The Hedge opens, bringing elevated comfort food to Morganton's Queen Street

Downtown Morganton continues to grow its food scene, with a new restaurant betting on higher-end dining, outdoor space, and higher wages for workers.

The Hedge Counter & Cocktails, at 203 Queen St., transforms a historic 1950s Savings and Loan building into an upscale, casual diner experience, with counter service, an open kitchen, and a large outdoor patio designed for gathering.

The restaurant is owned by Royce Chestnut and Erica Damman, with Chef James Bryant leading the kitchen. The project has been more than a year in the making, supported in part by a $30,000 Morganton Main Street small business loan awarded in March 2025.

The owners say they plan to pursue living-wage certification — a move that sets the restaurant apart in an industry that struggles with low pay and high turnover.

“We believe a restaurant should be good for the people who work there as well as the people who dine there,” Damman said. “We’re committed to building a team where staff are respected, fairly compensated, and able to take pride in what they do.”

Bryant, who formerly worked at Leo’s House of Thirst in Asheville and Fonta Flora, shares the same philosophy.

“A calm, professional kitchen makes better food,” Bryant said. “When people feel supported and respected, the whole experience improves — from the kitchen to the dining room.”

Customers order at the counter before choosing a seat at the bar, dining room, or outdoor patio, while the open kitchen keeps the cooking process in full view.

“We like the transparency of an open kitchen,” Bryant said. “Guests can see the care that goes into each plate. It keeps us connected to the dining room and reminds us that the food we’re cooking is part of people’s time together.”

The menu features a variety of comfort foods, including Chicken and Waffles for brunch, Smash Burgers for lunch, Steak Frites for dinner, and vegetarian offerings for every meal service.

From color schemes to a large outdoor patio, every detail is intentional, according to Chestnut. Instead of making the restored historic 1950s Savings and Loan building feel overly polished, the inside features natural materials, warm lighting, and artistic touches to give the restaurant character.

“We wanted the space to feel elevated but still grounded,” Chestnut said. “There are a lot of thoughtful details in the design, reclaimed pieces, textured materials, handmade elements, but the goal was always to make it feel welcoming and approachable.”

The restaurant is open Friday and Monday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“We wanted to create a place that feels real and welcoming,” Damman said. “A place where people can come for a quick bite, linger over drinks on the patio, or gather with friends and neighbors. Morganton has such a strong sense of community, and we wanted to build something that adds to that.”