Bannasch has been cooking for over 20 years. He and his family settled in Asheville in 2004, and he was executive chef of Zambra. In 2015, He and his wife opened Copper Crown in East Asheville. Adam has always been a staunch supporter of local farms and producers and sources locally.

@foodexperiencecatering

Driven by a similar passion for food and entertaining, founder Tony Franco (he/him), Executive Chef, and Co-Owner, Matthew Macon, launched Food Experience in 2007. Tony and Matthew create custom menus for Weddings, Rehearsal Dinners, Corporate Events. They have opened a Smoked BBQ Take-Out Program at their Kitchen Headquarters in West Asheville.  Food Experience has partnered with Asheville Poverty Initiative's 12 Baskets Cafe and the West Asheville Branch of ABCCM at Sonrise to help feed those who experience food insecurity in our community.

@oldworldlevain

Susannah's (she/her) education in baking began under the tutelage of a fourth generation baker of Spanish and Italian descent where she learned old world techniques and came to know the dance of production baking. She bakes with a rigorous eye, inquisitive palate, exacting standards, and a desire to bring her customers products that feed both the spirit and the body. At OWL Bakery she blends a formal education in food anthropology, a passion for improving her craft, and her experiences abroad, in the kitchen, and in the garden.

@culturaavl @cire6682

Chef Eric (he/him) is an incredible and passionate human being who dedicates his heart and energy to supporting his team and strengthening his community. Eric has been cooking professionally for more than two decades, including as chef de cuisine for the critically acclaimed Nightbell in Asheville and Pearl & Ash in New York City. In 2021, Chef Eric Morris launched the Cultivated Community Dinner Series at Cultura. This dinner series provides a platform for Asheville chefs who are a positive force for change within our community.

@bargelloavl @sweettscooking

Chef Slade is the mastermind behind the creation and execution of both restaurant’s menus and seasonal offerings, utilizing Asheville’s abundance of fresh produce to craft delicious dishes that keep guests coming back time and time again. Previously, Chef Slade spent six years as Sous Chef at Posana in Asheville, preceded by his time in Beaufort, South Carolina, where he opened 3 Sisters Pizzeria and 10 Market, a chef’s kitchen which received local recognition including Best Overall Restaurant, Best Fine Dining, and Best Chef. 

Craig Mauney has worked for the NC Cooperative Extension for over 25 years.His special interests are woodland botanicals and unusual edibles like pawpaw. He now has a small forest farm in Zirconia, NC – Shady Hollow Farm.

Bill Whipple began his agricultural career at the age of 18 picking apples in Washington state. He implemented two edible parks in Asheville and founded The Acornucopia Project.

@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.

There is no water purer, healthier, or better tasting than our Le Bleu Ultra Pure Water. 11% hydrogen, 89% oxygen. Nothing more, nothing less.

@noble_cider

Founded in the new 'Craft Brew Mecca' of Asheville and North Carolina's apple country, Noble brings together a rich local history of agriculture with this region’s exciting craft beverage industry. We make a variety of things...mead, spritzers, wine, and cider of course!

@savorshrub

Kat Savage (she/her) is a WNC native, passionate naturalist & foodie. SAVOR makes NA mixers in an homage to herbal & European traditions of bitters & shrubs. She has been involved in herbalism for 20 years & has her BS in Natural Health. Formerly co-owning & formulating for a respected herb school & tincture company, she has taught about health around the southeast. SAVOR’s mission is to encourage clients to drop in & savor life’s little moments with better bitters.

@thetimes_cocktailbar

The Times Bar is a craft cocktail bar and coffee shop nestled in the heart of downtown Asheville, located in the historic S&W Cafeteria building. The team here specializes in both seasonally inspired + classic cocktails, craft coffees, and offers rotating local beer + import wine.

@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.

@beamsuntory

As a world leader in premium spirits, Beam Suntory is inspiring human connections. With a vision of Growing for Good, we're driving growth through quality craftsmanship, consumer connections and entrepreneurial spirit.