Starr Teel traces his fascination with wood-fired ovens to his travels in the Middle East and Europe in the 1980s. Stil in his 20’s, he was working in heavy construction as his primary source of income. But his heart burned with a passion for cooking. And the fire of that passion was fueled with wood. During that time, Starr attended a French Classical cooking school in Paris. His experience in The City of Light, in particular, helped set him on a course that would change his life and ultimately have a profound impact on the culinary scene in a small village in the mountains of western North Carolina.

Amelia and Kip Lindsey have traveled a long and winding road as they followed their shared passion for great food, exceptional hospitality, and community built around common cause. Now, 20-plus years into their adventure, they are using their considerable skills and culinary acumen to create an exceptional dining experience right here in Flat Rock.

Little Rainbow Row is now such a common phrase in the local lexicon, it is easy to assume that the colorful moniker applied to the village business district has always been a part of the historic tapestry of Flat Rock. In reality, however, the brightly painted buildings that define Little Rainbow Row are a relatively new addition to the Village’s already colorful 216-year history.

It’s a brilliant end-of-summer weekend at Hubba Hubba Smokehouse on Little Rainbow Row in Flat Rock and the dining patio is awash in a riot of colorful flowers, free-ranging chickens, and the smiling faces of delighted customers. The food at Hubba Hubba is excellent - and the experience of eating that delicious fare on the patio is exceptional.

Dave Workman, co-owner of the iconic Flat Rock Village Bakery, maintains a surprisingly low profile at one of the Village’s most high-profile businesses. His quiet and calm demeanor stands in stark contrast to the perpetual churn of activity swirling around him in the bustling kitchen of one of the area’s most successful bakeries.

A very common question from visitors to Flat Rock concerns the exact location of the expanse of rock for which the Village is named. If they are standing anywhere near the intersection of Little River Road and Greenville Highway, you might just suggest they look under their feet for the answer.