Our Team
or family as we like to say
MISSION STATEMENT:
TO BELONG TO SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF.
CORE VALUES:
TRUST, RESPECT, OWNERSHIP, FUN, THOUGHTFUL
Emily Brinker, Co-Owner
As half of the dynamic sister team, Emily enjoys being a part of our closely-knit Blowing Rock community. As a working mama, Emily is strives to comfortably manage that important work-life balance. As a result, you’ll see her at the shop - planning, organizing, unloading boxes, cheerleading, decorating, stocking shelves and folding t-shirts - with a kiddo or 2 to help. She is passionate about building relationships and providing a beautiful setting where family and friends can gather to relax and recharge. She brings clarity and confidence to our leadership practices and has a penchant for detail.
Erica Brinker, Co-Owner
Erica is the other half the dynamic sister team and a proud mother of three children. Aside from her constant smile, Erica is the official food and craft cocktail critic and is always dreaming up the next meal (or two). If she’s not in meetings, greeting guests or bussing tables, you can find her gardening somewhere in our town. She loves being a part of the High Country community and believes that it is the relationships forged with guests, neighbors and our team that makes her job so rewarding.
Bobby Paul, General Manager
Bobby is a native of Stuart, FL, but has called Blowing Rock home since 2009. He fell in love with the North Carolina mountains through his annual family trips to Franklin, N.C., where his father’s family originated. He attended Stetson University where he studied Vocal Performance and met the love of his life, Clementina Harper. Bobby and Clementina have been inseparable ever since. If you don't see Bobby providing exquisite hospitality at The Restaurant & Bottle Shop, you might find him hitting the local trails for a run or on the basketball court, working on his handles. Service and hospitality are what drive Bobby professionally and he is always striving to be part of something bigger than himself.
Michael Foreman, Executive Chef
Michael grew up in Alabama and California. The rich history of southern food mixed with southern California cuisine and Mexican street food has resonated on Michael’s palate his entire career. While attending Auburn University, Michael worked under Chef Christine Healy. Little did he know that the opportunity to work under her would change the path of his entire life. Christine was, and still is, his largest influence to see the world and discover the beauty of food and the incredible flexibility it has. He attended The Cordon Bleu culinary school in Paris and launched his nomadic culinary career shortly thereafter.
Since moving to North Carolina, Michael has had the pleasure of achieving great things. He has been a trailblazer for the culinary movement in the High Country. He became a father to a fantastic daughter and he rekindled a deep passion for fly fishing and the community it embraces. He has become a loyal friend to great staff, ownership and guests alike.
Zachariah Aquaviva, Assistant Manager
A seasoned hospitality professional, Zachariah adds a diverse understanding of superb service with an approachable personal touch. When he isn’t helping customers have the best meal of the year, or assisting Bobby run the day to day, you’ll find him hiking with his dog anywhere within 100 miles. Zachariah is a Boone native that recently moved back to help take care of family. His background includes expertise in specialty coffee, hospitality, and he’s been known to make a good doughnut too.
