Chef Katie Button to Open a Bagel Shop in Asheville

ASHEVILLE — This October, expect a New-York-style bagel shop to open, courtesy of renowned chef Katie Button of Heirloom Hospitality Group. Soon to be rebranded as Katie Button Restaurants, the group also oversees Cúrate and Nightbell. Button & Co. Bagels will actually open on the ground floor of Nightbell. To add a touch of North Carolina, the dough will feature locally milled Carolina Ground flour and regionally made sorghum. Fun additions to top off the bagels will include locally made schmear (courtesy of Three Graces Dairy) and preserved ramps used for seasonal spreads. The bagel company’s Twitter account promises Appalachian-inspired ingredients as well. More importantly, the sole post in August reads: “Don’t worry #Asheville - bagels are on the way!”

GREENSBORO — Chez Genèse, set to open mid-September in downtown Greensboro under chef Kathryn Hubert, seeks to create employment opportunities for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities while also rolling out French-influenced cuisine. Hubert, who has a history of working in the Burgundy region of France, grew up with three cousins on the autism spectrum. “I have observed firsthand the difficulties that many individuals with disabilities encounter to be accepted and welcomed into traditional work environments,” she wrote on her website. “The desire to help close that gap began, and combining that dream with my love of French food, hospitality, and culture was a natural fit.” As for the menu, think breakfast and lunch selections like salads, sandwiches, fresh bread, and crepes.

WINSTON-SALEM — Coffee, tea, and flower shop combo Sweet Aromaz is moving into a fresh space with plans to open in mid-September. Owners Jaime and Jessica Perez are shifting their shop into the larger space at 533 N. Trade St. that was previously occupied by Atelier Bakery. New on the menu will be items baked by the Perez family such as Belgian waffles, cookies, and muffins. Coffee and tea will remain on the menu, and the shop will continue to offer plants and cut flowers. The pair posted on Facebook: “This place will be so beautiful when we are done. We are thrilled to have more space and more opportunities to offer more goods.”