Executive chef, partners exit RAD restaurant, changes coming in the new year
ASHEVILLE - In a season symbolic of endings and new beginnings, a River Arts District restaurant is amid a leadership shift that will change its course for 2024.
On Dec. 30, Smoky Park Supper Club’s Executive Chef and co-owner Michelle Bailey will complete her last day of service after eight years at the River Arts District restaurant at 350 Riverside Drive.
The chef said she is in need of a break after working full-time in the service industry since age 14.
“The last few years have been extra challenging in our industry, and I’m feeling tired and like I need a break to figure out what my next move is," Bailey said. "And hopefully find something that’s a little bit more sustainable and helps me to find a better work-life balance.”
General Manager and co-owner Kristie Quinn will retire at the end of the year.
“Asheville is a special place for all of us. Getting the opportunity to work with so many great people and organizations in the community has been rewarding,” Quinn said in a news release. “We have worked with some very talented people in and out of the restaurant. After a full ten years in the business, it is time for me to move on. I’m excited to see what the future holds for the business and for all of us.”
Bailey, who became a part owner with Quinn and Matt Logan in 2017, said her decision to exit Smoky Park is a couple of years in the making. Although not an easy decision, she said it feels like the right time for the transition.
“Our timing kind of coincided. Kristie wanted to retire in 2019 then the pandemic happened, and all of our lives were kind of upended for quite some time,” Bailey said.
Community accomplishments
Bailey said she’s proud of all the team has accomplished since the restaurant opened in September 2015.
Smoky Park debuted as a standout in the community for its venue and menu with Bailey leading the charge of presenting wood-fired, locally sourced food to serve alongside the bar program’s craft cocktails, beer and wine.
“I love this place, I love this kitchen, I love our wood-fire equipment,” Bailey said. “I have guests who have been eating at the restaurant once a week for years so, of course, I’m going to miss that. We’ve got an awesome staff and I’m going to miss those guys, as well.”
Located off the French Broad River, Smoky Park was constructed from 19 shipping containers ― earning the moniker of “America’s largest recycled shipping container restaurant."
The business was designed to be community-focused, including hosting and participating in nonprofit events and fundraisers at the property and across the community.
“I am grateful to Kristie and Michelle for their leadership and proud of everything that this team has accomplished over the last decade,” Logan said in a news release. “Michelle has a huge heart and it shows in everything she does, her loyalty to the restaurant and community has been amazing. Kristie has been the heart and soul of this project since day one, it wouldn't have happened without her. She is a true leader in this community. I congratulate them on a great run and wish them the best in the next phase of their lives.”
What’s next for Smoky Park Supper Club
Logan will carry Smoky Park into the new year, including operating the restaurant’s outdoor event space, The Boathouse.
On Dec. 31, Smoky Park and The Boathouse will temporarily close for maintenance and reorganization. Details about the future of the business will be announced.
Until then, Bailey plans to bring back some favorites from over the years as a “thank you” to regular diners. Dishes will include various cuts of wood-fired steaks with meat sourced from Ruby Brown Farm, house ciabatta bread and smoked shrimp chowder.
A popular item that was offered on the restaurant’s original menu but hasn’t been featured in a long time will return ― a house-made wood-fired chorizo and cheese dip served with local cheese curds.
Bailey welcomes regulars to suggest favorites they’d like to return that Bailey will consider as a special before Dec. 30.
“While moving on is always a little sad, I am full of gratitude for all the folks that included us as a part of their daily lives and allowed us to host them for special events,” Bailey said. “It has been my honor to cook for our community and to do so with such an amazing team. A huge thank you to anyone that has been a part of making Smoky Park such a special place over the last several years, it has truly been a group effort.”
The restaurant, formerly a members-only supper club, is open to the public.
What’s next for Chef Michelle Bailey
Bailey said that during her six-month break, she will plan the next steps of her career path, focus on her personal life, and spend time with her family.
Although Bailey won’t be full-time in a traditional kitchen for a while, pop-up and private dining events may be in the future.
Bailey said she intends to get more time in on her new, custom Santa Maria grill that she’s named “Jolene.”
“I’m looking forward to cooking on that a little more," she said. "I’ve been so busy in the restaurant that I haven’t gotten a chance to play with that as much as I’ve hoped to. So hopefully you’ll see me and Jolene around town somewhere.”
Smoky Park Supper Club
Where: 350 Riverside Drive, Asheville
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday
Info: For more, visit smokypark.com.
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Tiana Kennell is the food and dining reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at tkennell@citizentimes.com or follow her on Instagram @PrincessOfPage. Please support this type of journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.
This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Smoky Park Supper Club chef, partners' final days announced
