Meet The Team

Currently Drinking Monolith: Nelson

Connor graduated from Appalachian State with a degree in International Business, and originally started his career in logistics management. In 2017, he made the jump into professional brewing at Southern Peak Brewery, and he’s been hooked ever since. In 2020, he became a certified Brewmaster through VLB Berlin, and later moved to Charlotte to join Legion Brewing, where he worked his way up to Head Brewer and Director of Production. When he’s not brewing, you can usually find Connor outside hiking, camping, or snowboarding. He grew up playing ice hockey, and is always looking for an excuse to travel, explore new places, and check out great breweries along the way.

Currently Drinking Cross The Crest

A Capricorn who loves long walks on the beach, Kurt moved from Upstate NY in 2020 and joined the Wye Hill Team in 2021. He has been in the hospitality industry for most of his adult life. When not working, you'll find him at the gym or spending time outside with friends and family. Kurt loves trying new foods, restaurants and cooking things at home as well. He sees recipes as "guidelines", as opposed to instructions, never to be followed 100%. Inspiration in the moment is part of what makes a great meal.

Currently Drinking Sea Change

Mel earned her Bachelor's from USF in Magazine Journalism, and worked writing about Arts & Entertainment content (reviews, profiles, q&a's) for a few years. Simultaneously, she worked in (and fell in love with) the hospitality world/service industry enjoying every element of the industry-- be it providing a really special experience for the customers or cultivating relationships with co-workers. After graduating, she worked as an opening and traveling trainer for the same company for about a decade, during which time she learned a ton of self awareness and how to connect with others. When she's not working behind the bar or in the front of house at Wye, she's whipping up gorgeous content for the Wye Hill Brewing social media and blog posts, trying new wines or craft beers and making pasta from scratch at home.

Currently Drinking When There Are Nine

Veronica grew up in the Triangle, raised on service and hospitality. Before joining the Wye Hill team in 2023, she worked as a barista at coffee shops across Raleigh and Garner— and never stopped bringing that people-first energy with her. A proud extrovert and self-proclaimed yapper, Veronica thrives on connecting with guests, answering questions, and supporting her team. Outside of Wye Hill, you’ll find her floating the Neuse River, playing rummy, or singing karaoke.

Currently Drinking Magic Totem

Bobby McFarland began his cooking career in Manhattan under the late Floyd Cardoz–a world-renowned chef and pioneer in Indian cuisine. In 2016 he relocated to Raleigh, where he has held leadership roles in numerous renowned establishments specializing in various cuisines, such as Royale and Snap Pea Underground. He currently oversees culinary operations at Wye Hill Kitchen and Brewing in Raleigh, and Ivy and Varley in Salt Lake City. Bobby serves as the company chef on the forefront of expansion for all Wye Hill operations in the triangle, as well as for the Realine group in Salt Lake City.

Currently Drinking Luminous Beings

Hailing from Raleigh, Sara’s winding professional path began as an opera singer and theatre artist. When not on stage, she found a natural niche in the hospitality industry creating magical guest experiences on the restaurant floor or behind the bar. Sara has lived, performed, and poured a stiff drink across Europe, in New York City, and California. In 2017, she returned to Raleigh where she was greeted with a once in a lifetime opportunity to elevate one of the city’s landmark restaurant spaces into Wye Hill Kitchen & Brewing. Sara is a certified wine slinger and holds a Level 3 Certification from the Wine, Spirit & Education Trust as well as the French Wine Scholar Award.

Currently Drinking Daydream

A true renaissance man, Chris brings to the table 20 years of expertise in large scale operations with a keen eye for logistical efficiency and sourcing. Prior to Wye Hill, Chris had a 15 tenure as Technical Director for La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego, where he managed a team of over 70 engineers and craftsmen in the execution and fluidity of detailed set designs for Broadway-bound full scale productions including Jersey Boys, Memphis, Jesus Christ Superstar, Come From Away, and Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. When he's not repairing kitchen equipment, he enjoys spending time with his baby daughter, Joie.

Currently Drinking Skyline