Eric Scheffer is a chef and restaurateur who has been a pioneering figure in Asheville’s food scene for more than 25 years.

Eric is the founder of the restaurant group behind Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian, Jettie Rae’s Oyster House, Gan Shan, and The Majestic, his newest restaurant, which opened this summer. He also helped establish the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association, an organization dedicated to supporting the city's locally owned restaurants.

Along the way, Eric has navigated some of the restaurant industry’s biggest challenges, including the Covid pandemic and Hurricane Helene.

In this episode, Eric reflects on Asheville’s evolution into a nationally recognized food destination, the importance of tourism to the local economy, and what it takes to build and sustain a restaurant business through changing times.

We also discuss the memories that inspire his restaurants, what makes the oysters at Jettie Rae’s so special, and some of his favorite dishes across the restaurant group.

The Scheffer Group
thescheffergroup.com

The Majestic
themajesticavl.com
Follow The Majestic on Facebook and Instagram

Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian
vinniesitalian.com
Follow Vinnie’s on Facebook and Instagram

Jettie Rae’s Oyster House
jettieraes.com
Follow Jettie Rae’s on Facebook and Instagram

Gan Shan
ganshanavl.com
Follow Gan Shan on Facebook and Instagram

Theme Music
The song "Goa" was written by Lyndsay Pruett and performed by the Jon Stickley Trio.

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