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Chef Shawn Hayes, owner of the Blue Ridge Cafe & Catering, has a real passion for food and creativity. He believes that good food, well prepared and offered at a reasonable price keeps his customers coming back. And, it's true!
Virginians and travelers have been enjoying Shawn's cooking since he and his wife, Rita, opened the Cafe's doors in 1995.
Dreaming of being a chef in the hospitality industry since age 12, Chef Hayes pursued his ambition and received a degree from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York in 1988.
Since then, he and his family have dedicated days, nights and weekends to ensuring the success and quality of their business. Rita assists Shawn wherever she is needed - from the kitchen to catering and menu planning.
The Hayes' daughter, Elizabeth, actually christened the cafe with her birth just 12 hours before the scheduled opening. The first banquet room was opened in 1997 just after their son, Nicholas, was born. Both children have grown up working with and around food at the cafe and catered functions.
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Chef Shawn & Rita Hayes
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His years of experience in the field, and being in the right place at the right time, enabled Chef Shawn to make his dream come true. He enjoys preparing a variety of different foods, but his specialties are American fare and Italian cuisine. In addition to his role as Chef, Shawn is also involved in every other aspect of the Cafe, including managing the catering and banquets, the business office and designing the menus. Shawn and the Cafe are also known for their support of and dedication to the local community.
The Blue Ridge Cafe is located on Route 29 (south bound lane) in Ruckersville, VA, just north of Charlottesville. Surrounded by the lovely Blue Ridge Mountains, visitors to the Cafe are sure to enjoy the atmosphere. Whether for lunch, dinner or socializing over drinks and appetizers, the Cafe offers its customers delicious food, a full-service bar and a wide variety of Virginia wines.
Blue Ridge Cafe & Catering sets the perfect stage for gathering family and friends. If you'd like to experience Chef Shawn's knack for making even simple foods spectacular, stop by the restaurant or call to book your next catered affair today!
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