Business After Hours - Over Yonder
with the High Country Independent Restaurant Association - February 2026
You are invited to the February Business After Hours event, hosted by Over Yonder with the High Country Independent Restaurant Association!
After more than a decade as a dining destination in the High Country, Over Yonder is proud to announce its reopening in a new location following the closure of the old farmhouse in Valle Crucis. While their surroundings have changed, their commitment to the community and the craft of Southern hospitality remains steadfast.
The team at Over Yonder invites you to join us at their new location in Rhodes Motor Lodge. Guests can expect a relaxed evening, complete with cozy indoor fireplace seating and arcade games for a playful touch. True to Over Yonder's love of Southern food and hospitality, the evening will feature a sampling of house favorites like crispy okra with remoulade, hoecakes with smoked trout, and boudin balls from Holloway Corner Kitchen!
Come hungry, bring your business cards, and get ready for a welcoming night of connection and community.
Eat Well Be Well
Founded in 2014 by Andy and Megan Long, Over Yonder has long been celebrated for its unique culinary identity, featuring a menu deeply rooted in the mountains of Southern Appalachia, infused with the vibrant Louisiana "flair" of Chef Long's heritage. Following the storm, they were fortunate to find a new home within the Rhodes Motor Lodge in Boone, a beautifully restored property that pairs with their soulful cuisine with a sleek, mid-century modern aesthetic.
Though they have traded the farmhouse for a polished new look, the heart of Over Yonder remains intact. They are pleased to announce that the original management team has transitioned with them, ensuring the same excellence their patrons have come to expect. Chef Ken Bell continues to lead the kitchen, serving beloved favorites like their signature crispy okra and classic chicken-fried chicken. General Manager Peden Council oversees their dedicated service team with the warm, genuine hospitality that defines their brand, while Beverage Program Manager Kelly Baysden continues to curate their craft cocktail and beverage offerings.
Whether you are a long-time regular or a first-time guest, they look forward to welcoming you into their new space, where the spirit of the High Country is stronger than ever!
The High Country Independent Restaurant Association (HCIRA) is a collective of locally owned, independent restaurants committed to strengthening the hospitality community across the High Country. After being active years ago, the Association has recently reformed with renewed purpose following Hurricane Helene, coming together to support one another and the industry that plays such a vital role in our region.
At its core, HCIRA champions independent restaurants through advocacy, education, and connection. The Association creates opportunities for restaurant owners and employees to learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships, from workforce development and recruiting to deeper connections with local producers, products, and customers.
HCIRA also believes strongly in the power of community. Through partnerships, events, and cross-promotion, the Association highlights the people and places that make the High Country unique, while giving back and supporting a strong, resilient local economy. As one of the region’s largest employers, HCIRA works to elevate the hospitality industry and ensure its long-term success for businesses, workers, and the community as a whole.
Business After Hours is a Free Member Event! Guests are welcome.
Please register your full party.
When: Thursday, February 12 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Where: Rhodes Motor Lodge - 1377 Blowing Rock Rd. in Boone, NC
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