Who run the world? Girls. Women. Ladies. And they’re certainly showing up big-time in the Charlotte food scene as masters of their crafts.
The Scoop team LOVES to eat, and we have so much respect for our writers in the food scene and featured foodies (we’re looking at y’all: Jessica M., Haley and Carley, Jessica B., Kate, Jessica H., Shannon, Yvonne!)
Here are 18 more women to keep your eye on and keep in mind when you’re looking for great food, drinks, cupcakes, and more.
Of course, we realize we can’t highlight every fabulous woman in the local food world. So please comment below with your shout outs.
Courtney Buckley
Your Mom’s Donuts, Owner
This awesome mama has been serving her signature square donuts to the Charlotte area since 2013 and recently opened her third storefront in the old key shop at Park Road Shopping Center.
Carol Waggener
Bold Missy Brewery, Owner
Carol worked in the corporate beer world before opening the first 100-percent-female-owned brewery in Charlotte. That’s the ultimate bold missy.
Tamu Curtis
Liberate Your Palate, Owner
Tamu started the city’s first passbook tour featuring $5 cocktails in 2015 and has since continued to make an impact on the mixology scene with her cocktail classes and bartending services.
Ashley Boyd
Pastry Chef at 300 East
Chances are, you’ve heard of Ashley Boyd and her stunning, delicious desserts. You better not leave 300 East without ordering one (or three).
Heidi Billotto
Culinary Expert
When it comes to food, Heidi has every base covered, from writing about it to teaching us how to eat locally to hosting private cooking classes.
Vanessa Jones
Cheesecake Carousel, Owner
Who’s the genius behind that mobile cheesecake cart on South Tryon Street? Vanessa. And her cheesecakes are to die for (bonus: she can make then gluten-free.)
Lori Konawalk
Mac Tabby Cafe, Owner
Lori and team serve coffee and kombucha to guests as they lounge with feline friends. Best of all, every cat is adoptable.
Cristina Rojas Agurcia
The Batchmaker, Owner
Originally from Honduras, Cristina and her husband moved to Charlotte on a whim and are raising their children among beautifully baked brownies, cookies, cakes, and more. Fun fact: she’s a self-taught baker!
Denisse Elsevyf
Dulce Affairs, Owner
Alcohol-infused chocolate covered strawberries? Denisse is combining two very guilty pleasures, and she’s changing the gift-giving game with her sweet treats.
Amanda Britton
Head Bartender at Bardo
Amanda has graced several restaurants around town with her mixology talents but currently reigns over the cocktail program at Bardo, one of the city’s hottest new restaurants. Get your camera ready.
Alyssa Wilen
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, Owner
If you haven’t taken a class at Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen, get on it! Alyssa makes cooking fun and super relatable for amateurs and offers more advanced classes for experienced cooks.
Debbie Hanks
Iva Jean’s Fudge, Owner
Debbie Hanks named Iva Jean’s after her late mother and still uses her secret family recipe today. If you’re looking for the perfect decadent gift, this is it.
Anglee Brown
Cuzzo’s Cuisine, Owner and Public Relations Manager
Anglee opened the food truck with her cousin and chef Andarrio Johnson and handles the marketing , customer service, and front of the house. Suddenly, we need a huge plate full of Southern delicacies…
Jossie Lukacik
Sweet Spot Studio, Owner
Jossie opened her baking class studio a few weeks ago and is teaching Charlotteans baking basics and decorating techniques. She’s also involved with Project 658 and their annual event, Sugar Shock.
Colleen Hughes
Bar Manager and Mixologist at Haberdish
Cocktail Creator at Sea Level, Crepe Cellar, and Growler’s Pourhouse
How lucky are we that Colleen’s magical talent is at four local restaurants? Her refreshing and super Instagram-worthy cocktails are a must-try.
Jamie Suddoth
Pastry Chef and Co-Founder of Soul Food Sessions
Jamie runs her own cake business and is a founding member of Soul Food Sessions, a movement to highlight chefs of color through fine dining experiences in Charlotte and beyond.
Heather McDonnell
Cupcrazed Cakery, Owner
One of the greatest gifts ever given to Charlotte? The cake batter-stuffed cookie from Cupcrazed. Heather’s cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and creations are always a fun experience. Fun fact: Heather won an episode of Food Network’s Cupcake Wars!
Keisha Murphy
The Sweetest Thing Bake Shop, Owner
Keisha is a Charlotte native and attended both Central Piedmont Community College and Johnson & Wales University. She tackles both savory and sweet with her bake shop and catering company.
Allie Papajohn is the creator and face-behind-the-food on EatDrinkCLT’s Instagram and blog. She is constantly thinking about her next delicious meal and enjoys spreading the word about Charlotte’s culinary scene.
This article is the one of our new series highlighting the Charlotte women doing great work to make our town the vibrant, growing, exciting place we all call home. While we are focused on women in the food business here, we promise, at scoop we are all about the QC women, so you’ll be hearing a lot more from us on the topic of women who work in CLT over the next months.
