Nathaniel Beaver is a mere 30 years old, but this ambitious Nashville native, who began his restaurant management career at The Donut Den in Green Hills while attending MBA, has made great strides since then, opening three restaurants, a catering service and management company named Infinity that he and his partners expect to grow with even more fine dining opportunities. Whew! That's one busy Beaver!

"I started working as a server at Whitfield's seven years ago, and after six weeks of serving, I became assistant manager," says Nathaniel. Six months later, he was general manager and bought the restaurant two years later. Nathaniel pops up with new concept eateries such as the Italian favorite, Bria Bistro, Harding House at Belle Meade Plantation and Harding House Custom Catering. Each offers a unique experience. Nathaniel explains, "Distinct and different dining concepts satisfy the many different desires of the dining population-no restaurant can cater to everyone, and if it is trying to do so, then it most likely will fail."

Whifield's, a favorite of the Belle Meade set, is undergoing a makeover and will open soon with a focus on the freshest seasonal fare, and a diverse entertainment line-up. The new late night menu makes Whitfield's the perfect place to end an evening.

Now if Nathaniel weren't in this business, you might find him "running for president, but since I still have a few years until I am eligible, I have not given up that dream as of yet." Leave it to Beaver.

-Ellen Nelson, Photograph by Eric England