@braisedandconfit_avl

Christian (he/him) moved to Asheville, NC with his three beautiful children seeking adventure and a new story with his food. Christian started working in kitchens back in 2008 experiencing family owned restaurants, cafes, and corporate kitchen settings throughout the years. Christian believes in the importance of food here and now, the idea of what is happening, growing, and alive in our region and the current season at this very moment. With Braised & Confit, Christian is intentional about native foraged and farmed sourced ingredients.

@tupelohoneycafe

Eric Gabrynowicz has over 20 years of culinary expertise as a born-and-bred New Yorker who has always been obsessed with Southern cuisine and spirits. Gabrynowicz is a four-time semifinalist for the James Beard Award categories of Rising Star Chef and Best Chef Northeast.

@bethkellerhals

Beth (she/her) grew up in the Midwest where she dreamt about what was for dinner while enjoying breakfast. A fascination with classic Chinese films and Architecture led her to live in China for 3 years where she baked cakes and cookies out of a tiny toaster oven. She studied at The French Pastry School in Chicago. In Los Angeles she worked with Roy Choi as Pastry Chef at Chego and Sunny Spot. In December of 2018 she moved to Asheville to be closer to her family. Find her at local Farmers Markets selling Biscuits and all manner of flour and sugar. 

Posana is a contemporary American restaurant in the heart of downtown Asheville on Historic Pack Square. Chef Matt embodies the philosophy at Posana to offer a seasonal menu that draws inspiration from local ingredients, by fostering strong relationships with local growers and producers.

@holemanfinchavl @toneperez

Antonio Perez (he/him) brings over a decade of culinary experience and a passion for supporting local farmers and communities to the kitchen of Linton and Gina Hopkins’ Holeman and Finch. As chef de cuisine, Perez works hand in hand with Hopkins to bring the James Beard Award-winning chef’s from-scratch, whole-animal and vegetable philosophy to life, forging deep connections with the farmers and artisans of Western North Carolina whose bounty is at the heart of the Holeman and Finch menu.

@ivoryroadavl

Chef Jill (she/her) grew up in rural Maryland and was drawn to the food industry via her first job at a small deli and catering company. After graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in 2010, Jill has traveled the world gathering unique culinary experiences. She has worked in kitchens including The Jefferson Hotel and Fiola of Washington DC, to Stella! in New Orleans, to Pearl in Melbourne, Australia, and even in rural Guatemala. Ivory Road Cafe & Kitchen is a full restaurant, bakery, and also hosts regular special events.

Sarah is the sustainability specialist at New Belgium's brewery in Asheville, NC.She supports the company’s social and environmental programs and engages Asheville coworkers in making progress toward the company’s ambitious energy, water, emissions and waste reduction goals.

An award-winning soil scientist who has explored agriculture and food system sustainability for more than 25 years as a researcher, policy-maker, educator, activist, and farmer. She works to integrate resilience thinking and climate change solutions into operations and strategic planning.

Asher has been involved in Sustainable Agriculture for over 15 years. Asher has managed two diversified crop and livestock operations in WNC, first Rock House Farm and later the Warren Wilson College Farm. At Hickory Nut Gap, he enjoys working with the regional partner farmers.

12bonesbbq

What goes better with great BBQ than amazing beer? Iconic local BBQ institution 12 Bones expanded in 2019 with our very own brewery and taproom. Now you can visit the taproom and taste a variety of house-brewed beers to go with great Q.What goes better with great BBQ than amazing beer? Iconic local BBQ institution 12 Bones expanded in 2019 with our very own brewery and taproom. Now you can visit the taproom and taste a variety of house-brewed beers to go with great Q. beers to go with great Q. y

@cultivatedcocktailsdistillery

Since 2015, our family distillery has been crafting award-winning spirits and taking them one step further. Cultivated Cocktails blends legacy with innovation, art with science. We age our spirits with care, choice oaks and unique flavors. 

@devilsfootbrew

Farm-To-Can Craft Soda. We pride ourselves on working with Organic Roots & Fruits to create a healthier, more flavorful non-alcoholic experience for everyone in our communities.

@hillmanbeer

Hillman Beer is a small, family-owned business located in Asheville, NC. With an emphasis on quality beer and a focus on classics and comfort, we hope that our beer and pub atmosphere keep you coming back to Hillman Beer.

@newbelgium_avl

We were born on a bike. The rest is history. For almost 30 years we have crafted beers while proving that business can be a force for good.

@plebavl

Loosely inspired by the Roman plebeian community who worshipped the gods of agriculture, fertility, and viticulture we too seek to represent cultivators past and present who brought grapes to glass – farmers, harvesters, winemakers.

@mountainvalleywater