News
MEET HANS RUEFFERT
Many of you already know “Chef Hans”. Chef, author, speaker, and advocate, Hans Rueffert is known by many titles, but his favorite title is perhaps “teacher”. A natural-born communicator, Hans has the ability to inspire others to push themselves to be their very best. Diagnosed with Gastric Cancer in 2005 just two weeks after taping the finale of The Next Food Network Star, Hans traded in his “Celebrity Chef” status in exchange for “Cancer Survivor”.
Never one to slow down, following his diagnosis and subsequent surgeries, Hans has continued to share his talent, knowledge, and love of food in the kitchen with thousands with his motivating and engaging personality. Woodbridge Inn is pleased to announce the return of Hans Rueffert to the Woodbridge team at its Woodbridge General Store, which opened Fall, 2023 in downtown Jasper with fun cooking classes, tasty foods for sale, and more! Be sure to keep the General Store in mind for your holiday parties and group events.
Learn more about Hans at www.hanscooks.com, and listen to his podcast But I Digest recently launched with fellow Food Network star, Steve McDonagh.
The Blue Mountain Review — September, 2022
See the article in The Blue Mountain Review (pages 111-114).
Know Pickens — August, 2022
Grand Opening Gala for the Woodbridge Tavern
8/1/2022 ~ by Max Caylor
"It was déjà vu all over again" for old and new Pickens residents as the historic Woodbridge Inn, now Tavern, opened Saturday, July 16th with a packed crowd. "We wanted to introduce our menu, specialty drinks and let the community experience the beauty of our renovated dining area," stated a gleeful General Manager Rob Jarrett.
The reservation only event featured several menu Starters including Cannon Balls which are dates stuffed with cream cheese wrapped with bacon. Waffles and chicken, Pork Roll, Burger Slider, Shrimp Cocktail, Meat balls and fresh fruit and veggie tray highlighted the "good eats."
The food was tasty but the new bar was the highlight of the evening! Patrons were lined up two deep ordering a Woodbridge Bourbon Old Fashion or a Red Brick Chimney Manhattan. The drink menu lists 11 Specialty Cocktails.
Dawson Faith is the Executive Chef and describes the menu as "southern style with an elegant twist." He mentioned the "Pickens Classic" as an cuisine example which is a take on Marsala boneless chicken (grilled or fried) with garlic mashed potatoes and roasted brussels sprouts.
Doug and Janet Flint are the new Woodbridge owners. She said, "We wanted the restaurant at the Inn to continue to be a place of good food and good times." Ed Lenning began the Hotel in 1880 with the Rueffert family beginning the Woodbridge Inn in 1976. Harmony Henderson operated the Inn a short time before the Flint’s purchase.
Long time Woodbridge diner Steve Kern said, "We are elated that the restaurant is open again because it is such a special place." Mr. Kern and wife Ann are planning to eat dinner one night, stay in the corner bedroom upstairs and eat brunch the next morning.
The Woodbridge Inn and Tavern is open Thursday-Saturday from 11:30 am-3pm (lunch) and 5pm-9pm for dinner. The Sunday schedule is 10am-3pm for brunch and 5pm-9pm for dinner. Reservation requests can be made by visiting woodbridgeinnjasper.com or calling 706.253.8500.
WOODBRIDGE INN HIRES GENERAL MANAGER
Woodbridge Inn is pleased to announce that Rob Jarrett has joined its management team as General Manager.
Rob is a native of Jasper, and a Pickens High School graduate with over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
He was a part of the opening team of Omni Orlando Resort at Championsgate before moving back to Georgia to continue his career with The Westin Peachtree Plaza and W Atlanta Buckhead. Before joining the Woodbridge team, Rob worked the past nine years as manager of 61 Main in downtown Jasper.
In his free time, Rob enjoys the outdoors, attending sporting events, and spending time with his wife, Carla, and their young son.
“The excitement and community support for the Woodbridge Inn, Woodbridge Tavern, and this entire project has been amazing so far! I am ecstatic to join the Woodbridge team and be a part of the property’s history and continued tradition of excellence.”
WOODBRIDGE TAVERN ANNOUNCES NEW HEAD CHEF
The Woodbridge Inn, a hospitality destination for over 140 years, has long maintained a tradition of serving fine food to its guests and other patrons. Now, the Woodbridge is reopening its restaurant’s doors as the Woodbridge Tavern!
At the helm of the Woodbridge Tavern stands a new executive chef named Dawson Angelo Faith, who has risen to the occasion of carrying on this great tradition of elevated food in Jasper, Georgia.
MEET THE CHEF
It’s hard to imagine a more perfect person to assume this important role than Chef Dawson. Dawson comes from a long line of Georgia cooking ancestry. From his father’s side of the family, Dawson is the progeny of the Faith Bread Company and two long-standing restaurants in Atlanta. From his mother’s side of the family, Dawson inherits the tradition of the famous Post Office Delicatessen in downtown Atlanta as well as the famous Camellia Garden, one of the first Asian-influenced restaurants in the Southeast. Chef Dawson learned to cook at the early age of six from his grandparents, often summering with them at the renowned Foxfire Farm in Rabun County.
Post Office Delicatessen, downtown Atlanta
Camellia Garden, Atlanta
Chef Dawson resides in Woodstock with his daughter, Madison. He has worked in the restaurant industry for over 25 years, first as a bartender, then as a chef as his lifelong cooking skills ushered him into the kitchen in the early 2000’s. Dawson has studied multiple types of cuisine with Latin, Asian, American, and Mediterranean being the closest to his heart. In addition to the “Family Tradition,” Chef Dawson trained under chefs ranging from James Beard Award honorees to local culinary heroes in Jacksonville, Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. He has participated successfully in many local kitchen competitions and has served countless entertainers and politicians.
Chef Dawson was taught by his culinary mentors “whatever you do in life, always work at being the best.” This has led our talented “old-soul” chef to keep his food simple, but to always be thinking outside the box. Some would say this is why the folks keep coming back for more—they’re “Keeping the Faith.” Welcome, Chef Dawson Faith.