'Over Yonder Boone' to Open

Why it matters

The original Over Yonder restaurant, located in a historic 1861 farmhouse in Valle Crucis, first opened its doors in June 2014. For nearly a decade, it was a dining destination known for its modern interpretation of classic Appalachian cuisine, sourcing ingredients locally. Chef Andy Long, whose culinary roots trace back to Baton Rouge, brought a touch of Louisiana flair to the mountains, creating a unique menu that garnered a loyal following. The restaurant was a collaboration with the nearby Mast Farm Inn, where Long was also a partner. In January 2025, the Valle Crucis location permanently closed, a business casualty of the financial hardships following Hurricane Helene. The owners stated that losing business during the crucial month of October, a peak time for fall tourism, was an insurmountable financial blow. The new chapter, 'Over Yonder Boone,' finds its home at the recently renovated Rhode's Motor Lodge. This mid-century modern hotel was originally the Greene's Motel, built in 1958, and was brought back to life by Raleigh-based Loden Hospitality, opening in October 2023. The new restaurant will continue to serve the Appalachian-inspired cuisine Chef Long is known for, now with an actual bar for patrons to sit at—a feature the previous location lacked. The menu will feature beloved favorites like crispy okra, alongside lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch service. Chef Ken Bell will continue to lead the kitchen alongside Chef Long, and the original management team has also transitioned to the new Boone location. This ensures that the heart and soul of the original Over Yonder will remain, even with the change in scenery from a rustic farmhouse to a polished, mid-century modern setting.

Key numbers

• The original Over Yonder restaurant, located in a historic 1861 farmhouse in Valle Crucis, first opened its doors in June 2014.
• In January 2025, the Valle Crucis location permanently closed, a business casualty of the financial hardships following Hurricane Helene.
• This mid-century modern hotel was originally the Greene's Motel, built in 1958, and was brought back to life by Raleigh-based Loden Hospitality, opening in October 2023.

What happens next

• The new restaurant will continue to serve the Appalachian-inspired cuisine Chef Long is known for, now with an actual bar for patrons to sit at—a feature the previous location lacked.
• The menu will feature beloved favorites like crispy okra, alongside lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch service.
• Chef Ken Bell will continue to lead the kitchen alongside Chef Long, and the original management team has also transitioned to the new Boone location.

Sources

• opening a new restaurant
• The original Over Yonder
• For nearly a decade,
• Chef Andy Long, whose
• The owners stated that
• The menu will feature

Quick answers