Family catering business now has its own restaurant in a Macon country club. See inside.

Jessica Payne
·2 min read

A family-owned catering business is making big moves in the Macon area.

Zavala at Barrington, owned by John Passmore, started out as a small catering business in 2020. The success of the business required a bigger kitchen and more space.

“We needed a bigger kitchen to meet the demands of our growing company,” Passmore said. “We decided on Barrington Hall because we would be able to grow our restaurant as we rehabilitate the country club and golf course - we have big plans out here for Macon-Bibb County.”

Orchids sit on the bar in Zavala at Barrington on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. Zavala began as a local catering business and moved to its Barrington Hall location in February, where renovations are ongoing in the club.
Orchids sit on the bar in Zavala at Barrington on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. Zavala began as a local catering business and moved to its Barrington Hall location in February, where renovations are ongoing in the club.

So, in March 2024, the family moved the business to the Barrington on Stoney Creek Drive.

Passmore runs the upscale restaurant with his brother-in-law, Marco, who prepares the meals and his sisters who serve as cart girls during the weekends. Passmore runs the company’s social media and advertising and meets with clients regarding menu items.

The renovated bar sits inside the main dining room at Zavala at Barrington on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. Zavala began as a local catering business and moved to its Barrington Hall location in February, where renovations are ongoing in the club.
The renovated bar sits inside the main dining room at Zavala at Barrington on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. Zavala began as a local catering business and moved to its Barrington Hall location in February, where renovations are ongoing in the club.

Passmore said the most unique thing about the business is it offers all the comforts and experience of a country club without any membership fees.

“We are a restaurant with a country club location with no membership requirements. You have the opportunity to host parties, play golf, swim, or dine in our restaurant,” he said. “We offer catering as well which we love to do.”

Picnic tables sit on the patio of Zavala at Barrington on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. Zavala began as a local catering business and moved to its Barrington Hall location in February, where renovations are ongoing in the club.
Picnic tables sit on the patio of Zavala at Barrington on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. Zavala began as a local catering business and moved to its Barrington Hall location in February, where renovations are ongoing in the club.

Passmore said the business has really taken off and the residents of Barrington Hall are thrilled to have an establishment to bring family and friends to. He said a lot of the business actually comes from residents out of Barrington Hall. He added that seeing so many familiar faces everyday warms his heart and he appreciates that they come out to support.

Passmore said he takes pride in all he does and enjoys the satisfaction of being able to provide Macon residents with the food, ambiance and friendly hardworking staff that Zavala at Barrington has to offer.

A pasta dish with a pesto cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and filet medallions sits on a table at Zavala at Barrington on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. Zavala began as a local catering business and moved to its Barrington Hall location in February, where renovations are ongoing in the club.
A pasta dish with a pesto cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes and filet medallions sits on a table at Zavala at Barrington on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Macon, Georgia. Zavala began as a local catering business and moved to its Barrington Hall location in February, where renovations are ongoing in the club.

The catering side of the business offers brunch, lunch, dinner options and also has event space available to accommodate up to 150 people, and a smaller room that can accommodate up to 50 people.

Passmore said people are often surprised by how much they get for their money when using Zavala at Barrington for catered events.

“We are a company for the people - not just for your money,” he said. “And, in addition to catering, we offer so much more all in a country club setting without the headache of a membership.”

Passmore said the business will soon be joining the Macon Chamber of Commerce and will hold a grand opening in mid-July with a band, food, drink specials, and more.