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.

When Hurricane Helene hit, Claywood found itself in the heart of a crisis that affected not only the restaurant but the entire community. “Hurricane Helene did affect Claywood. We were without water and utilities for three weeks,” Carly explains. But instead of shutting down, the team at Claywood found innovative ways to continue serving their community.

When they realized that some of their food wasn’t spoiled, Carly and Jean decided to do something meaningful with it. “We were able to open up our establishment and do free cookouts,” Carly recalls. This act of generosity brought new energy into their building, turning Claywood into a place of healing and hope during a difficult time.

But their support didn’t end there. “My mind just didn’t stop from there. I was thinking about kids at home with their parents, people who still needed to work, all these things that still needed to go on. And we have kids at home. So I knew that our kids now would be at home with us for who knew how long. And I wanted to then use this space as a community center,” Carly says. Whether it was offering Wi-Fi for parents working from home or providing arts and crafts for children to help take their minds off the storm, Claywood became a hub for connection and support.

The restaurant also offered free coffee, a place for parents to sit down, share stories, and offer help to one another. Jean adds, “That’s what we normally do. You just kind of wrap your arm around people and you just take care of ‘em.”

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene revealed the true strength of the Hendersonville community. Carly speaks fondly of the bonds that were formed as neighbors came together to rebuild. “Post-Helene, I’ve bonded with my neighbors, and I truly know them… We showed up very strong and ready to help. We are still going, we are strong, we are ready to serve others, and we’re open.”

Claywood’s commitment to its community is as strong as its roots in Hendersonville itself. Located in the Seventh Avenue District, which is currently undergoing revitalization, Claywood sits in one of the most historic buildings in the area—built in 1910.” Once you pull back the acoustical tile and the hardwood flooring, you get this beautiful building,” Carly explains. It’s a place that blends history with modern hospitality, creating an inviting environment for all who visit.

“The way people can really help Hendersonville right now is book an Airbnb, book a charming bed and breakfast. Come to Hendersonville and stay, walk down Main Street, See Seventh Avenue. Come and enjoy our charm. We are open and we’re ready to serve you.”