Tom and John Knorr, brothers and business partners were born and raised in Richmond, VA where their traditional upbringing instilled in them the good manners and natural charm associated with southern hospitality. Upon graduation from college, both brothers went to work for Phillip’s Seafood Restaurants.
After several years Tom and John decided to take their combined restaurant knowledge and venture out on their own. In 1996 they bought the Red Roost Restaurant in rural Whitehaven, MD. The red Roost has been a landmark Eastern Shore Eatery (located in a refurbished chicken house) since 1974, serving all you can eat steamed crabs, shrimp, fried chicken , local corn on the cob and more. Over the years, the brothers have made improvements to both the building and the business including a well- stocked gift shop and an expanded entrée menu that now includes mouthwatering seafood and steak dishes. The Red Roost remains a summertime favorite for locals and travelers alike.
Five Years after purchasing The Red Roost, Tom and John bought and remodeled an old Tavern in Tyaskin, MD. Boonies Restaurant and Bar Opened it’s doors in July 2001 to a line of eager guests. Boonies serves traditional Maryand Seafood favorites including mouthwatering crabcakes, lump crab imperial, fresh fish and hand-cut steaks. All of this is done in a casual atmosphere with a friendly and attentive staff that is welcoming to all.
In December 2006, SoBo's wine bistro (short for Southern Boy’s) opened as the Knorr’s third restaurant. A smaller concept (just 80 or so seats), SoBo’s focus is on upscale, contemporary cuisine and an extensive New World wine list. Sobo’s offers it’s guests a high quality dining experience that remains approachable and fun. Just ask any of the friendly staff members for recommendations on food or wine and they will be happy to help.
In late 2007, the Knorr brothers have teamed up with Robbin Haas to open
Bistrot Cinq, a French bistro in Antigua, Guatemala. The partnership grew out of
a friendship and mutual respect between Haas and the Knorr brothers. It is the first international restaurant for Southern Boys Concepts.
In April 2009, the brothers opened a boutique production brewery in Delaware, Evolution Craft Brewing Company. They were intrigued with the artistry in beer and decided that brewing their own beer would be a great new venture. They launched beers with their brew master that would pair well with the foods they were creating in the kitchens of their restaurants.
In June of 2009, the Knorrs rebranded “SoBo's Wine Bistro” as “SoBo's Wine Beerstro”. They wanted to highlight the restaurants innovative cuisines with wines and beers they are creating as well as other beers from craft breweries from around the United States.
They have built the concepts around their strong belief in good southern hospitality and bringing high quality experience to guests at a great value. No matter what kind of dining experience you are looking for, please join the Knorr’s and their staff at any of the three establishments. You are sure to be welcomed with a smile and will leave feeling satisfied and wanting to return time and time again.