More People Behind the Place
Auburn-Opelika is shaped by the people who call it home. The chefs, artists, makers, entrepreneurs, storytellers and community leaders who pour their talents into this place are a big part of what makes it such a special place to live and visit. The People Behind the Place celebrates the individuals whose ideas, passions and stories help make Auburn-Opelika what it is. Get to know the people behind some of our favorite places, experiences and traditions, and discover the stories that make our community unlike anywhere else.
The Visionary Behind the Flower Store
- 4 min read
If you've ever been to the Flower Store in Auburn, you’re among the many already captivated. It's a place you go when you're having a bad day or when you're looking for some inspiration and creativity. It's a place of vibrant colors, artistic surprises, and a very special person whose mind is…
The Local Behind Living & Local
- 3 min read
When asked how Hope would describe Auburn she says, “It is like if a comfort food was a town. It is like fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese, the epitome of the South and comfort food, and it will never disappoint.” Although many people might not know the name Hope Nunnelley, over 17,000 people…
Chewacla’s Mountain Biking Trailblazer: Philip Darden
- 5 min read
Chewacla State Park offers a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike to enjoy outdoor activities, connect with nature, and unwind in a beautiful natural setting. In the last several years, the park has grown responsibly and sustainably by increasing lodging accommodations like glamping, RVs…
If You Needed Another Reason to Try The Irritable Bao
- 3 min read
The Irritable Bao might be a funny name, but their food is seriously yummy. A tiny storefront in the heart of downtown Auburn, the Irritable Bao is known for long lines that snake all the way to Toomer’s Corner, incredibly delicious authentic Chinese bao, and one of the funniest personalities you’ll…
The Artist Behind the Glass: Donna Young
- 2 min read
Tradition, hospitality, and creativity: that's Auburn-Opelika. It's all here, from the bustling businesses in downtown Auburn to the cafes and shops on 8th Street in Opelika. However, it’s the passionate, dedicated, and brilliant-minded people who truly make Auburn and Opelika special. Whether…
From the Barrel to Your Glass: Get to Know the Distillers at John Emerald
- 3 min read
John Emerald Distillery's tasty products have made it over 7,000 miles to South Korea and to countless places in between. It's rooted in family and was the first legal whiskey made in Alabama since the prohibition era. Auburn-Opelika is proud to be the home of John Emerald Distillery, and the…
Meet the Chefs
Behind some of Auburn-Opelika’s favorite restaurants are the chefs who bring them to life. Get to know the people, personalities and passions shaping our local culinary scene, one plate at a time.
Michelin Star-winning Chef Joël Antunes: Rooted in the farm, seasoned by the world
- 5 min read
When Chef Joël Antunes talks about food, he speaks the way an artist does about color: with admiration and joy. His culinary journey began in the south of France on his grandparents’ farm, where his earliest lessons in cooking started in his grandmother’s kitchen. "When I was a kid, I spent most of…
Salt & Light: The Purpose-Driven Journey of Chef Scott Simpson
- 3 min read
Auburn’s historic train depot has long been a place where people gather, and today it continues that tradition through food and fellowship. Executive Chef and Co-Owner Scott Simpson has turned the space into one of Auburn’s most recognizable dining experiences, blending his decades of global…
Taste of the South: Bancroft's Culinary Legacy in Auburn-Opelika
- 4 min read
Located in the heart of the southeast, Auburn-Opelika has become a melting pot of culinary accomplishments. There have been many individuals over the years who have contributed to the evolution of the culinary scene here in Auburn-Opelika, but it’s hard to tell this story without starting with David…
Chef Series: Café 123's Chef Eron Bass
- 5 min read
Chef Eron Bass, the executive chef at Café 123, is all about good food done right. He has been working behind the scenes of the white-tablecloth restaurant for almost 19 years. When the café opened, he began as a sous chef under Chef Chris Cannon, longtime friend, executive chef, and co-owner with…
Chef Series: The Hound's Chef Robbie Nicolaisen
- 5 min read
Centrally located in the heart of downtown Auburn and recognized by its antler door pulls, The Hound features over-the-top American classics, Southern cuisine with a twist, and boasts an impressive bourbon collection. Operating partner, Robbie Nicolaisen, has been the executive chef of The Hound…
Chef Series: Zazu Gastropub's Chef Graham Hage
- 5 min read
Graham Hage is the owner and executive chef of Zazu Gastropub, located in historic downtown Opelika. Diners will be hard-pressed to decide which is better: the elevated, farm-fresh cuisine or the converted industrial space. Chef Graham is responsible for both. Each day, he can be found hard at work…