Chow Chow is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to celebrating and enriching the foodways of Southern Appalachia and Asheville’s creative economy, led by a community of chefs, makers, artists, farmers, storytellers, and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2019 by a group of Asheville’s most iconic residents — including James Beard Award–winning chefs Katie Button, Meherwan Irani, and John Fleer alongside East Fork’s co-founder Connie Matisse — Chow Chow was formed to showcase Asheville’s creative spirit and community mindset.

Chow Chow Food + Culture Festival is the organization’s annual flagship celebration, designed to conveys a rich sense of place through four days of immersive and delicious programming in the heart of Downtown Asheville.

Today, Asheville is nationally recognized for its food, craft beverage, art, music, and outdoor scenes, named one of the “50 Best Places to Travel in 2023” by Travel + Leisure. The Chow Chow vision is an equitable and thriving regional food system, where culinary and creative enterprise are central to community identity and resilience.