Today we’d like to introduce you to Christopher Marlow.
Hi Christopher, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My parents and I moved to Flagler Beach from St. Kitts in the Caribbean in 1992. My dad was in the casino business at the time, and while visiting Flagler Beach my parents found a small bar available. The Golden Lion Cafe’ opened 33 years ago with only 16 seats. My parents worked very hard for a long time to grow the business and I grew up at the restaurant too. The school bus used to drop me off on the corner and I would sit at table #1 every day and do my homework.
Today The Golden Lion Cafe’ has over 300 seats and has become a fresh seafood destination as well as a staple of the community.
I went to college at Stetson University in Deland and did my MBA in Hospitality in Geneva, Switzerland at Glion Institute of higher education. After meeting my wife Emily in Switzerland, I moved back to Florida and began working at The Golden Lion again but this time in management role. After a few years we decided to open another location and the restaurant was named The Green Lion Cafe’ as it was located on a golf course in Palm Coast. The restaurant was very successful. Following the conclusion of our 5 year lease, we brought all of our staff to our newest location Next Door Beach Bistro.
Next Door opened in 2023 and is a modern American bistro with a french flair. It has been a smashing success and we are very proud of what our team has been able to achieve. Next Door quickly became the #1 restaurant in our local area and it has been and exciting journey bringing the concept to life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The restaurant business is always a challenge, the challenges just change and evolve. Severe weather such as hurricanes are a constant threat and considering both of our restaurants are oceanfront, it is something we always have to keep an eye on.
Political pressure, staffing shortages, and supply chain issues are just a few other area’s that require management to find solutions and then of course we had a pandemic in the middle of everything too.
The restaurant business certainly makes you a better problem solver!
We’ve been impressed with Marlow Hospitality Group, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our two restaurants are tied closely with our local community and we are diligent in our efforts to give back to the community that supports us. We are charitable and support many local causes.
We offer Free Fish N Chips ( our #1 seller) to Veterans on Veterans Day
We host and sponsor the Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Tournament
We donate to Habitat for Humanity and helped build one house per year in Flagler County.
We make cash donations to our local food pantries to feed the hungry. Thousands of dollars per yer
After being in business for 33 years we understand these types of events are what makes Flagler Beach so special. It is a tight knit community.
What matters most to you? Why?
Being the best Dad I can be. I have a three year old son named Mason and he is my pride and joy. I’m very lucky to have such a great son.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://goldenlioncafe.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goldenlioncafe
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@GoldenLionCafe
