KHALIDAH MARTINEAU-LOPEZ

Director of Food & Beverage

Khalidah joined The Montford team in July 2022. Khalidah grew up in the mountains of upstate New York and is a proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, where she studied Culinary Arts. Khalidah knew she wanted to be in hospitality at a young age as she watched her father teach at The Culinary Institute of America. Khalidah began her career working in kitchens in New York, Connecticut and Aspen including such prestigious establishments as Winvian Farms & The Little Nell.

Khalidah transitioned to front of house leadership as a Manager in Training at Calistoga Ranch, an Auberge Resort in Calistoga California. Since leaving Calistoga, Khalidah has held leadership positions at The Ritz Carlton in Lake Tahoe, Caswell Station in Charlotte NC and The Hotel Jerome in Aspen.
Khalidah is passionate about connecting with her guests and creating authentic, memorable experiences. She is excited to be settling in the beautiful mountains of Asheville with her beloved dog Onyx.

ALEXANDRA EBNER

Restaurant General Manager

Coming from Ohio, Alex has made her home here in the Appalachian Mountains. Working all over the country in hospitality- Alex has learned in Savannah, Denver, Boulder, Maui, and Austin. Now, with a strong background in front of house Alex has worked her way up from server to Restaurant General Manager. In 2018, Alex started as the front of house supervisor at The Montford Rooftop bar. After a year at The Montford, she took a few years off to explore. When not at work, you can find her exploring the mountains with her two chihuahuas Suki and Gimlet. Alex is happy to be back and part of The Parks Hospitality family!

KEVIN OLSON

Executive Chef

Kevin, a North Carolina native spent his childhood split between Charlotte and Boone.  Kevin discovered his love for cooking at a small deli in Boone NC. His passion for food led him to the Culinary Arts program at  The Art Institute in Charlotte.  After completing culinary school, Kevin returned to Boone and worked at several local establishments including Chetola Resort. Kevin continued his journey across North Carolina working at Rooster’s- A Noble Grille in Winston Salem and most recently at Pinehurst Country Club. After years of working his way through the ranks from line cook to chef, Kevin has landed at The Montford as the Executive Chef.

Kevin is very passionate about creating an experience for the guest through food, to make people happy through their eyes in their stomachs!

When Kevin is not in the kitchen, he enjoys spending time with his dog Hope and his partner Lydia exploring all that Asheville and the mountains of have to offer.

MICHAEL TYGRETT

Sous Chef

Born and raised in the South, Chef Mike took his love for food and developed an early culinary career while in high school. His affinity for culinary then took him to Johnson & Wales, University, Denver Colorado. After graduation, Michael worked his way up the ranks in a diverse group of restaurants and resorts around the country; The Four Seasons Hotel,  Berns Steak House, The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek, Motor Supply,Vin 48 throughout Florida, Colorado, and California.  Michael left the Four Seasons, Palo Alto Ca. during COVID to be closer to family and decided to put down roots and make Asheville home.

Michael was drawn to our LOVE LOCAL mindset, coupled with the opportunity to pursue more creative expressions and follow his deep-rooted passion for Southern food.

Michael is excited to be back in the mountains and looks forward to meeting you!