About AIR
Asheville’s Independent Restaurant Association
AIR is all about food in Asheville – delicious, locally-sourced, award-winning
food. But we are also about making a difference in the kitchen, at the table, and
in the community.
We began in 2003 with the spark of an idea formulated by three local restaurant
owners who believed that by working together, Asheville’s independent
restaurants could create a culture of collaboration and stewardship unique in the
industry. Today, our 13-member board leads an organization of more than 100
members, making us the largest not-for-profit (501C-6) organization of our kind
in the U.S.
Our kitchens are cooking. The tables are set. We’re saving a seat for you. Come
experience how AIR is food in Asheville…and so much more.
Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us. Life is so endlessly delicious.
Ruth Reichel, food writer, magazine editor, chef
Board of Directors
Kevin Barnes, Ultimate Ice Cream, Former Chair
Carolyn Roy, Biscuit Head, Chair
Michel Baudouin, Bouchon & Rendezvous
Anthony Cerrato, Strada + The Social Lounge, Treasurer
Charlie Hodge, Sovereign Remedies + The Getaway
Cathy Horton, AB Tech
Victoria ‘Vic’ Isley, Explore Asheville
Tyler Kotch, PIE.ZAA Pizza Company
Mike McCarty, The Lobster Trap, Vice Chair
Lisa Smith-Vann, Huli Sue’s
Peter Pollay, Mandara Hospitality Group, Secretary
Sabrina Rockoff, McGuire, Wood & Bissette
Kim Murray, AIR’s Executive Director