Claywood: A Family-Owned Business That Goes Beyond Dining

Owned and operated by Carly and Jean, Claywood embodies everything that makes Hendersonville unique—from its historic charm to its strong sense of togetherness. Carly shares, “We wanted to have a family-owned business. My mom and I have talked about this forever. Owning a business together. We wanted to argue. We wanted tense times. We wanted fun times. We wanted to laugh, and we wanted a place for people to come and do the same, to be honest.”

For Carly and Jean, the idea of owning a business together was about more than just a dream; it was about creating a place where they could share their passion for hospitality with the community. Both bring decades of experience to the table—Carly from her time in fine dining in Chicago and Jean from 25 years in hospitality. “We definitely have a lot of experience in operating a restaurant and enjoying entertaining and dining,” Carly reflects.

Claywood’s menu is crafted with intention, reflecting the values of the community it serves. With an emphasis on Appalachian cuisine, the restaurant prioritizes local ingredients sourced from within 75 miles of their establishment. “It was really important for us to provide produce and meat that were local to this area. We partner with French Broad Cattle Farm who supplies our beef, chicken, and pork,” says Carly. Their commitment to local agriculture is not just a business choice, but a way to give back to the region they call home.

In addition to their farm-to-table menu, Claywood offers an extensive selection of mocktails and craft cocktails, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Executive Chef Tory Bogin leads the kitchen at Claywood with a philosophy grounded in community and seasonality. For Chef Tory, farm-to-table is more than a label—it’s about building real relationships with local farmers through years of connection, farmers market conversations, and a shared commitment to quality. Hendersonville’s close-knit food community makes that possible, offering access to local producers while keeping relationships personal and collaborative.

Inside the kitchen, Chef Tory leads a passionate, largely women-led team he’s incredibly proud of. The culture at Claywood is driven, supportive, and deeply invested, creating an environment where creativity thrives and teamwork comes naturally.

That care extends into the dining experience itself. With a warm front-of-house team, an open kitchen, and a thoughtfully designed space, Claywood offers an upscale atmosphere that remains welcoming and approachable. Whether guests choose a burger or a dry-aged steak, they’re met with the same attention, hospitality, and sense of ease.

As a Hendersonville native, Chef Tory sees his role as one of stewardship—using food to showcase the region, support local farms, and help create a platform for a new generation of chefs and cooks to grow within the community.

Claywood’s commitment to its community is as deeply rooted as its place in Hendersonville itself. Located in the revitalized Seventh Avenue District, the restaurant now shines inside one of the area’s most historic buildings, originally built in 1910.

With construction complete, the space reveals its true character—original details uncovered beneath layers of acoustical tile and flooring, bringing new life to a beautiful old building. Today, Claywood seamlessly blends historic charm with modern hospitality, creating a warm and inviting environment for all who walk through its doors.