What do you do after restoring a 1940’s lookout tower to its former glory? You build a restaurant around it. Perched atop the peak of the Mountain, the Firetower effortlessly marries casual ambiance with sweeping scenery to amplify its offering of light, seasonal fare. It is an inspiring stop when you’re on the hunt for an energizing breakfast, a lunch to fuel adventures or the perfect sunset cocktail to end an exhilarating day of activity.
Joel Werner grew up spending his weekends picking vegetables from his grandparents’ garden, cooking family dinner with his dad after school, and soaking in the atmosphere of time around the table with a good meal. He knew from an early age that his future was in the kitchen. After attending culinary school at Johnson & Wales, he honed his culinary skills in a variety of styles, working at restaurants in different parts of the country. In 2015, inspired by the opportunities that awaited, Joel decided to step down from a manager role and join the Blackberry Farm team as a line cook in The Barn. Having grown up with a passion for his family’s Italian heritage, he quickly saw the parallel of the regional-style of cooking and embraced a new-found love for Southern hospitality. Bringing those same influences with him to Blackberry Mountain as Executive Chef of the Firetower, Joel wants his guests to feel welcome and at home in the dining room. He’s ready to showcase light, energizing, flavorful breakfast and lunch dishes with the same fine-dining finesse of dinner. He’s plating simple, purposeful dishes that will leave guests feeling inspired to get out on the Mountain.