A Road Worth Riding: Reflections from the Back of the Dragon & a Taste of What’s to Come
There’s a rhythm to these mountains that hums beneath your boots if you’re still enough to feel it. This past weekend, we didn’t just ride it — we lived it.
Joining the Back of the Dragon OTR Annual Event felt like being swept into the heartbeat of something bigger than ourselves. The roar of engines, the smell of leather and open road, and the kind of camaraderie you don’t find in just any town — it was a soul-filling experience. We met folks who feel like family now, shook hands with visionaries, storytellers, and road warriors who made us proud to be rooted here. Thank you to every person who stopped to talk, share, or simply smile. Y’all reminded us why we do what we do.
And what a treat it was to head down the hill to Bee Noodled — where the noodles are hand-spun happiness and the service wraps around you like a front porch quilt. It’s good, good eating, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have business neighbors like them. It’s a joy to stand alongside folks who take such pride in their craft.
This week was full of collaboration, growth, and one big, beautiful mess — and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Heart Behind the Heat: Our Chef Eric Has Arrived
We’re thrilled to announce that one of our chefs has officially landed — and he brings more than spice to the table. A Doctor of Philosophy with a passion for regenerative farming, he’s the kind of man who talks soil with reverence and cooks like he’s crafting poetry. His deep knowledge of nourishment — both of the land and the spirit — is already seeping into every corner of our kitchen. We can’t wait for y’all to taste what he’s dreaming up. He has a passion and here is a link to some of his past work. I am excited to have him on board and I think this will make the town really proud. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/author/joseph-mathis
And speaking of the kitchen — she’s been scrubbed, power washed, and baptized anew. Every stove eye and prep table gleams with potential, even after the setbacks (because let’s be honest, what good thing ever came without a few bumps?). We’re getting stronger with every pass.
Music & Magic on the Horizon
On June 29th, we’re proud to welcome Ralph II to the stage — and the rest of our lineup is shaping up to be just as exciting. Songwriters, storytellers, and soulful voices are coming your way, and we promise: you’ll feel every note.
Out back, the baby cows are growing fat and sassy, and the deer have brought their own little darlings into the world. There’s something about seeing fresh life stretch its legs in the early light that reminds you how lucky we are to be here — building something that feels like home.
From the Test Kitchen to the Table
We dove headfirst into product testing this week — tweaking, tasting, and listening hard to what our hearts and your feedback had to say. Every bite we prepare is rooted in one goal: to serve joy on a plate. Whether it’s cornbread kissed with local honey or a twist on a roadside classic, we’re making sure it’s done right.
And hey — if you know someone who’s looking for work and wants to be part of something real and rooted, send them our way. We’ve hired a few good souls, but we’re still building our crew. There’s room at the table.
Gratitude in Every Grain
Thank you for walking (and riding) this road with us. Whether you’re coming for the music, the food, the fellowship, or just to feel a little more alive — we’re here, lights on, ready for you.
Till next time —
With love, grit, and mountain wind in our hair.
