EDWIN CRUZ | OWNER AND HEAD CHEF - EDWIN’S ORGANIX
Chef Edwin Cruz started his catering and private chef company, Edwin’s Organix, over five years ago after working in the food industry for over ten years. Edwin’s Organix was born out of a passion for creating delicious meals and memorable conversations with patrons. Edwin attributes success in the industry to his love for experimenting with various foods and flavors to create an experience for all to enjoy. Edwin intentionally makes sure that the foods he prepares are locally and sustainably sourced. A significant part of the chef’s brand is his love and support of the vegan community. He specializes in creating authentic vegan meals and tries to take on an environmentally friendly approach in everything he does.

Like many in the food and hospitality industry, Edwin’s Organix slowed down during the early part of the COVID-19 global pandemic, but Edwin remained persistent in pursuing opportunities to connect with people by hosting live cooking videos on Facebook and Instagram, teaching people how to create healthy meals at home. Out of this pivot, Edwin began a partnership with Compare Foods, where he hosts a monthly virtual recipe challenge across their social media. Additionally, Edwin hosts a segment on the CompareTV channel where he teaches people how to cook different meals that reflect his Latino heritage. He also has partnerships with Charlotte Football Club creating match day recipes and the Latin American Coalition.

For many years, Edwin served as a guest chef creating theme-based menus for special events in collaboration with different restaurants, primarily at Poplar and 7th Street Market, and from time to time he has also partnered with breweries and other establishments. When not sharing recipes on local TV, hosting resident events at luxury apartments in uptown Charlotte, or creating Mexican-inspired coffees with Drip Joint Espresso Bar, Edwin can be booked for private dinner events both locally and in the surrounding states. Edwin puts a special focus on creating events that build community, elevate Latino culture, and inspire others that anything is possible if you are passionate.

To connect with him, follow him on social media: @Edwin_Organix

TIM WALLACE | OWNER - THE WINE VAULT AND HEAD WINO
Looking for part-time work, Tim started working at The Wine Vault in 1996 while getting his degree in Marketing and City Planning at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. After moving to pursue a career in distribution, Tim was approached by the owners of The Wine Vault with the opportunity to buy the store. Tim was able to take the small wine shop and turn it into one of Charlotte’s premier gourmet wine destinations. In addition to growing the business, he has taken The Wine Vault’s role in the community and given back to multiple areas including UNC Charlotte, Time Out Youth, and Charlotte Wine & Food Week. This past year, Tim opened a second location in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood. Tim focuses his time on continuing to build that desire to learn in all his patrons, making sure to offer wine education tastings, wine dinners, and plenty of the best wine and beer on the shelves.