Aja into that market and to create connections between there and our 30-A community, as the two are so intertwined.”

Aja 30A, located at 30Avenue, is known for its “Elevated Asian” cuisine, craft cocktails, and nightlife.

For now, the duo’s expansion starts at home: the 30-A community can rejoice that some of their favorite Chinese dishes are now available for delivery right to their doorstep through Mr. Chan’s Kitchen. This new ghost kitchen from the Aja 30A owners and team offers classics like Szechuan shrimp, hot and spicy beef, lettuce wraps, General Tso’s chicken, and more, elevating your typical Chinese takeout with the finest ingredients and preparation. Mr. Chan’s is currently available to the area through the 30AGrub2Go food delivery mobile app.

With their sights set on the future, it’s onward and upward for Catherall and Richard as they continue striving for excellence and providing guest experiences worth talking about on 30-A and beyond. Stay tuned to see what they will cook up next!

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Visit LolaCoastalItalian.com and Aja30A.com to learn more or see menus, and follow @lolacoastalitalian and @aja30a on Instagram for the latest news. Mr. Chan’s Kitchen is available on the 30AGrub2Go app and Instagram @mrchans30a.