Thomas Parsell
August 28, 1944-September 26, 2007

President/Principal Proprietor
Hospitality Management Group, Inc.

Magnolias, Blossom, and Cypress Lowcountry Grille

A long time resident of Charleston, Thomas Parsell was recognized in the business community for his various marketing, banking and entrepreneurial interests. He was a graduate of Southern Methodist University with degrees in psychology and philosophy. Parsell and partner, Donald Barickman, Executive Chef/Vice President, founded Hospitality Management Group, Inc. (HMGI) in 1990 with the opening of Magnolias. They opened Blossom in 1993, Magnolias “Upper Level” Private Dining facility in 1996 and Cypress Lowcountry Grille in 2001.

Parsell and Barickman gained a reputation of excellence in the industry and received accolades for their properties from such notable critics and food experts as Gourmet Magazine, Bon Appetit, The New York Times, Southern Living, Nation’s Restaurant News, The James Beard Foundation, Esquire Magazine, and the Food Network.

Prior to his venture into the restaurant industry Parsell owned and operated Tom Parsell Chevrolet, Inc. from 1975 until 1989. He formed another automobile dealership in 1990, Griffin Honda – Toyota in the Atlanta area. He was also a founding Director of the Bank of Charleston in 1990, now part of Carolina First Banking System. He lectured at the college level on the subject of entrepreneurship. Thomas Parsell was involved in several non-profit organizations to preserve the city of Charleston’s remarkable landmarks and cultural interests. His wife, Suzi continues to be actively involved in these organizations.

 

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