You’ve probably ordered a burger at FD’s GrillHouse, split queso at Javi’s, or celebrated something at Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails. What you might not know is that all of those spots, along with III Palms and Villaggio del Vino, belong to the same company. Mandoline Hospitality was recently named Large Business of the Year by the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, putting a spotlight on a restaurant group that’s become woven into how Tyler eats.

The story behind it belongs to Scott Williams, who started as a busser at 16 and worked his way through chef and manager roles before buying San Pedro’s in Chandler in 2012. That purchase kicked off a run of growth that turned into five distinct concepts, each with its own menu and personality. In 2024, the Texas Restaurant Association named him East Texas Chapter Outstanding Restaurateur, and Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails is now expanding to Longview.

The recognition matters because restaurants open and close constantly, and a locally based company earning a chamber award is a point of hometown pride. Whether you’re a regular at one of the five or you’ve never stepped inside any of them, there’s a decent chance one of your favorite meals in Tyler traces back to the same kitchen table.

Which of the five is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.