Press release, issued Monday, is below. It doesn’t answer the most obvious question – why is Rosenstein selling now? First post here.
After 30 years as founder, chef and owner of Asheville’s The Market Place restaurant Mark Rosenstein announced today that he will sell the restaurant Tuesday, September 1, 2009. The new owner, William S. Dissen will continue to operate the restaurant as The Market Place. For a period of time after the sale, Mr. Rosenstein will act as an advisor.
In 1979 Rosenstein opened The Market Place in downtown Asheville at its original Market Street location. In 1983 Food & Wine Magazine named him to its first Honor Roll of American Chefs. The Market Place found its second home, and current location, on Wall Street in 1990, just as the revitalization of downtown Asheville began to take hold. Wall Street was the perfect location for The Market Place — a quaint side street in the middle of the city’s thriving arts and cultural scene.
The restaurant has consistently received regional and national acclaim from the press including: Food and Wine Magazine, The Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Food Network, USA Today, Better Homes and Gardens, Southern Living, among others. Rosenstein’s professional life will continue to revolve around his passion for food and wine, teaching at several levels and organizing culinary adventures locally and in France. His second book The Alchemy of the Kitchen is also planned. His deep commitment to developing the western North Carolina food network through AB Tech’s Culinary Department and the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project also continues.
Rosenstein was an early champion of local foods, long before it was fashionable, a theme also shared by new owner William S. Dissen. “William and I have a great deal in common and I cannot think of a better person or time to make this transition. He has impressed me with his passion, knowledge, energy and most importantly, his courage to assume this endeavor. The Market Place has developed a very loyal following, but I will support him as long as he needs to build his own following.”
William’s own passions mirror those of Mark’s – basing his culinary ideas on the concept of farm to table. Mr. Dissen’s culinary career spans 7 years, which include a degree from The Culinary Institue of America and training at the famed Greenbriar Resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia. Additionally he holds a Master’s Degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management from the University of South Carolina.
“Carrying on the legacy of The Market Place is an honor for me. Mark has cultivated an innovative, culinary culture in Western North Carolina that supports local and sustainable agriculture. For 30 years he has given Ashevillians a true dining experience.”
“I’m excited to combine my culinary experience with the heritage of The Market Place. I look forward to working with our local farmers, who provide the mountain cultivated produce that adds to the explosive flavors of our food. I am excited to work with the talented Staff and Chefs of The Market Place to keep the tradition of creative food and excellent service alive.”
New owner William Stark Dissen is from a family whose heritage includes the Stark Nursery of West Virginia, creator of the world famous apple “Stark Delicious”. He chose The Market Place because of its dedication to quality, its long term standing in the community, and the tremendous opportunity for growth this area provides. Dissen is eager to continue The Market Place’s tradition of active community support.
The Market Place is located at 20 Wall Street — open for dinner from 5:30p.m. Monday through Saturday. Reservations (252-4162) are suggested; walk-ins are welcome.
www.marketplace-restaurant.com.