Charlotte chef to open restaurant at Green Park Inn

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One of Charlotte’s best-known restaurant groups is expanding into the High Country, with plans to open a Rooster’s Wood-Fired Kitchen at the redeveloped Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock next summer.

Chef Jim Noble, whose Charlotte-based Noble Food & Pursuits operates restaurants including Noble Smoke, Bossy Beulah’s and The Jimmy, said he has been looking for a High Country location for years. He believes Blowing Rock offers an opportunity to serve both tourists and residents as well as the Charlotte-area residents who own mountain homes.

“We wanted to be somewhere up in the mountains for some time,” Noble told The Mountain Ledger.

The restaurant will occupy about 5,500 square feet on the ground floor of the new Green Park Inn, with additional kitchen facilities, a wine cellar and private dining and event spaces. It is expected to open in summer 2027, alongside the new 40-room luxury hotel.

Noble said the restaurant will be smaller than some of his Charlotte locations but will operate seven days a week — a potential advantage in a resort town where some restaurants have limited schedules.

He said Blowing Rock has several strong restaurants but believes there is demand for more dining options.

“There are a handful of good restaurants up there. They just don’t have enough seats,” he said. “They’re begging for more restaurants.”

Rooster’s specializes in wood-fired cooking that blends Southern ingredients with European culinary traditions. Its menu emphasizes locally sourced produce, high-quality meats and dishes designed for sharing.

At its existing Charlotte restaurants, signature offerings include rotisserie chicken, wood-grilled steaks, seafood and an assortment of vegetables and sides.

Current menus list half rotisserie chickens for about $26, burgers for $22, grilled salmon for $36 and hanger steak for $45. Popular staples include mac and cheese ($15), pan-fried corn ($10) and Noble’s coconut cake ($16).

Noble describes the concept as high-quality but approachable rather than pretentious.

“There’s nothing like Rooster’s up there,” he said.

The Blowing Rock location will join four existing Rooster’s restaurants — three in Charlotte and one in Winston-Salem. Another location is planned for Davidson.

The Rooster’s concept dates to 1992 in Winston-Salem. Noble opened his first Charlotte Rooster’s in SouthPark in 2006, followed by uptown in 2012 and Ballantyne in 2024.

The Green Park Inn project also represents a significant redevelopment of one of Blowing Rock’s most historic properties.

The original hotel opened in 1891, but developers said its deteriorating condition made restoration impractical. Noble said he toured the old building and saw serious structural problems, including questionable foundations and floors that bounced underfoot.

Developers ultimately demolished the structure and are rebuilding a hotel intended to resemble the original.

The redevelopment will also include indoor and outdoor event spaces, a historical museum and eight guest cottages.

Noble said his company expects to hire additional employees for the Blowing Rock location and bring baked goods from its Copain wholesale bakery operation, which will start serving restaurant customers in the Blowing Rock and Boone areas.

For Noble, the restaurant represents both an expansion of his hospitality business and an opportunity to become part of a mountain community he has long admired.

“We’re excited to be a part of that,” he said.

“Betty Maney Artist Talk and Demonstration,” noon and 6 p.m., at the Blowing Rock Art & History Museum, 159 Ginny Stevens Lane, Blowing Rock. Meet the artist for a discussion and demonstration of her work. Two sessions are scheduled, giving visitors an opportunity to explore the creative process behind the art.

“Mountain Stage with Kathy Mattea,” 7:30 p.m., at the Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts, 733 Rivers St., Boone. The nationally syndicated public radio program comes to Appalachian State University for a live recording hosted by Grammy-winning country and folk singer Kathy Mattea, featuring multiple musical performers.

“Fall Bash & Chili Cookoff,” 4–6 p.m., at Antler Realty, Banner Elk. A dozen local eateries will compete with their best chili recipes at this community gathering that kicks off Woolly Worm Festival weekend.

