Chef Holden

We’ve recently welcomed Chef Christopher Holden into the Claywood family, and I wanted to offer a bit more insight into who he is and why this alignment feels so natural.

Chef Holden and his family are deeply rooted in a lifestyle that reflects so much of what Claywood stands for—connection to land, respect for ingredients, and a commitment to building something intentional from the ground up.

Their homestead and food work speak to a hands-on, seasonal way of living that naturally translates into the kitchen.

Chris brings over 20 years of experience in the culinary industry, with more than a decade rooted in fine dining. He is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has built his career through a range of kitchens that emphasize both technical discipline and thoughtful sourcing.

His background includes time in highly respected kitchens such as DB Bistro Moderne, where he trained under the standards of French fine dining, as well as international experience in France working within authentic farm-to-table cuisine. He has also held leadership roles as an Executive Chef and partner, where he developed and launched farm-driven concepts and built kitchen systems from the ground up.

Most recently, Chris has been leading kitchens here in Western North Carolina while also operating his own concept, giving him a strong balance of creativity, operational awareness, and real ownership mentality.

What stood out most to us is his ability to lead with both confidence and humility—he understands not only how to execute at a high level, but how to build and guide a team with intention. His experience spans everything from fine dining execution to menu development, staffing, food cost management, and creating systems that support consistency.

What makes this especially meaningful is how closely this mirrors our own story. From our family to his, there is a shared understanding of what it means to work with purpose, to source thoughtfully, and to create experiences grounded in both care and craft.

This next chapter for Claywood is not just about evolving the menu—it’s about continuing to build something that feels honest, connected, and aligned with the people and community around us.

We are incredibly excited for what’s ahead and grateful to have Chef Holden stepping into this role alongside us.