Uptown Life Group Cultivates a Thriving Hospitality and Entertainment Community in Columbus, GA
Tom Jones and Buddy Nelms had each carved their own place in Columbus’ dining and entertainment scene. But when the two joined forces in 2008, their partnership amplified both their talents, and together they became key players in shaping the city’s growth and community spirit, in hospitality and beyond.
Dynamic Duo
Jones, a Columbus native, grew up steeped in hospitality, making it a natural path for him to follow. Nelms’ family arrived in Columbus when his father retired from military service. By chance, the two men’s fathers crossed paths in the hotel business. Through that connection, Nelms was introduced to the hospitality industry – and, eventually, Jones.
In 1985, Nelms purchased The Loft, an established entertainment venue in downtown Columbus. After a period of renovations and reimagining, he reopened it in 1991. The Loft flourished, evolving into one of the premier music and entertainment venues not only in Georgia, but across the Southeast. Nelms brought in fresh talent and new artists, drawing crowds downtown and creating a surge of energy. As the music scene expanded, tourism increased, restaurants followed and Columbus began to embrace nightlife as a vital part of its identity and economy.
When Jones and Nelms crossed paths later in their careers, they quickly realized they shared overlapping experiences and complementary strengths. “He loves to serve and I love to entertain,” Nelms says. “That combination works well for us.”
From there, Uptown Life Group was born – with The Loft as its anchor and the partnership between Nelms and Jones at its core. They expanded The Loft to include the restaurant, which massively energized both sides of the business.
For Jones and Nelms, hospitality is the heart of their work – creating warmth, connection and memorable dining experiences that feel both personal and unique. Entertainment provides the soul, and exceptional music and comedy acts create an energy that shapes the atmosphere of each venue.
Even the meal itself becomes part of the entertainment, with guests seeking not just food, but conversation, recommendations and the knowledgeable, friendly service that has become a hallmark of Uptown Life Group.
“Hospitality has to come first because that’s what’s going to invite people here,” Jones says. “The entertainment side ramps up the energy of what we’re doing.”
The Flavorful Five
With the success of The Loft, Uptown Life Group has grown into a portfolio of five distinct concepts – each with its own personality, flavor and loyal following.
Mabella was the second restaurant to join the family. With its New York library-inspired design, the space feels warm, cozy and inviting. The eatery quickly became one of the group’s busiest spots, serving a mix of traditional and modern Italian dishes alongside an upper-end steakhouse menu. A second location of Mabella now sits at Midland Commons, a new construction development that brings a locally loved restaurant closer to Columbus’ growing suburbs.
Next came Saltcellar, a destination for seafood lovers. Its eclectic menu is paired with a crisp, modern, open-air design meant to evoke a seaside ambiance.
Mix Market at The Pearl introduced diners to Neapolitan pizza and a self-serve beer wall – the first of its kind in Columbus. With its energetic atmosphere, wide-ranging menu and appeal across all ages, Mix Market is the group’s most playful concept.
“It’s just fun to be there,” Nelms says. “It’s the kind of place you really want to hang out.”
Above it sits The Pearl, a versatile event venue hosting weddings, corporate gatherings and live shows.
The newest addition, Tommy G’s, is named after Jones’ son and modeled after Mix Market. It features New York-style pizza and its own beverage dispensing system, making it a favorite for casual dining.
Across all five concepts, one sweet constant ties them together: Mama K’s Cheesecake. Made from a recipe Jones’ mother perfected more than 50 years ago, hundreds are made and enjoyed each week.
Columbus itself has grown into a competitive, vibrant market, one that Jones and Nelms both embrace. Their success, they say, is inseparable from the city’s Southern charm and close-knit community spirit. Restaurants have become hubs for connection and socialization, places where people can gather, meet and build relationships. Full-service dining, in particular, is seeing renewed demand, with guests craving not only quality food but also the energy and atmosphere that come with it.
“Energy begets energy,” Nelms says, and Columbus’ culinary momentum continues to build.
Columbus Technical College Helps Turn Culinary Passion Into Career-Ready Skills
As the food scene in Columbus and the surrounding areas grows, the Culinary Arts Program at Columbus Technical College equips students with the training and industry connections to enter the workforce quickly and advance in their careers.
This year, the program unveiled facility upgrades that mirror professional kitchens, giving students access to specialized equipment and more opportunities for hands-on learning.
“These upgrades will allow the program to expand enrollment, host community events and strengthen partnerships with local employers,” says Dahmon King, assistant vice president of academic affairs. “Graduates will leave with enhanced technical skills, real-world experience and stronger connections to the regional culinary industry – making them more competitive in the job market.”
Upgrades include a 16-station teaching kitchen, a baking kitchen, a café-style demonstration classroom with mirrors and cameras for cooking-show-style instruction, and a lecture room with multiple monitors and a display kitchen. Additional amenities include a walk-in refrigerator and freezer, laundry room, storage areas and faculty offices.
With modern kitchens, dedicated baking spaces and increased capacity, the program can expand its curriculum to include advanced pastry arts, farm-to-table practices and other specialties. The upgrades also support public events and industry showcases and create more internship and job opportunities for students.
King says these improvements will draw a mix of high school graduates, career changers and culinary enthusiasts, solidifying Columbus Technical College as a regional hub for culinary training.