High Country Grown is a marketing initiative launched by the Watauga Food Council to promote restaurants and value-added businesses that source locally-produced products in the northwestern mountains of North Carolina, including Blowing Rock, Banner Elk and Boone. 

​Join us in celebrating our region's fresh, local food & support our local economy!

How High Country Grown Works

Look for these High Country Grown logos at certified restaurants and value-added businesses. Each color represents a different certification level. These restaurants care about the quality of their menu offerings by using the freshest ingredients possible. They value improving our local economy by supporting other local businesses in northwestern North Carolina.

Gold

These businesses source at least 10 locally grown or made products at all times. 

Silver

These businesses source at least 5 locally grown or made products at all times. 

Bronze

These businesses source at least 2 locally grown or made products at all times. 
These restaurants source at least 10 locally grown or made products at all times. 
These restaurants source at least 5 locally grown or made products at all times. 
These restaurants source at least 2 locally grown or made products at all times. 
These businesses source at least 10 locally grown or made products at all times. 

Bronze Businesses

These businesses source at least 2 locally grown or made products at all times. 
The purpose of the Watauga Food Council is to serve as an umbrella organization to coordinate and strengthen our local food system. The Watauga Food Council envisions a food system that: Is just and fair, builds a strong community, supports vibrant farms, nourishes healthy people, supports sustainable ecosystems and builds a thriving local economy. High Country Grown supports this vision by creating more demand through consumer education. We believe that demand for High Country-grown produce will increase the economic stability and sustainability of our community's rural landscape.

Why the Cabbage?

Cabbage is a traditional and important subsistence crop in the High Country.  It was first brought to Watauga County in the mid-1700’s. Because of the ideal growing conditions and the long shelf life of cabbage after it is harvested, it became a commonly grown vegetable in Watauga County.  As farmers moved from growing for themselves to trading, cabbage played an important role in the economic development of the area. The area became known for both its exceptional cabbage and sauerkraut, as well as its delicious regional food. Learn more about cabbage in Watauga County, here. 

Is Your Restaurant Interested in Participating? 

High Country Grown offers your restaurant the opportunity to join our region's leaders in supporting and promoting our local economy!

This FREE marketing initiative will distinguish your restaurant.
High Country Grown is sponsored by the
​Watauga County Economic Development Commission.

​What does participation include?

Each participating restaurant will receive:
  1. the license to list their restaurant as certified High Country Grown on their website, menu and other branding or promotional material
  2. a window decal that certifies their restaurant
  3. a listing on www.highcountrygrown.org
  4. regular recognition through print and social media channels
For questions or ideas, please email wataugafoodcouncil@gmail.com