“Witches & Warlocks Paddle Fundraiser,” 6 p.m., at Price Lake Boat Rentals, Blue Ridge Parkway milepost 297, near Blowing Rock. A Halloween-themed paddling event invites participants to take to the lake dressed as witches and warlocks, with a fundraising component.

“Family Fall Flannel Fest,” 5 p.m., at the Buckeye Recreation Center, Beech Mountain. A seasonal community celebration hosted by Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation, offering a family-oriented way to enjoy the fall season.

“Valle Country Fair,” 9 a.m.–4 p.m., in Valle Crucis, along N.C. 194 across from Holy Cross Church. One of the High Country's signature autumn traditions returns with Appalachian crafts, food, music and mountain culture in a scenic valley setting. The annual church-sponsored fair raises money for community organizations and local families in need.

“Mount Jefferson's 70th Birthday Celebration,” 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., at Mount Jefferson State Natural Area, 1481 Mount Jefferson State Park Road, West Jefferson. Celebrate the park's 70th anniversary with fall-themed arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, birthday cake and a guided fall-foliage hike to one of the mountain's scenic overlooks. Free; all ages welcome.

“Trail to Victory: The Story of Kings Mountain,” noon–3 p.m., at Hickory Ridge History Museum, 591 Horn in the West Drive, Boone. An immersive Revolutionary War experience explores the 1780 Kings Mountain campaign through the perspectives of Patriots and British soldiers. Guided tours begin at noon, 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. $10 for adults, $7 for ages 5–12; free for children 4 and younger.

“Cider on the Mountain Festival,” noon–10 p.m., at Appalachian Mountain Brewery, 163 Boone Creek Drive, Boone. The second annual cider festival features live music from noon–6 p.m., cider tastings from Appalachian Mountain Cidery and guest producers, apple-themed pizzas, games and other fall activities. Free admission. Cider sampling cards cost $15, including a commemorative glass.

“Woolly Worm Festival,” 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, at the Historic Banner Elk Elementary School, 185 Azalea Circle, Banner Elk. The 49th annual festival features woolly bear caterpillar races, with the winning worm's stripes used to predict the severity of the coming winter. Expect live entertainment, craft and food vendors, and children's activities.

“Kool Nights and Hot Rods Cruise-In,” 1 p.m., in downtown West Jefferson. Classic-car enthusiasts gather to show off vintage vehicles and hot rods in the mountain town's downtown district.

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“Harvest Hoedown,” 5–8 p.m., at Linville Falls Winery, 9557 Linville Falls Highway, Newland. Celebrate the autumn harvest at this family-owned mountain vineyard, which is hosting a special Friday evening gathering during one of the busiest fall-color weekends of the year.

“Jeff Little Trio,” 7:30 p.m., at the Ashe Civic Center, West Jefferson. Pianist Jeff Little brings his distinctive Appalachian mountain-style piano playing to the stage, blending traditional mountain music, bluegrass and other American musical influences.

“Cameron Nesbitt at Banner Elk Winery,” 1–5 p.m., at Banner Elk Winery, 60 Deer Run Lane, Banner Elk. The singer-songwriter performs a blend of Americana, folk and rock, mixing original songs with an acoustic sound at the mountain winery.

“Matt Bizzell at SouthEnd Brewing,” 6–9 p.m., at SouthEnd Brewing Co., 747 W. King St., Boone. Enjoy an evening of live music in the brewery's outdoor beer garden, weather permitting. Free.

“The Pressley Laton Band at Grandfather Vineyard,” 1–4 p.m., at Grandfather Vineyard & Winery, 225 Vineyard Lane, Banner Elk. North Carolina singer Pressley Laton brings a blend of country and rock influenced by classic 1970s rock and 1990s country music. The Lazy Bear Eatery food truck will also be on-site.

This fully furnished, two-bedroom condominium in Blowing Rock's Chetola community offers a cozy mountain getaway with a stone fireplace, updated kitchen and covered porch. Located on a quiet ridge near downtown, the property can serve as a personal retreat or continue operating as a vacation rental.

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