Owen's background centers around chemistry, a critical component of the art and science of brewing. After working in R&D for medical devices and polymers, he wanted something more hands on that might use the same knowledge. Craft beer was the perfect fit! He studied for 2-3 years before joining the canning line at Fortnight Brewing, and has never looked back.

Currently Drinking Dead End Tracks

Hailing from Connecticut, Nick was inspired to escape winter and moved to the Triangle in 2015. A long, windy career path led him to beer, including a decade of cooking professionally, and a big takeaway was exploring fermentation as a vehicle for preservation. After exploring charcuterie, tempeh, vinegars, shoyu and koji-based fermentations, alcohol was the only stone left unturned. Once Nick quit his day job for a position washing kegs, he's never looked back.

Currently Drinking Opal Skulls

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 Golden Days

Currently Drinking Daydream

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

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 Sea Change