Small Bites

Growing faster than a hog raised on whey, Shane’s Rib Shack recently opened its eighth North Carolina outlet on Airport Road in Arden. Shane’s, a family-friendly joint which offers barbecued pork and chicken by the sandwich and platter, has opened almost 100 locations since its founding in 2002. “Our long-term goal is to have in the neighborhood of 2,000 to 3,000 units,” Raving Brands president Chris Morocco told The National Provisioner in 2006. “One of our major philosophies is what we refer to as ‘concentrate and dominate.’” According to Shane’s Web site, an Asheville location is slated to open soon.


Sorrento d’Italia, the resolutely idiosyncratic Italian eatery in east Asheville, has apparently closed. Prospective diners report the restaurant appears shuttered, and its phone has been disconnected. For years, owner B.J. Jabari charmed Sorrento’s diners with her warm hospitality and award-winning Caesar salad, prepared tableside.


Asheville surfaced in two major magazines this month, with Southern Living and Food & Wine both taking note of area eats. Southern Living gave the nod to The Hop as a great Southern-sweets spot, while Food & Wine featured David Stemmie’s wine-infused butters. Stemmie makes his line of Headstart Gourmet butters at Blue Food Ridge Ventures.

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