Business Buzz: 5/17/23

May 17, 2023

Announcement: 

  • The WNC Nature Center announced the birth of nine red wolf pups last week. The critically endangered pups were born on April 28, 2023, and are the offspring of four-year-old Gloria and three-year-old Oak, both first-time parents. The nine pups – eight females and one male – are all healthy and doing well. The Nature Center’s veterinary care team carefully monitors the newborns during these critical first weeks. At just two weeks old, these pups are still wholly dependent on their parents, but Gloria and Oak have been seen moving them around the habitat, so guests may sporadically see them. The pups may begin venturing out of the den box around the end of May, and guests may begin to see the pups in the red wolf habitat in June. The WNC Nature Center’s social media channels will share updates on the progress of the pups. Learn more here.
  • Legally Addictive Foods was selected as one of 9 brands to be a part of Mondelez International’s SnackFutures CoLab Class of 2023.  This is a huge honor for Legally Addictive and all the brands; they are the only brand from NC ever selected to participate. Legally Addictive will be receiving unmatched experience and mentorship with a world-class cohort led by the very best leaders in the industry. First launched in 2021, CoLab is a startup program that helps Mondelez build a portfolio of “disruptive brands and venture pipeline.” Participants will receive a 12-week curriculum of virtual and hands-on sessions, networking opportunities, and a $20,000 grant. Read more.
  • OneWhoServes was acquired by WNC Business IT Solutions on November 1, 2022. Owners Brian Fox and Matthew Horton have been on the OneWhoServes team for many years – Brian as a senior level Systems Engineer for 9 years, and Matthew as the IT Director for 16 years. Both Brian and Matthew appreciate the opportunity to have made this transition and will continue to maintain the highest level of customer support and technical services. The team at WNC Business IT Solutions are committed to their clients success because they know they can only be as strong and successful as our clients. Their goal is to take the company to the next level with their technology, service offerings, and overall client experience while maintaining the highest integrity. Learn more. Learn more.

Expansion: 

  • Tall John’s, a neighborhood tavern located in Asheville’s historic Montford district, has added a new 36-seat outdoor dining patio just in time for summer. The patio offers both sunny and shady seating options and will be open during brunch and dinner service. The restaurant also offers weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm, with a new brunch menu that includes small plates, traditional brunch entrees, classic cocktails, and a variety of espresso drinks. The new menu features some of the restaurant’s most popular dinner dishes, such as crispy pork schnitzel and glazed beets with goat cheese. With its spacious indoor and outdoor seating options, Tall John’s can seat 70 people and offers a serene alternative to overcrowded daytime weekend dining spots. The restaurant’s carefully renovated dining room, kitchen counter, and bar are light and airy during the day and intimate and welcoming at night. Learn more.

Happenings: 

  • Posana, a contemporary American restaurant located in downtown Asheville, will host a series of four-course wine and food experiences. “Summer Sparkle” will take place on Sunday, June 11th at 6:00 pm in Posana’s Mandara Gallery. Embrace the fun, celebratory “vibe” of sparkling wine while enjoying unexpected food pairings. This evening is about expanding our view of sparkling wines from the occasional toast to a full menu of pairings with low-pretense dishes. Cara De Lavallade will introduce five sparkling wines from different regions like Spain, Argentina, and Eastern Europe. Her knowledge as an advanced sommelier is reason enough for celebration! Come sip, learn, and share some sparkle! Posana has been acknowledged for their exceptional wine cellar for many years and this is an opportunity for wine lovers to try more of these labels through a series of wine and food experiences. Enrich your knowledge and appreciation of fine food and wine by joining one or all of our upcoming wine & food experiences featuring seasonally inspired cuisine and memorable wine pairings. Tickets are $150, including gratuity and tax. CLICK HERE for more information and to purchase your ticket. 

Hire

  • Asheville’s MAHEC Internal Medicine is now home to providers formerly with Mountain Diabetes & Endocrine Center, offering care for patients with a wide range of endocrine disorders, from diabetes, osteoporosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), to diseases of the thyroid, adrenal, and pituitary glands. Longtime endocrinology specialists Wendy Lane, MD, and Stephen Weinrib, MD, closed their practice earlier this year, joining MAHEC Internal Medicine in recent weeks to continue to offer endocrinology care for the community. “We are delighted to welcome Drs. Lane and Weinrib to MAHEC, along with their colleague, nurse practitioner Rebecca Lockwood,” said Internal Medicine Medical Director Nancy Kubiak, MD, FACP. “They are well known and loved in our community for not just their expertise, but their care and compassion.” The addition of endocrinology services strengthens the already comprehensive care available at MAHEC Internal Medicine, said Dr. Kubiak. Learn more about MAHEC Endocrinology.
  • The City of Asheville welcomes Dennis Newburn to its Community and Economic Development department. Newburn will serve as Community Development Division Manager and manage the HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs. He brings extensive experience in the areas of program administration, project management, contract compliance, program monitoring, and community planning. Newburn comes to Asheville most recently from the city of Clarksville, Tennessee, where he was Director of Neighborhood and Community Services. His demonstrated commitment to public service, particularly in the areas of affordable housing and community development, made him an outstanding candidate for this position. Read more.