Eric Scheffer: Asheville’s Indie Food Pioneer
A couple of weeks ago, we gathered friends, family, and longtime team members to celebrate a milestone: Eric Scheffer’s 25th anniversary as a food pioneer in Asheville’s restaurant community. The evening was a reminder of just how many people and stories have been part of that journey.
This month also marks the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, a storm that devastated Asheville and the surrounding region. In those first uncertain days, when forecasts predicted no running water for months, Eric found a way forward. He sourced potable water and organized distribution so that fellow restaurateurs could reopen safely. It was a lifeline for Asheville’s food scene when it was needed most.
For those who know him, this was nothing new. For 25 years, Eric has been quietly doing this kind of work: solving problems, looking out for the community, and building spaces that last.
Today, Eric is the owner of Scheffer Group, which houses three neighborhood favorites: Vinnie’s Italian, Jettie Rae’s Oyster House, and Gan Shan, plus culinary experiences group Cielo. These restaurants stay full because of the culture behind them. Eric knows how to hire and mentor teams that stay for years. He takes chances on people others might not. He understands how local food powers a local economy.
At a glance, his impact over the years includes:
Co-founding Asheville Independent Restaurant Association (AIR), which helped put Asheville’s independent food scene on the map
Giving over $850,000 in donations of cash and food
Founding Taste of Asheville, the annual city-wide event spotlighting indie restaurants
Co-founding Dining Out For Life, now in its 20th year raising funds for HIV/AIDS
Cooking for 300 to 500 people experiencing homelessness at Haywood Street’s Welcome Table each year
Eric will be the first to tell you he is no saint. He has strong opinions, he’s passionate, and he constantly strives to balance work with family. But his presence in Asheville has always been steady.
As the city reflects on how to rebuild after Helene, we need leaders who know where we have been and what we could be. Eric has always pushed to keep Asheville’s food community focused on connection, resilience, and joy.
Here’s to the next chapter.
