About Chow Chow
As a 501(c)3 educational 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 info@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) educational 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.
2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gene Ettison, Chief Visionary Officer, The Ettison Investment Group
*John Fleer, Chef, Owner, Rhubarb, The Rhu
Murphy Horne Fletcher, Attorney, McGuire, Wood & Bissette Law Firm
Steve Goff, Chef/Owner, Tastee Diner
Lexie Harvey, Founder, Cordial & Craft
Anya Inochkina, CPA, Berdon Accountants & Advisors
Meredith Leigh, Author and Consultant
Rhea Lidowski, Marketing Consultant, Lucky Miss Fortune
Caitlin McMahon, Senior Vice President Supply Chain, Tupelo Honey Hospitality
Joel Mowrey, Owner, Smoking J's Fiery Foods
Neomi Negron, Owner, Buggy Pops
Kyle Pedersen, Marketing Director, Wicked Weed Brewing/Vidl Wines
*Peter Pollay, Co-Founder, Executive Chef, Mandara Hospitality Group
*Vanessa Salomo, Co-Owner, Business Development, Corner Kitchen, Chestnut
*Elizabeth Sims, Owner, Elizabeth Sims Consulting
*Jael Skeffington, Co-Founder, CEO, French Broad Chocolate
Jen Swanson, Communications Consultant
Justin Thompson, Marketing & Communications Professional (Community Development Financing)
PAST BOARD MEMBERS
*Jane Anderson, Executive Director, Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (2018-2020)
*Kevin Barnes, Owner, Ultimate Ice Cream (2018-2020)
Brandy Bourne, Owner, The Big Crafty & Horse + Hero, co-curator of CODA at Citizen Vinyl, host of Creative Mornings (2020)
*Katie Button, Co-Founder, CEO, Katie Button Restaurants (2018-2021, President 2018-2020)
*Aaron Grier, Co-Owner, Gaining Ground Farm (2018-2020)
*Charlie Hodge, Owner, Sovereign Remedies, Asheville Beauty Academy, The Getaway (2018-2020)
*Meherwan Irani, Chef/CEO/Co-Founder, Chai Pani Restaurant Group & Spicewalla (2018-2020)
*Connie Matisse (she/her), CEO and Co-Founder, East Fork (2018-2019)
*Jessica Reiser, Co-Founder, CEO, Burial Beer Co., Forestry Camp Bar and Restaurant (2018-2021, President 2021)
*Dodie Stephens, Vice President-Marketing, Allen Tate/Beverly-Hanks (2018-2020)
*Adrian Vassallo, DHG Wealth Advisors (2018-2020)
*Mike Tiano, Co-Owner, Haw River Wine Man (2019-2021)
*Marilyn Zapf, Assistant Director and Curator, Center for Craft (2019-2021)
*indicates founding Board members
Chow Chow Staff
Rebecca Lynch, Executive Director, rlynch@chowchowasheville.com
Shay Brown (Shay Brown Events Management), Festival Director, shay@chowchowasheville.com
Courtney Edwards (Shay Brown Events Management), Culinary Director, culinarydirector@chowchowasheville.com
Beverage Director, beverage@chowchowasheville.com
Kristen Boddy (Shay Brown Events Management), Volunteer Director, volunteer@chowchowasheville.com
Latest & Greatest
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.
Mission
Learn more about the vision and values that guide Chow Chow's work to celebrate and enrich the foodways of Southern Appalachia.
@chowchowavl
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