Meet Claire Calvin! Claire is a visionary local restaurateur whose passion for food and community has made a lasting impact on Winston-Salem’s culinary scene. As the owner of multiple eateries beloved by locals and visitors alike, Claire combines creativity, dedication, and a deep love for her city to create spaces where people can gather, share meals, and make memories.

Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence continue to inspire both her peers and the next generation of culinary leaders. Originally hailing from Texas (the inspiration for her newest restaurant, East of Texas!), Claire and her family settled in Winston-Salem and immediately knew this was home.

If a first-time visitor walks into any of your restaurants, what’s the one thing they absolutely have to try?
At The Porch, everyone knows they are ordering one of our award-winner, handmade fresh margaritas, and for the meal, folks love the Texas Pete Chicken Flautas (sort of Tex-Mex meet WS pride since Texas Pete is actually made here! Plus they are delicious and just spicy enough to make you want another margarita!)

At East of Texas, our signature specialty is our Smoked Brisket and we have many menu items that include it. Lots of folks will just order the meat a la carte and find themselves transported to Texas with a single bite!

At Alma, we have so much variety on the menu, from tacos to seafood to fajitas. Our cocktail menu is always changing and is so fresh and creative as well, so it's a great place for a night out! Personally, I love a fresh margarita and our ceviche - that's my go-to dish every time!

What’s your favorite part about sharing Winston-Salem’s food scene with visitors?
I think visitors are always amazed by the sheer variety of top quality, super creative restaurants and bars we have for a town this size. I grew up in Texas and have lived all over the country, including in New York City, DC and Portland, OR, so I've eaten at a lot of great restaurants, but I've had some of the best craft beer, sushi, Indian, Italian and, of course, Southern food in this town that I've ever had.

Our local restaurant & bar community is tight-knit, and these local restaurants are uniquely tied to the community, so they are bringing a creative energy that reflects the spirit of this town in a really special way. There is always a great new spot opening up, so it's fun to have visitors experience something new and awesome every time they come!

Meet Jennifer Smith! A dynamic force in Winston-Salem’s food scene, known for her innovative approach to Southern cuisine, Jennifer loves showcasing the revived energy in Winston-Salem's food scene with anyone who takes the time to stop by one of her restaurants. As the owner of Mozelle's Southern Bistro and the newly opened Betty on Burke, Jennifer and her team blend tradition with creativity to deliver unforgettable dining experiences. Her entrepreneurial vision and commitment to quality have earned her a loyal following, making her a true trailblazer and an inspiring role model for women in business.

What’s one dish or drink at Mozelle’s/Betty on Burke that visitors must try?
As far as favorites, my favorite drink at Mozelle’s is our Italian Spritz and dish would be (currently, as it does waver depending on the season and my mood!) is the Shrimp and Grits.

For Betty, my favorite drink is our Espresso Martini and dish would be our Ahi Tuna Rice Paper Tacos which was inspired by a meal we had with friends in Dallas.

What’s your favorite part about sharing Winston-Salem’s food scene with guests?
Having grown up in this town and remembering what it was like when the downtown was hollowed out in the 80s and 90s, it is so invigorating to see all of the new businesses, the young faces and the progress of downtown Winston-Salem. It really is an amazing rebirth. I am giddy anticipation about what the future holds for our community. 

Meet Naomi and Natalie, the mother-daughter team behind the (almost) world famous Louie and Honey's Kitchen! Known for the "best buns in town"- AKA their ooey gooey Amish cinnamon rolls- their story was born in their home kitchen, expanding over time from a humble farmer's market stall to a thriving storefront that attracts visitors from all over. Their dedication to serving quality desserts made from scratch using heirloom recipes and local ingredients set them apart, often drawing inspiration from their Amish and Mennonite culture. Naomi and Natalie’s journey continues to inspire women everywhere to follow their dreams and build something meaningful together.

What’s the one pastry or drink visitors must try when they come to Louie & Honey’s?
Our customer favorite drink is our Lavender and Honey Latte, and our signature pastry is our Amish Cinnamon Rolls. The cinnamon rolls are made from a family recipe of our Amish and Mennonite heritage and contain mashed potatoes in the dough to keep them fluffy. They are covered in a delicious and finger-licking boiled brown sugar frosting.

What’s been the most rewarding part of sharing your love for baking with Winston-Salem?
The most rewarding part of our journey has been the many customers we have come to know along the way. Many travel great distances to try our Amish Cinnamon Rolls, and then return regularly, making it a part of their traditions.  Often people remark on the peaceful feeling they get when walking into our cafe, which is also important to us. We want everyone to feel like family when they come through our doors, and that includes our employees as well as our customers.

Meet Cary Clifford and Lisa Warner! The heart and soul behind Camino Bakery, a beloved gem in Winston-Salem, their initial dream to open a coffee shop has expanded over the years to include multiple locations (including downtown 4th Street, Brookstown Ave, and a satellite location within Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Hospital!). As business partners and close friends, they’ve poured their passion for baking and community into every loaf and pastry and cup of expertly crafted (and locally roasted) coffee. Their dedication to quality, local ingredients, and creating a welcoming space has made Camino a cherished spot for all who visit. Cary and Lisa’s journey is a beautiful example of friendship, hard work, and the power of following your passion.

What’s the one pastry or drink visitors have to try when they come to Camino?
Our Tarta de Santiago is our version of the traditional almond & citrus cake enjoyed along the Camino de Santiago, which is the ancient pilgrimage route we’re named after. As far as drinks go, there’s currently a heated debate in my family as to whether our chai latte, lavender matcha latte, or oat milk latte is best - maybe your readers can help us decide who’s right! 

What’s your favorite part about sharing Winston-Salem’s food scene with travelers?
I grew up here, so it brings me joy every single day to see people simply enjoying life with friends, family and colleagues as they sip on a delicious coffee and have a yummy handmade pastry. I’m proud of how we’re elevating the food scene in WS, and it makes me happy that we now have several bakeries in Winston that would rival bakeries anywhere in the country.