Local Chef Focuses on Memorable Moments at Table43

Dalton restaurant celebrates personal connections through elevated comfort food

Apr. 11, 2026 at 7:38am

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A high-contrast, silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid pattern of a plate of sausage balls and a glass of sweet tea, rendered in a vibrant neon color palette that captures the celebratory mood of a local restaurant anniversary.Table43's elevated take on classic Southern comfort foods like sausage balls and sweet tea reflects the restaurant's mission to create memorable dining experiences.Dalton Today

After the loss of his parents, local chef Greg Townsend and his business partners TJ Kaikobad and Heather McEntire opened Table43, a restaurant in downtown Dalton, Georgia that aims to create special experiences for its customers through high-quality, nostalgic dishes and a welcoming atmosphere. Townsend, who serves as the head chef, discusses the significance behind the restaurant's name, the challenges of maintaining consistency, and his passion for making each guest's visit memorable.

Why it matters

In a time when many local restaurants struggle to survive, Table43 has found success by prioritizing personal connections and elevating familiar comfort foods. The story highlights how a focus on creating meaningful experiences for customers can help a small business thrive, even during difficult economic times.

The details

Townsend, Kaikobad, and McEntire opened Table43 in late 2025 after a 16-month preparation period. The restaurant features a menu of elevated comfort foods like sausage balls, flame-kissed chicken, and honey hush shrimp. Townsend says maintaining consistency in food quality and service is the biggest challenge, but the team is committed to ensuring each guest has a memorable experience, whether they're celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a comforting meal.

  • Table43 opened its doors to the public in late October 2025.
  • Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are typically the busiest days of the year for the restaurant.

The players

Greg Townsend

The head chef and co-owner of Table43 who has worked with TJ Kaikobad for over 20 years in the Dalton restaurant industry.

TJ Kaikobad

A co-owner of Table43 and Townsend's long-time business partner.

Heather McEntire

A co-owner of Table43 who partnered with Townsend and Kaikobad to open the restaurant.

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What they’re saying

“The name Table43, it's not just a number. The story behind it really came from my 12-year-old son. After my mother died in 2019 and my father died in 2024, my son changed his baseball and football jersey numbers to 43.”

— Greg Townsend, Head Chef and Co-Owner

“We bought this place 16 months before we opened and I've been here since the beginning. TJ, Heather and I went through a lot of things before we got where we are right now.”

— Greg Townsend, Head Chef and Co-Owner

What’s next

As Table43 continues to build its reputation, the restaurant plans to introduce new seasonal menu items and host special events to engage the local community.

The takeaway

Table43's success demonstrates how a focus on creating memorable experiences for customers through elevated comfort food and a welcoming atmosphere can help a small, locally-owned restaurant thrive, even in challenging economic times.