"A SOUL FROM THE SOUTH WITH AN EYE ON THE WEST"
FORGE AHEAD.....
Inspired by pubs and taverns in Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Citizen Soul is California cuisine with Southern Heart and Soul. Fine fare for the working man.. and woman with simple, fresh ingredients. Citizen Soul is an upscale, casual, neighborhood eatery; serving modern American pub fare while specializing in artisanal cocktails, fine wine and craft beer. The beverage program will include eclectic cocktails, 20 craft beers on tap and fine wine primarily sourced from domestic producers. Citizen Soul is approachable, fun and a place where business professionals can frequent to enjoy classic snacks and entrees prepared in a unique, modern style. Citizen Soul is the 2nd concept from Phillip Cooper and was inspired by his extensive travels throughout Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. “Coop” as his friends and regulars know him has been an Atlanta area Sommelier for more than a decade, who’s first concept Vin25 is a staple in Historic Roswell’s hip downtown scene. Future plans for Citizen Soul include a co-branded retail wine concept, Vin2go which will offer retail wine sales via club membership, wine allocations and concierge services.
Phillip Cooper
Owner, Sommelier
Phillip “Coop” Cooper has been providing culinary experiences in North Metro Atlanta for more than two decades. Certified with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Coop is inspired by his extensive world wide travel throughout Europe, Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. This has formed his perspective on wine and the restaurant experience, providing a distinct blend of sensibilities in taste and style. Coop is the cofounder of Cellared Roots Hospitality, a restaurant consulting and development firm that specializes in assisting both startup and existing concepts in the metro Atlanta area and through out the Southeast.
In his free time, Coop enjoys golf, fly fishing, travel, and most importantly spending time with his wife and three kids.
Sean Clark
Corporate Chef & Operations Manager
A native of Asheville, NC, Sean has been in the hospitality industry for twenty years, from line cook to corporate chef, GM to Director of Operations Training. His areas of focus include concept startups, progressive rebranding, and turn-around of existing businesses. His ability to objectively analyze individual clients’ needs is a valuable tool for assessing manager and employee effectiveness, as well as overall growth. Chef Sean is the cofounder of Cellared Roots Hospitality, a restaurant consulting and development firm that specializes in assisting both startup and existing concepts in the metro Atlanta area and throughout the Southeast.
Sean has a modern vocational approach to manager, chef and employee mentorship. As an externship mentor for The Art Institute, as well as Le Cordon Bleu, he is well practiced in placing individuals in the position where they will find the most success. Chef Sean reveals one of his favorite aspects of his career is that it is ever evolving. You can always learn something new and create something different.
Shannon Penn
General Manager
With over two decades leadership in the hospitality industry, Shannon has earned the reputation as a trusted leader across both independent concepts and nationally recognized brands by building high performance teams, cultivating healthy culture and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Shannon's career includes long-term leadership roles with Ruth's Cris Steak House as both General Manager and Director of Operations. Earlier on his path, he brought his commitment to excellence to the Sedgwick Restaurant Group and the top rated Bones Restaurant and Bar.
Shannon holds a BFA in acting from Valdosta State and has pursued graduate coursework in Christian Education at Dallas Theological Seminary. Outside of the restaurant, he enjoys playing tennis, speding time on patios with his wife and golden retriever, and as a youth volunteer at North Point Community Church.