Meet the team
Growing up in Charlotte, NC, Alyssa discovered her passion for cooking in high school which led her to study Culinary Arts at the Art Institute of Charlotte in 2003, learning from her mentor and instructor Joseph Bonaparte. After graduating in 2005, Alyssa began working for Chef Paul Verica at The Club at Longview in Weddington, NC.
In fall 2008, Alyssa travelled to Umbria, Italy for three months to work at fine dining restaurant Orvieto, teach cooking classes, work as a live-in chef and cater events all while travelling through Italy studying the culture and cuisine.
In November 2010, Alyssa joined the opening team at Halcyon as the lead line chef. Alyssa shined through her pastry skills while learning from Executive Chef Marc Jacksina to hone her technique and expand her creativity in the kitchen while discovering a heightened appreciation for farm-to-table cuisine.
In September 2011, Alyssa was appointed the opening Executive Chef for Fern. At Fern, Alyssa has the daily opportunity to express her dedication to fresh, local ingredients and healthy lifestyle with a menu of seasonal vegetarian dishes. When she is not in the kitchen, Alyssa loves to practice yoga and spend her time outdoors.
Alyssa Gorelick
Executive Chef
Charlotte born and raised, Lou first entered the restaurant industry at 18 years old, joining Darryl’s 1775 as a server. After three years, Lou went to the Charlotte landmark, Grady’s, as their corporate trainer while attending UNC Charlotte.
In 1992, Lou joined The Harper’s Group to open Harper’s in South Park. Over the next 16 years, Lou joined the corporate opening team while working as a manager, assisting them in opening five restaurants in the Charlotte area. In 2008, Lou joined FS Food Group as a manager, working at several of Frank Scibelli’s popular restaurants as she discovered her own unique management style, both towards her employees and customers.
In 2010, Lou joined The Mother Earth Group as part of the opening team at Halcyon as Assistant Manager and Bartender. In September 2011, Lou became the General Manager for the opening of Fern. Lou has taken pride in her management practices, including her focus on making sure the customer experience is most valued – treating each customer as if they are a guest in her home.
When Lou is not at Fern, she spends time with her two sons, Zack, 15 and Jake, 10; around her fire pit with husband Leo in Fort Mill, SC; or relaxing with friends in her close-knit neighborhood.
Lou Bohland
General Manager
