Alumni Success
Falling in Love with Mountains and Beer
November 3, 2021 Asheville, N.C. — Long before Leah Rainis moved to Asheville in 2016, she had fallen in love with craft beer. But it wasn’t just the beer she admired; it was the brewers in the production facilities, the bartenders and barbacks in the taprooms, and the loyal fans who clamored for the latest offerings who drew her to the industry she is now working to strengthen and build.
Chef Profile: Steve Goff Of Jargon In West Asheville Talks About The Importance Of Failure
June 29, 2021 Asheville, N.C. — The trajectory of Steve Goff's career — from homeless dishwasher to lauded executive chef — is as unlikely as it is a great story.
A Dedication to Flavors
April 6, 2021 Asheville, N.C. — Kether Smith always loved art and developed an early fondness for ceramics and photography. So after graduating high school, she moved to Asheville to pursue formal studies at UNC Asheville. But in the midst of learning the best way to throw clay and shoot photos, she realized that some of her most creative work happened outside of the classroom
A-B Tech’s Cooper Selected for Appalachian Leadership Institute
October 5, 2020 Philip Cooper, UpSkill WNC Coordinator at A-B Tech, was selected for the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Appalachian Leadership Institute for 2020-2021, which is a comprehensive leadership and economic development training opportunity for people who are passionate about helping their communities thrive.
'It's A Dream I Didn'T Know I Even Had,' Rye Knot Owner Says
August 31, 2020 Asheville, N.C. (WLOS) — While many restaurants and bars are struggling amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a combined spirits operation is opening in Asheville. 'It's a dream I didn't know I even had,' Rye Knot owner says.
A-B Tech Alum Beats Bobby Flay
August 10, 2020 Reza Setayesh, an A-B Tech alum and former Culinary instructor, was declared the winner on “Beat Bobby Flay,” which aired August 9 on the Food Network. His signature dish was Jian Bing, a Chinese savory crepe that is often a breakfast street food.
'You'll Lose Our Heart': Latino Chefs Talk New Projects, Dangers Of Losing Indie Eateries
July 8, 2020 Asheville, N.C. — Pachamama is the earth goddess revered by the Indigenous people of the Andes. She's the guiding spirit behind Pachamama5, a restaurant envisioned by Santiago Vargas, the Lima-born chef formerly of Out of the Blue food truck, and the Tampico, Mexico-born chef Ricardo Carrasco, of the former Polanco.
Classes at A-B Tech Lead to Rewarding Career Change
May 18, 2020 After being a plumber for 13 years, Joshua Hollingsworth realized he couldn’t see himself doing it forever. The physical demands were tough and being on call 24/7 kept him away from his family more often than not.
A-B Tech Graduate Credits A-B Tech with Work Success
May 3, 2020 Chris Hamilton moved to Asheville five years ago, knowing he wanted to go to school and study computers. “I happened to find A-B Tech, and I loved it,” he said.
10 Things You Didn'T Know About Ernest Grant, The First Male ANA President
April 14, 2020 Registered nurse Ernest Grant has been making headlines for the past year, starting in January when he became the first male president of the American Nurses Association.