Local, Independent Restaurant Opening in Morganton
The Hedge Restaurant will open in Morganton with counter service, an open kitchen, and a dog-friendly patio.
MORGANTON, NC — The Hedge Restaurant, a new counter-service concept from co-founder Erica Damman with husband and co-founder Royce Chestnutt and chef and co-founder James Bryant, is targeting a late winter opening at 203 Queen St, Morganton, NC 28655.
Damman told Business Debut the team is aiming for a Q1 2026 opening. They are completing the conversion of a 1950s-era brick building into their restaurant.
The news was first shared by The Paper.
What to Expect
The Hedge Restaurant will offer a small, cozy interior with seating for about 30 to 35 guests. An open kitchen with bar seating will let diners watch Bryant and his team at work, alongside a mix of vintage booths and flexible seating for small groups and gatherings.
Outside, a new patio is expected to seat about 50 guests, framed by a privacy hedge. The patio will feature shade structures, string lighting and music, and will be dog-friendly.
“I want it to be a place where I can get really good food, but if my toddler starts screaming, I’m not immediately shunned out of the entire building." Damman said. "We want great food in a relaxed atmosphere—that’s really what we’re trying to achieve here.”
Menu and Vision
The Hedge Restaurant will focus on classic, scratch-made foods with unique touches. Damman described the menu as an “elevated diner” approach, where guests might find a smashburger with thoughtful toppings, a sandwich built around a house-made sauce, seasonal pies, and more all served on casual trays and paper boats.
Bryant brings a background as both a trained chef and butcher, with experience in Asheville restaurants. He plans to emphasize local sourcing, including produce and mushrooms (used in forthcoming vegetarian dishes) from Small Holdings Farm and pork and lamb from The Growing Space.
Opening Timeline
Construction has included a full interior gut, new plumbing and walls, and a complete build-out suited to restaurant use. Damman said the team is in the final stages of tile, fixtures and lighting, and is targeting a late winter opening, likely in February.
Hours
When The Hedge Restaurant opens, the team plans to start with seasonal winter hours featuring Friday lunch and dinner, Saturday brunch and dinner, Sunday brunch, and Monday lunch and dinner.
Exact service times are to be announced. Damman said the long-term goal is to open for all lunches and dinners and eventually operate seven days a week, as demand allows.
The owners also intend to pursue living wage certification as part of building a sustainable workplace for staff.
Follow for More
Updates on construction progress and opening plans will be shared on Instagram. Follow The Hedge Restaurant on Instagram.
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