@geraldhawkinsjr @seabirdnc

Born in Durham & raised in Norlina, NC, Gerald Hawkins, Jr. (he/him) grew up among tobacco fields on the edge of the coast. Gaining most of his culinary experience on the job, he decided to end his pursuit of an engineering degree and fully immerse himself in a career as a chef & pastry chef. Farm-to-table products of the Carolinas & modern interpretations of our cuisine have become a signature for his dishes. Gerald’s career path has brought him to Wilmington, NC where he will be working at Seabird Restaurant

@chefdanielwheeler

Daniel (he/him) has spent 20 years in the hospitality industry, primarily focusing on seasonal and sustainable food systems. He has worked for acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs including Sean Brock and Patrick O’Connell and has led many kitchens in the Carolinas, most recently James Beard nominated restaurant The Stanley in Charlotte. Daniel made the transition to culinary and hospitality education; here he hopes to educate and inspire young chefs to further their growth and exploration of the hospitality industry.

@burgergangburgergang @motheroceanmarketavl

Chef Chris (he/him), AKA “Burger Boi” is an experienced and entertaining chef with deep roots in Asheville. Known for his work as chef/partner of The Malvern, Hot Dog Curator at The Barksdale and co-founder of the Montford Pull Up. An Asheville native, he is a product of the AB Tech Culinary Program and a former instructor at Green Opportunities. Winner of food competitions: Asheville Wing War, Asheville Battle of the Burger, Smiling Hara’s Tempeh Taco Challenge, Stu Helm’s Punk Rock Hot Dog Competition and the FRS WHACKED! Mystery Basket

@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.

@mypalmalgal @chestnutasheville @cornerkitchenavl

Mallory (she/her) is a chef with a comprehensive background in the food industry. She got her start in Burlington, VT. Since moving to Asheville she has had the pleasure of working in some of the best restaurants this city has to offer. She has been the Pastry Chef for Chestnut and Corner Kitchen for a year now; using her eclectic background and passion for local food, she has developed menus that highlight all our local farms have to offer, shown that desserts can be a balance between sweet and savory, and should be noted for her philanthropy. 

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@bounty_and_soul

Ali (she/her) is the Founder and Executive Director of Bounty & Soul, a non-profit organization co-creating healthy communities by connecting people to food, education and each other through a no cost cooperative model. Ali spent over 25 years as a director in the food industry in New York. After a near-death experience, Ali left the corporate life to pursue a path of holistic health and wellness in NC. Through Bounty & Soul, Ali has created a place where people can gather, feel valued and be inspired to make healthy choices, no matter where they are in their life.

@tierrafertilcoop

Delia, from El Salvador, community worker, and instructor. Cooperativa Tierra Fértil, a social and economic initiative founded by 7 Hispanic community members in 2020, honors the hard work, expertise, and legacy of farm workers in Henderson County and WNC by creating an opportunity for present and future generations of Latinx people to make radical changes on the food, health, agricultural, and labor system. ABUNDANCIA is a natural, fresh, and culturally appropriate food bank for Hispanics going through a crisis in Henderson County and surrounding areas.

@haywoodstreetcongregation

Haywood Street Congregation is a church in downtown Asheville where all people, without exception, are welcomed and affirmed of their sacred worth. Haywood Street’s core programs provide a platform for the ministry of relationship, which can be defined simply as the act of “being with” and speaks to our deepest identity. It contrasts with “doing for” and requires spending time together, talking and listening, serving and being served, giving and receiving. It forms the basis for our unique and transformative companion ministry.

@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.

@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!

@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.

@simpleasheville

We are a locally owned cafe & juice/smoothie bar proudly serving organic fruits & veggies so we can all feel good.

@whitelabstapavl

White Labs Brewing Co. is dedicated to educating beer and food lovers about the impact of yeast and fermentation on food and beverage. Our Brewery is used not only to make crowd favorite beers and styles, but for research and development to gain insight into new and innovative yeast strains along with industry classics. 

@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.

@mountainvalleywater