A Taste of West Virginia
BY SAMANTHA CART . Appalachia ’ s food and drink culture was born of iconic dishes made from locally sourced ingredients . From Buckwheat pancakes to moonshine , West Virginia is known across the globe for its unique products . In this year ’ s Winners Circle , we ’ re honoring Bloomery Distillery Plantation , Buzz Food Service , Smooth Ambler Spirits and Uncle Bunk ’ s , which produce Mountain State-made foods and drinks enjoyed around the country while creating jobs and making a significant impact on their local communities .
Bloomery Distillery Plantation
After an inspiring trip to Italy in 2010 , Tom Kiefer and Linda Losey , co-owners of Bloomery Plantation Distillery in Charles Town , WV , began creating award-winning liqueurs made from their own organic , homegrown ingredients , including lemons , raspberries , ginger , pumpkins , cranberries and black walnuts .
The distillery has won more than 25 international awards , including the honor of being named one of Entrepreneur magazine ’ s best entrepreneurial companies in America . The company ’ s products can currently be purchased in Virginia , Maryland , Pennsylvania , Rhode Island , New York , Massachusetts , Tennessee , West Virginia and Washington , D . C .
“ We are growing beyond the northeast this year to California , Texas and Illinois and are also talking to distributors in Europe ,” says Losey . “ It has been an exciting process so far with the ups and downs of running a small local business that is community centric but also has the potential of growing into a global business . Terrifying ? Yes , but breaking through that terror barrier has been thrilling .”
Buzz Food Service
Buzz Food Service , a specialty meat company in Charleston , WV , has met the changing needs of the food services industry by providing high-quality meat and seafood for more than 50 years .
Since Dickinson Gould Jr . became part of the executive team that purchased the company in 1968 , it has grown to employ 40 people .
“ I believe we ’ ve helped many local restaurants be more successful ,” says Gould , president and owner . “ One of our aspirations is to create an environment where the people of Charleston and other communities around the state become more thoughtful about and loyal to local restaurants . The more we embrace and support small business , the stronger our entrepreneurial culture becomes , resulting in more unique , local dining options and more vibrant places to live and work .”
Buzz ships its quality cuts to independent restaurants , country clubs , hotels and resort properties in Pennsylvania , Virginia , Kentucky , Ohio and West Virginia , including Paterno ’ s at the Park , Snowshoe Mountain Resort , Berry Hills Country Club , Bricks & Barrels and Le Bistro .
Smooth Ambler Spirits Co .
Founded in 2009 , craft distillery Smooth Ambler Spirits Co . uses local mountain water , regionally sourced corn and wheat and clean air to produce handcrafted vodka , gin and whiskey products in West Virginia ’ s Greenbrier Valley .
The small business currently has 12 employees , but CEO John Little expects to have 20 employees by the end of 2017 to fulfill the needs of the burgeoning company , which ships its products to 33 U . S . states and the U . K .
Along with making a significant impact on the local economy through its sales and tasting room , which sees approximately 180 visitors a week during peak season , Smooth Ambler also extends its reach by purchasing 88 percent of its grain from Turkey Creek Farms in Monroe County , WV .
“ Our farmer is able to continue his family business because we are buying so much grain ,” says Little . “ I think it ’ s huge for our area that we promote West Virginia agri-tourism all around the world .”
Uncle Bunk ’ s , LLC
A specialty food company located in Sistersville , WV , Uncle Bunk ’ s is truly a family affair . Owned and operated by Larry Young ; his wife , Rose Marie Young ; and their daughter , Stacey Young Kasun , the company manufactures handmade , gourmet products using fresh produce and spices with the goal of keeping Appalachia ’ s canning tradition alive .
Uncle Bunk ’ s sells its products online ; at fairs , festivals and craft shows across the Mid-Atlantic region ; and in 150 gift shops , grocery stores and specialty food stores in the U . S . In the past , Uncle Bunk ’ s products were also exported to Hong Kong .
“ Our products are made from old family recipes ,” says Young Kasun , co-owner and director of business . “ My dad learned to can and farm in Wetzel County , and these products are our heritage . We are proud to be representing West Virginia and a part of her culture that folks outside the state don ’ t have a chance to experience .”
WWW . WVEXECUTIVE . COM SPRING 2017
87