ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – Previous owners of South Roanoke’s Fork in the Alley restaurant are ‘passing the fork’ to a new generation of owners with neighborhood roots and great credentials.
After 20 years with the iconic restaurant, co-owners Dr. David Trinkle and his wife Ann will pass the ownership to childhood friends Andrew Ross and Nic Miller who purchased the Trinkles’ brick-oven pub earlier this month.
“Ann and I have known Andrew and Nic and their families for years,” Dave Trinkle said. “They both grew up here, and in fact both had their first legal drinks at the Fork. Andrew is in the bar business. Nic has an impressive restaurant and finance background.”
“We’re also excited that they’ve decided to continue with the Fork in the Alley name, maintain the relationships with our beloved staff, and keep many of the traditions in place – while expanding and improving on what we’ve built.”
This is Nick and Andrew’s first-time partnership purchase to bring the restaurant a new experience.
“We’re thrilled to be working together,” Ross said. “It feels like a full-circle experience for me. I’m excited to collaborate with Nic and continue the spirit of this South Roanoke staple. To be able to bring my passion for community and craft beer back to my hometown is a dream.”
Andrew Ross has envisioned the continuation of Trinkles’ restaurant that took place over two decades ago. Since its founding back in 2005 in an old carriage house, Fork in the Alley has been a neighborhood cornerstone in South Roanoke.
“We started it with an idea and after all these years we knew it was time to hand it over to new leadership,” Dave Trinkle said. “When the opportunity to sell to a team with Andrew and Nic’s experience and passion presented itself, we knew it was just right for the business. We began the work a long time ago, and with our loyal staff and customers, we’ve grown it so much through the years.”
Ross graduated from Roanoke’s Patrick Henry High School and is co-founder of The Whale, a craft beer collective with five locations across the Carolinas, including Asheville, Greenville, and Charleston. The Whale was voted the number 2 beer bar in the world by the readers of Craft Beer and Brewing Magazine.
Miller graduated from North Cross High School in 2007 and attended the University of Mississippi. During his time at Oxford, he developed a love for the restaurant industry and worked under James Beard Award-winning Chef John Currence at City Grocery. The experience inspired his passion for great food and service.
Miller returned to Roanoke after college and worked as a sushi chef for two years. He then moved to Asia to teach English and travel. He returned home in 2018 and has been involved in marketing for various technology companies including PowerSchool.
“Now 36, I found myself at a crossroads,” Miller said. “I could have continued down the tech path or taken this big step and pursued my dream of owning a restaurant. When the opportunity to partner with Andrew at Fork in the Alley arose, I knew it was time to go all-in. Andrew has been a longtime friend and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in my entire circle. This just felt like the perfect arrangement and the perfect time.”
“Ann and I have known for a little while that when Fork in the Alley hit its 20th anniversary, we would begin to think about how to pass it on to others who can keep the tradition going strong,” Dave Trinkle said. “It has been a wonderful and life-changing run for us and now we can’t wait to see the new thoughts, energy, and adaptations Andrew and Nic plan to instill.”
The brick oven, staff, outdoor scene, and live music will stay in place as the new owners build a new foundation. This year, Forkapalooza will celebrate 20 years of Fork in the Alley on March 22 at 3 p.m. continuing through the evening. The Skip Castro Band, Phat Anchovies and other bands will perform.
“We learned quickly that it’s about the people,” Ann Trinkle said. “Our employees and our patrons are all a part of the beloved Fork Family. Hiring fantastic managers and staff has been the key to our longevity and these relationships have absolutely been the very best part of our 20-year Fork experience.”