Our Story
JoAnn was born in 1950, a true Southern girl from Charleston, SC with a heart as warm as the kitchen she loved.
She married Marcus Stephen Smith, (Marc) the love of her life, and together they built a beautiful family with their two children, Ashlyn and Erin.
JoAnn’s kitchen wasn’t just a place to cook—it was where stories were told, problems were solved, and everyone left a little happier (and a lot fuller). She made people feel at home with a warm smile and a homemade chocolate pie, always with a little extra chocolate because, in her book, there was no such thing as too much. Her pound cake was unforgettable, her Fantasia “Chocolate Delight” was irresistible, and nothing brought her more joy than spoiling her grandsons with endless love and an unlimited supply of cookies. Marc’s favorite was her Meatloaf and Banana Pudding! He was her greatest inspiration, and now, as we embark on this new journey, she is ours. That’s why this café is coming to fruition—to keep her spirit alive in every cup of coffee, every plate of comfort food, and every shared laugh.
“This isn’t just a café; it’s a love letter to my mom, a place where her warmth, generosity, and Southern cooking bring people together to savor every moment, just like she always has.”
~Ashlyn Smith
Meet Ashlyn.
Chef / Owner
Chef Ashlyn Smith, is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, Providence, RI, where she received her Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degree in Culinary Arts. Prior to starting her culinary education she was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2002 National High School Recipe Contest. While at JWU, Chef Smith worked in the Culinary Events Department where she executed culinary and pastry events for the University for visiting lecturers (Emeril Lagasse, Tyler Florence and Ming Tsai) and corporate events for Nations Restaurant News, Rodney Strong Winery and Longhorn Steakhouse. She additionally taught in the Culinary Education Department, and served as chef for private dinners for the JWU President.
Upon graduation Chef Ashlyn trained at the Alexander House Hotel in West Sussex, England, Casanova Restaurant in Carmel, CA and locally at Four Square Restaurant in Durham, NC. Also during this time she served as the Foundation Development Coordinator at the Professional Culinary Institute in San Jose, CA responsible for coordinating culinary scholarships for under-privileged students. Chef Ashlyn has a unique love and passion for the essence of food, especially local naturally grown, that is demonstrated through her cuisine. She promotes this attitude with her hands-on involvement with local farms and participation in area Farmer’s Markets. In addition to her restaurant responsibilities, Chef Ashlyn (or Chef “A”) was a Culinary Instructor at the Art Institute of Raleigh/Durham where she taught Culinary Fundamentals, Purchasing/Storeroom, Intro To Baking and additional regional cuisines.
She continues to instill her passion for culinary arts into future chefs.
