Chow Chow

An Asheville Culinary Event Series

About Chow Chow

As a 501(c)3 non-profit, the mission of Chow Chow Asheville is to celebrate and enrich the unique foodways of the Southern Appalachian region. As makers, chefs, artists, farmers and business owners, our vision is an equitable and thriving regional food system, where culinary and creative enterprise are central to community identity and resilience. We welcome the collective sum of differences, life experiences, knowledge, self-expression, and talent our makers and guests bring to Chow Chow.

Chow Chow is committed to being accountable to our community and creating events that truly reflect the stories of our region's food and amplify the voices of the many people that make our community unique. Please to reach out to us at community@chowchowasheville.com with constructive commentary, your ideas for event concepts, or your recommendations for the future of Chow Chow in our community.

Board of Directors

As a 501(C3) non-profit, Chow Chow Asheville is founded by a group of community-committed volunteers who believe in the unique connections between makers of all kinds—particularly as they gather in celebration of our creative food culture in Southern Appalachia. Learn more about the vision behind Chow Chow.

President: Jessica Reiser, Co-Founder, CEO, Burial Beer Co., Forestry Camp Bar and Restaurant

Vice President: Jael Skeffington, Co-Founder, CEO, French Broad Chocolate

Secretary: Vanessa Salomo, Co-Owner, Business Development, Corner Kitchen, Chestnut

Treasurer: Anya Inochkina, CPA, Berdon Accountants & Advisors

Past President: Katie Button, Co-Founder, CEO, Katie Button Restaurants

Gene Ettison, Chief Visionary Officer, The Ettison Investment Group

John Fleer, Chef, Owner, Rhubarb, The Rhu, Benne on Eagle

Murphy Horne Fletcher, Attorney, McGuire, Wood & Bissette Law Firm

Steve Goff, Executive Chef, Jargon Restaurant

Meredith Leigh, Author and Consultant

Kyle Pedersen, Marketing Director, Wicked Weed Brewing

Peter Pollay, Co-Founder, Executive Chef, Mandara Hospitality Group

Jen Swanson, Communications Consultant

Justin Thompson, Communications Manager, Mountain BizWorks

Mike Tiano, Co-Owner, Haw River Wine Man

Marilyn Zapf, Assistant Director and Curator, Center for Craft

Chow Chow Staff

Rebecca Lynch, Executive Director, rlynch@chowchowasheville.com

Shay Brown (Shay Brown Events Management), Festival Director, shay@chowchowasheville.com

Terri Terrell, Culinary Director, festivals@shaybrownevents.com

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Plan Your Trip

This inspired, friendly and free-spirited food scene tucked in the mountains of Appalachia has been called “Foodtopia,” but the locals just call it home. Plan your trip now.

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Mission

Learn more about the vision and values that guide Chow Chow's work to celebrate and enrich the foodways of Southern Appalachia.

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