About Highland Avenue
Highland Avenue Restaurant changed the culinary landscape of Hickory, North Carolina in 2013 when the farm-to-table restaurant opened. Highland Avenue has garnered regional and national praise for locally sourced foods. On any given day, farmers and purveyors are walking through the back door, arms loaded down with produce, cheese and meats from their North Carolina farms.
Highland Avenue is quickly becoming a destination for people who love good food. Located on the second floor of the beautifully renovated Holler Hosiery Mill, Highland Avenue pays homage to the city’s rich manufacturing history while focusing on Appalachian cuisine. Trout, oysters and shrimp; homemade pastas and breads; flatbread, chicken pot pie, and filet mignon are a few of the popular items you’ll find on the menu. The restaurant offers stunning, seasonal fare and provides guests with a taste of true Southern hospitality.
Our Team
Will Locke
Director of Operations
Will Locke’s passion for his community is without match. His firm belief that small business entrepreneurship and intentional civic involvement can revitalize an entire community is what attracted Locke to the Hollar Hosiery restoration and Highland Avenue Restaurant. Coupled with the opportunity to work with family and devote intention to Hickory’s growth, Locke has dedicated his attention to detail to this endeavor. Always on the hunt for what’s next, Locke spends his unscheduled time seeking out new concepts, honoring those that are pushing the envelope in the hospitality industry in surrounding areas. With over two decades in the hospitality industry he truly believes, “To serve is first to love.”
Ben Sullivan
Executive Chef
Ben Sullivan, the Executive Chef of Highland Avenue Restaurant, is a Summa Cum Laude graduate of Johnson & Wales University and brings over 20 years’ experience in the restaurant industry. Ben was the owner of the award-winning restaurant Vintage 301 in Greensboro and has been the Executive Chef at Lenoir-Rhyne University and the Director of College Food & Beverage Service at Lees-McRae College. Ben’s family is deeply ingrained in Western North Carolina and has lived in the Appalachia since the early 1700’s. As a result, Ben possesses a true Southern core. Ben has a passion for strengthening community ties through food, and since moving to Hickory five years ago he has been very active in the community. He has worked with the Farmers Market, Cooperative Christian Ministry, and the Heart Association.
Erich Hoffmann
Assistant General Manager
We would like to introduce everyone to our Assistant General Manager, Erich Hoffmann. Erich has worked in hospitality since the age of 14. Originally from Durham, North Carolina, Erich moved to Asheville for college and received a degree in Economics from UNC Asheville. He and his wife, Hannah Grace, have a four year old dog named Murray. We are thrilled to add him to the Highland Avenue family!
Community
Opening Gala to Support T.H.E., Through Healing Eyes - April 2013
Farmer’s Feast to Benefit H.O.P.E., Helping Our People Eat - June 2014
Hickory Soup Kitchen - Annual Partner
Carolina Moon Hospitality and associated brands have and will continue to support local non-profits and community organizations. We are family owned and decide with our management team to whom we will offer assistance. Please click here to complete an online request form.
