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.
A Wine Program for Everyone.
Todd Schafer & Pablo Braida, MS
At Abel Brown, we believe wine should be enjoyed, not intimidating. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning to explore, our wine program is designed to make every sip an experience—approachable, engaging, and always memorable.
Led by Master Sommelier Pablo Braida—one of only 281 in the world—and Sommelier Nicole Nowlin, our team brings world-class expertise to the table with a down-to-earth approach. We don’t just pour wine; we create an experience that connects the glass to the plate, the region to the story, and the guest to the moment.
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.
Nicole Nowlin | Managing Partner
Nicole has an extensive background in corporate hospitality, restaurant openings, and management.
In Dallas, Nicole served as the Wine Director for Monarch and Kessaku restaurants and later as the Director of Wine and Beverage for Duro Hospitality, overseeing programs at Mister Charles, The Charles, El Carlos Elegante, Café Duro, and Sister.
Having grown up in the restaurant industry, she honed her expertise as a sommelier in Napa under Matt Stamp while also working at Hanzell Vineyards and various other wineries.
Pablo Braida, MS | Managing Partner
Pablo is a Master Sommelier and hospitality professional with international experience in event management, education, restaurant openings, cellar management, and wine list development.
Born in the small town of Morteros, Argentina, Pablo holds dual citizenship in Italy and Argentina. He initially pursued a career in accounting before following his passion for wine and travel—a journey that led him to London, Barcelona, Mallorca, and Napa Valley.
He began his wine certification with the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2015 and achieved the prestigious Master Sommelier title in 2022. Pablo is the first Argentinian (and only the third South American) to earn this distinction, joining an elite group of just 281 individuals worldwide who have passed the Master Sommelier examination since its inception in 1969.
