The Team
Atlanta Restaurant Real Estate Specialists
The Shumacher Group is an Atlanta-based restaurant real estate company that specializes in two principal areas: site selection for regional and national restaurant chains and the sale of existing restaurants, retail stores, and all businesses. In addition, the company lists surplus properties and selected sub-leases.
The majority of the company’s work is in the metro Atlanta area but we have worked throughout the Southeastern United States directly or through referrals with other brokerage companies.
The Shumacher Group was founded in 1987 and has successfully negotiated several thousand transactions.
Steven Josovitz
President & Broker
Buying, Selling & Leasing Businesses, Restaurants, Retail, Commercial Real Estate, Surplus and Investment Properties
Steven joined The Shumacher Group, Inc. in 1992. As an Associate Real Estate Broker, he created and heads up the company’s restaurant business brokerage division in addition to providing commercial retail and restaurant real estate site selection, sales, and lease negotiation expertise.
A former restaurant owner and trained professional chef, Steven has an extensive background in restaurant and hotel management. He also offers consulting, and appraisal services and has been retained by law firms for his expert opinion to help settle disputes. Mr. Josovitz earned a B.S. in Hotel/Restaurant Management from Florida International University in 1981 and has studied in Europe.
Mr. Josovitz is a member of the Georgia Restaurant Association, Georgia Association of Business Brokers (GABB) and the International Council of Shopping Centers. As a 33-year GABB member, Mr. Josovitz was awarded Life Member and The Phoenix Award and annually receives the Multi-Million Dollar Club Award and Top Five Award for business and restaurant brokerage sales in Georgia. Steve Josovitz is the top selling Restaurant Business Broker in Georgia History.
Steven’s goals and thoughts are always “Make sure all parties, Buyers, Sellers, and Landlords walk away from the closing table happy. Maintaining integrity and honesty along with professionalism and expertise is a must. The needs of your clients and those you work with must always come first before commissions or personal gain.”
Contact Steven to buy, sell or lease your business or property:
Direct Office Phone: 770-840-2121
Email: steven@shumacher.com
Irving Jacobson
Vice President- Associate Broker
Leasing & Site Selection
A South African native, Irving has been actively involved in the Georgia commercial real estate and leasing business since 1981. Irving is one of the Premier and
respected Retail and Restaurant Leasing Professionals in the Southeast.
As Vice-President and Associate Broker, his primary responsibility with The Shumacher Group is representing national and regional tenants for land purchases and lease negotiations.
Contact Irving for Leasing and Site Selection only:
Phone: 404-550-6389
Email: irving@shumacher.com
Sean McPherson
Agent – Leasing & Site Selection
Sean McPherson is a Tenant Representative and Leasing Specialist focused on restaurant, hospitality, and retail. With 15 years in the hospitality business and a former restaurant owner himself, Sean understands what it takes to successfully locate real estate and negotiate leases and purchases to set his clients up for success.
In addition to tenant representation, Sean is an expert Landlord Representative.
Contact Sean:
Phone: 404-357-0848
Email: sean@shumacher.com
Melissa Tijerina
Agent – Leasing & Site Selection
Melissa, an Ohio native, brings unwavering dedication, passion, and exceptional management skills to The Shumacher Group. A strong foundation in public education, her people-first approach, keen attention to detail, and integrity has earned her numerous accolades, including being named Teacher of the Year at her local school and a semi-finalist for County Teacher of the Year.
Now, Melissa applies that same commitment to excellence in the world of real estate. Her proactive mindset, problem-solving abilities, and deep understanding of client needs ensure a seamless and successful experience. Whether guiding first-time investors or seasoned business owners, she navigates the complexities of real estate with confidence, clarity, and a strong work ethic—always putting her clients’ best interests first.
Contact Melissa:
Phone: 513-382-6449
Email: melissa@shumacher.com
Kathy Thirolf
Associate Broker – Leasing & Site Selection
Kathy Thirolf, one of Atlanta’s leading land brokers, has joined the Shumacher Group, Inc. effective April 1, 2014.
Thirolf has over 20 years of experience representing Owners and Tenants, which have included Simon Properties, Cadillac Fairview, and Scott Hudgens’ portfolio of properties. She has been involved in the sale of peripheral land at Stonecrest Mall since its inception, with land values exceeding $90 million. She also has handled investment acquisitions and the sale of improved properties at Town Center Mall, Gwinnett Place Mall, and other Metro Atlanta areas.
While at Wheeler/Kolb/Brand Mgmt. Thirolf worked with a variety of retailers which included Tanger Outlets, Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Quik Trip, and Brand Bank. Additionally, she has leased space at grocery-anchored and other retail /office centers.
A California native, Thirolf attended the University of California, at Fresno and Fullerton for a degree in business. She is an Associate Broker, a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), a Member of the Atlanta chapter of the CCIM Group, and the Atlanta Commercial Board of Realtors.
Contact Kathy:
Phone: 770-464-6022
Email: kathy@shumacher.com
Harold V. Shumacher
Founder
Harold V. Shumacher was the Founder of The Shumacher Group, Inc. In his 20+ year career, Shumacher has successfully negotiated hundreds of leases, purchases of existing businesses, and land purchases with an aggregate value in excess of $500 million.
A Michigan native, Harold moved to Atlanta in 1970 and initially worked as a public school teacher. Prior to starting his own company, he was a restaurant reviewer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (and the author of two restaurant guidebooks), the president of a restaurant consulting company, Training Director for the Atlanta Hilton and Towers Hotel, and an administrator at Georgia State University.
Harold passed away in 2020.
Announcing New Leadership at The Shumacher Group
The Shumacher Group is excited to announce an important leadership transition that marks both a new chapter and a continued commitment to excellence in restaurant and retail real estate.
Peter Kruskamp will be moving on from The Shumacher Group to step into an exciting new role as Director of Real Estate for a national, privately owned restaurant chain. This opportunity reflects Peter’s leadership, experience, and deep industry knowledge. As a protégé of Harold Shumacher, the company’s founder, Peter played a key role in advancing the firm’s legacy and strengthening its reputation in the Atlanta market.
As Peter transitions into this next chapter, ownership of The Shumacher Group will pass to Stephanie Shumacher, Harold Shumacher’s daughter and Peter’s wife. Stephanie’s leadership ensures the company remains firmly rooted in the values, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit established by her father.
In addition, Steven Josovitz—widely recognized as the premier restaurant business broker in the region—will continue to serve clients while also assuming the role of Qualifying Broker for The Shumacher Group.
Together, Harold Shumacher, Steven Josovitz, Irving Jacobson, Peter Kruskamp, and the many talented current and former agents and brokers have built The Shumacher Group into one of Atlanta’s top retail and restaurant real estate brokerages. With this experienced leadership team in place, clients can confidently continue to depend on The Shumacher Group for trusted guidance, deep market expertise, and exceptional results for years to come.
