June 2, 2006- Ashley Brinkley Named Assistant Restaurant Manager for
Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden

HIGHLANDS, NC- The Old Edwards Hospitality Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Ashley Brinkley to the position of Assistant Restaurant Manager for Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden--the resort’s flagship fine dining restaurant.

Brinkley is a graduate of Western Carolina University with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism. Bringing more than seven years’ experience in the food and beverage industry, she is TIPS certified in Bar & Beverage Management and is a member of the CMAA (Club Managers Association of America). Brinkley began her career in the restaurant business at a young age and worked her way up through the ranks of Server, Head Server, onto Bartender and Manager. Most recently she was a Manager and Bartender at the Main Street Bar and Grill (formerly Grapevine Steak and Pub) in Sylva, NC. She has also worked at restaurants in Mooresville and Sylva.

In her role as Assistant Restaurant Manager, Brinkley will support all facets of daily operations for Madison’s Restaurant and the Wine Garden. Working directly with Manager Russell Pacheco and Executive Chef Nate Waugaman, this classically trained culinary team will continue to present Highlands’ finest dining with creative menus, the freshest local and regional ingredients and the very best flavors.

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa is located at 445 Main Street, Highlands, NC 28741, 828-526-8008 or 1-866-526-8008. The Old Edwards Hospitality Group, LLC, founded in 2003, includes the Old Edwards Inn and Spa, Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden, The Farm special events facility, Acorns retail shop, Miss Priss-Highlands, Miss Priss-Charlotte at Birkdale & Stonecrest; The Lodge at Old Edwards Inn, Old Creek Lodge, Rib Shack and The Laundry and Dry Cleaners at Old Edwards Inn.

The Old Edwards Inn and Spa is a AAA-Four Diamond award winner; a member of the National Trust Historic Hotels of America and a member of Boutique-the newest brand within Preferred Hotel Group. The property is a Recommended Hotel in Condé Nast Johansens 2005 and 2006 Recommended Hotels, Inns and Resorts Guide and was nominated for Most Excellent Inn 2006. Madison’s Restaurant and Wine Garden is a 2005 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner.

For more information, contact:
Elizabeth McDonald
McDonald Media
404-822-3788 or lizzie@mcdonald-media.com