Tupelo Honey Cafe
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Restaurant |
| Founded | December 7, 2000 in Asheville, North Carolina, United States |
| Founder | Sharon Schott |
| Headquarters | Asheville , United States |
Area served | 17 U.S. states |
Key people | Stephen Frabitore (owner), Eric Gabrynowicz (executive chef and VP of culinary operations) |
| Products | Southern cuisine |
| Website | tupelohoneycafe |
Tupelo Honey Cafe is a dining establishment chain headquartered in downtown Asheville, North Carolina, known for its focus on Southern cooking. Established in 2000 by Sharon Schott, the brand has grown to encompass 26 outlets across 17 states.
History
Sharon Schott, the founder, recognized an opportunity to offer Southern dishes prepared with wholesome ingredients, which led to the debut of the first Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville’s downtown area on December 7, 2000. In 2008, ownership transferred to Stephen Frabitore, who, despite no prior background in the restaurant sector, made significant investments in corporate infrastructure to facilitate expansion into multiple locations.
From 2001 until 2016, Brian Sonoskus held the position of executive chef and co-wrote two cookbooks associated with Tupelo Honey: Tupelo Honey Cafe: Spirited Recipes from Asheville's New South Kitchen and Tupelo Honey Cafe: New Southern Flavors from the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 2016, Eric Gabrynowicz—recognized as a 2011 James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Rising Star Chef USA—assumed the role of executive chef and vice president of culinary operations.
Amid the COVID-19 crisis, Tupelo Honey introduced the Employee Relief Fund (E.R.F) to assist staff members experiencing difficulties. This program is financed through proceeds generated by biscuit sales and has accumulated $575,000, now operating under the name Tupelo Honey Relief & Development Fund.
Expansion
Currently, Tupelo Honey maintains 26 restaurants distributed over 17 states. A forthcoming location is planned to open in Columbia, South Carolina’s BullStreet District by early 2024.
In 2014, a branch opened in Johnson City, Tennessee, housed within the refurbished Clinchfield Railroad train depot and featuring a detailed 16-foot model replica of the city as it appeared in the 1940s. This particular restaurant ceased operations in 2018.
Reception
In 2004, Tupelo Honey Cafe received national attention through an appearance on Rachael Ray's $40 a Day on the Food Network. Food critics such as Kita Vermond from The Globe and Mail have praised the brand’s inventive take on classic Southern fare, highlighting dishes like fried green tomatoes served atop goat-cheese grits with basil.