@milkglasspie @keiaishungry

Before she began baking, Keia (she/her) spent a decade in food media, telling stories of makers, farmers, chefs, and regional foodways. Now, she and a small team churn out old-fashioned pies and baked goods for local farmers markets, pop-ups, and events on Old North Farm, the farm she runs with her husband, James Swofford.  Milk Glass Pie, a farm-based cottage bakery located in the foothills of WNC, works with the seasons and landscape to create baked goods that spark joy and build community. Love is pie. 

@pie.zaa

In 2020, PIE.ZAA opened to be Asheville’s premier late-night, NY-style pizza. Located in The South Slope of Downtown Asheville, NC. PIE.ZAA is now Asheville’s best and largest pizza shop. (28-inch PIES) Owner and Founder Tyler Kotch had a career background in the medical field where he served as a consultant for Trauma surgery. With inspiration from the local community, Tyler set out to create something for everyone's benefit. Applying his attention to detail, and passion for making things from scratch, Tyler made a huge jump and PIE.ZAA was born.

@moneygrips @eldravl

Born in a small mountain town in the Appalachian mountains, Burleson (he/him) is eager to preserve heirloom ingredients to ensure the history of food in the Appalachian mountains. With his very seasonal and vegetable forward menu highlighting the farmers and purveyors of the region. Along with his inspiration from travels abroad, he brings forward a very casual yet elegant approach to New American cuisine.

@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

@therestorationhotel

As a student of Ohio State University, Daniel (he/him) studied Food Science and Nutrition to better understand the way food affects our daily lives. As a graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Daniel brings over 20 years of culinary experience and pedigree to The Restoration Hotel, including restaurant groups from New York City, Pennsylvania, Florida and South Carolina. He believes locality can be a huge source of finely driven food for all guests.

@cleanwaternc

Veronica Oakler (she/her) has practiced law and policy for over 10 years, concentrating on environmental, land use, and real estate issues with her number one passion being water resources. She has written laws requiring pollution notification in the oil and gas sector and comprehensive spring watershed safeguards, as well as helped government agencies meet their legal and regulatory environmental duties. Clean Water for NC focuses on threats to community environmental health, quality of life, and social justice.

@river.link

Renee Fortner (she/her) (M.S. Biology). As an avid paddler, home gardener, and naturalist, she is continually reminded how the environment around us and our daily lives are affected by access to clean, abundant water. Through her role at RiverLink, she works to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our water resources and leads projects that mitigate the impacts of climate change and human activities on our waterways.

@avlgreenworks

Tallis Monteiro’s passion for community and environmental conservation led them to their role at Asheville GreenWorks. Tallis (she/they) also co-leads their Youth Environmental Leadership Program, a paid internship advancing BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) youth in the field through education, experience, and service work - with a focus on environmental justice and water quality. GreenWorks works to enhance the environment and quality of life in Buncombe County through rivers & roads, urban forestry, pollinator conservation, and waste reduction.

@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.

@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!

@cellarestbeerproject

Cellarest Beer Project found its roots during a camping trip in the Blue Ridge mountains in the summer of 2018. Here Head Brewer Mark Goodwin and fellow Appalachian State graduate, Harrison Fahrer, bonded over craft beer, the value of community, nature, and the commonality that all three share. Shortly after this trip they joined up with Bill Zimmer who is also a veteran of the North Carolina beer industry with the knowledge and experience they needed to make this dream a reality.

@drinkbuchi

Buchi’s mission is to use our company, our kombucha, as a conduit for social change. We are a dynamic tribe of change-makers who believe that healthy guts, happy hearts, and open minds are directly linked. If you want to understand who we are and why we pour our hearts and souls into this adventure, take a moment to journey with us.

@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. 

@grind.avl

Coffee is our unifier to start, grow, and support businesses, owners, and networks to build black wall street. We pride ourselves on providing organic, high-quality coffee products. We work with local dairy suppliers and bakeries to source the freshest, highest quality offerings.

@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

@drinksarilla

When you choose Sarilla, you are also making positive change in the world! A fun, healthy and nonalcoholic beverage that is naturally energizing with a base of camellia sinensis tea leaves. We use a whole leaf brewing technology so not only are you getting a great-tasting beverage, but you are also benefiting from the antioxidants, amino acids, omegas and slow-release polyphenol naturally occurring in tea. 

@shantielixirs

Working together, the Shanti Elixirs’ team is dedicated to spreading well-being, peace and good vibes through every sip of Jun – created and bottled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.

@loomimports

LOOM Imports partners with talented Artisans across the globe to create authentic, handmade, one of a kind goods. Each product is made using traditional techniques and natural materials. LOOM operates under the principals of fair trade, and values collaborative, community driven ethical partnerships. 

@matchanude

Matcha Nude exists because finding organic, pure matcha that tastes good, is affordable + good for the planet is actually pretty hard to come by. We offer affordable premium grade organic, non-gmo matcha that is ethically sourced from Japan + is packaging in 100% compostable packaging. Our matcha is naturally soft and sweet in flavor and doesn't need additional sweeteners. We are on a mission to show the world the power of this incredible tea + the lifestyle that comes with it.

@provisionsmercantile

Established in 2019 by Asheville natives Heather and Matt Wright, Provisions Mercantile was inspired by Heather’s grandmother, Claudene Mchone, who created a small general store in the basement of her West Asheville home in the 1960s. The general mercantile served as an anchor in the community, a place where neighbors congregated and socialized. In honor of these classic community hubs, we offer a broad selection of unique goods, eclectic gifts, and nostalgic heirloom-worthy supplies for all ages and stripes. We are proudly locally owned and our exclusive offerings and

@organicgrowersschool

Organic Growers School is the premier provider of practical and affordable organic education in the Southern Appalachians, building a vibrant food & farming community by boosting the success of organic home growers and farmers in our region. Our hands-on training, workshops, conferences, and partnerships inspire, educate, and support people to farm, garden, and live organically.

@redfiddlevittles

Red Fiddle Vittles creates fine food inspired by Appalachian ingredients, farms, and traditions. Created in 2018 as a catering and private chef company, Red Fiddle Vittles recently expanded to include a South Asheville retail storefront featuring house-made provisions, heat-and-eat weekly dinners, and specialty groceries from local producers. Combining more than 30 years of event and kitchen experience, Erica Beneke (she/her) and Matt Farr (he/him) are the mom-and-pop chefs and owners of Red Fiddle Vittles.

@botanicalbonesco

We believe that all living creatures are at their best when consuming foods that nourish the mind, body and soul. Our dog treats are made in small batches with nutrient-dense clean ingredients that dogs love + superfoods and adaptogens to promote wellness.