Originally from Soperton in southeast Georgia, Lamar has lived in the Cherokee County, North Fulton area for over 30 years.  Having always cooked for family and friends, Lamar enrolled in Clayton State University culinary program.

After completion of courses in December 2002, Lamar worked at several different restaurants including East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta Georgia, Dick and Harry's in Roswell, Georgia, and Criolla's Restaurant in Grayton Beach, Florida.  In 2006, Lamar became the visiting team Clubhouse Chef at Turner Field, which helped lead into founding Home Plate Gourmet Catering.

After having met with friends Kris Boonruang and Al Schoppenhorst, Lamar discovered that a Charrette master plan had been provided for the city of Ball Ground, led by architect Lew Oliver.  Wanting to pursue restaurant options in the area, Lamar learned that the Mustard Seed Cafe was available and took over operations in November 2008. A significant "streetscape" project is now well under way, with expanded parking and improved pedestrian safety.

On the personal side, Chef Lamar and wife Kristin live in Roswell.  Daughter Madeline is a freshman at University of Tennessee @ Martin, where she is on an equestrian scholarship.  Daughter Abigail is a freshman at Alpharetta High School and is a member of Raider Riders equestrian club.

The Brown family looks forward to meeting everyone in the Ball Ground community and hopes everyone will come in to sample the menu at Ball Ground Grill.  The doors are now open.