HIGHLAND AVENUE ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE CHEF

Hickory, N.C. – The Locke family and Highland Avenue are delighted to announce the promotion of Sam Stachon to Executive Chef. Sam will oversee the operations of the restaurant as well as banquet events at The Crossing at Hollar Mill.

Sam brings a wide range of culinary experience to the team. Having worked for many years in Charlotte, North Carolina at Noble’s and as executive chef for The King’s Kitchen and The King’s Bakery, he understands what it takes to create a hospitable and excellent dining experience for guests.

“Putting my skills to use in this community has been very rewarding since I joined the Highland Avenue team in December 2014.  I am excited to work with such a great network of local and regional farmers and purveyors. Whether someone comes in to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a drink at the bar, my goal is to make their experience truly memorable,” says Chef Stachon.

Sam grew up on a small farm in northern Michigan. His passion for cooking was instilled at an early age as he learned about cooking, baking, and preserving from his father and mother. Sam also grew up with unique opportunities such as raising animals for 4-H, tapping trees for maple syrup, and catching fresh fish from Michigan’s bountiful freshwater lakes. As a teenager, Sam worked at many different restaurants in Michigan before moving to North Carolina to attend college. He holds a degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University.

“Working with Sam Stachon as our new Executive Chef has brought our entire team into focus. We are intentionally guest centered and the dining experience is warm, comfortable and memorable. Sam’s dishes take me back in time…laughing around the family dinner table, knowing the warmth of the meal was exceeded only by the memories being created with loved ones. Fresh buttered bread, crisp local greens, ripe red tomatoes in the hands of Sam Stachon create a longing for days gone by…The good news is I can relive these moments in his kitchen at his table at Highland Avenue,” says Meg Jenkins Locke.

Highland Avenue opened in 2013 and is part of the Carolina Moon Hospitality family of restaurants. Located in Hollar Mill at 883 Highland Avenue SE in Hickory, the restaurant serves dinner Monday through Saturday and is also available for luncheons and special events.

Chef Stachon embraces the philosophy of serving simply prepared flavorful dishes through the use of the highest quality seasonal ingredients, creative composition, and sound cooking technique. His first efforts have included evolving the menu into the summer season. The menu’s continued progression will reflect Sam’s inspiration and perspective, along with valuable input from Meg Locke.

About Highland Avenue
Highland Avenue, owned by the Locke family, is Hickory’s premiere culinary destination with a focus on our farmers, vendors and purveyors; those who work with us and for us; and our guests who honor us with their patronage. Our commitment to extreme hospitality invites guests to return time and again. The Locke family are committed to preserving Hickory’s history and honoring it with sustainable and thoughtful development.

Highland Avenue Restaurant
883 Highland Avenue SE
Hickory, NC 28602
828.267.9800
www.highlandavenuerestaurant.com
Open Monday – Saturday at 5:00pm