Allison White on coming home to West Virginia for food and family.
written by DONNA HERTO
If the idea of indulging in maple and bourbon-glazed wings, fried green beans, pimento cheese with pork rinds, spinach bites, or bourbon-infused cotton candy whets your whistle, let your curiosity guide you to Sip Downtown Brasserie in Huntington, where creativity permeates the menu, wines, whiskies, and classes.
Chief Wine and Whiskey Officer and owner Allison White thoroughly enjoys cooking and caring for others through great food and satisfying sips. She was born and raised in Huntington, earned her undergraduate and MBA degrees at Marshall University, and spent a few years in the accounting industry before deciding to pursue a culinary education at Johnson and Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina.
She stayed in North and South Carolina for six years before moving back to family, familiarity, and food, purchasing Sip in 2016 and growing it from a small wine bar to a full-service restaurant. Offering a creative menu and more than 40 wines, 30 whiskies, catering services, and a variety of classes for those who want to pursue their sipology and savor their swills, the restaurant consistently receives stellar online reviews and in-person feedback.
We connected with White to hear more about what encouraged her to come home to West Virginia to pursue her passion and build a great business.
What is it that drew you back to West Virginia?
Allison White: My entire family lives in Huntington, and I was looking for an opportunity to start my own business. Everyone in my family cooks: my mom, dad, grandparents, and brother. I baked a lot as a little kid, and I really like to cook. I began a small catering business in my early 20s, and I loved cooking for people. My first job in accounting was actually working for someone I had met and who enjoyed my cooking at a catered event.
Cooking for others is one of the ways for me to show I care. Food creates connections. It did for me growing up, and it was also that when I returned. At the time, Sip was a relatively new spot that was gaining popularity, and the owners were looking to sell for familial reasons. So, I jumped on the opportunity.
When you returned, what familiarities did you find?
AW: The friendly faces and local small businesses I loved.
What did you find had changed about the state?
AW: The restaurant and shopping scene in downtown Huntington had exploded! It has become a place to eat, drink, and enjoy time with friends and family.
How do you view or experience West Virginia differently having left and returned?
AW: I get out and enjoy nature a lot more now.
What’s special about this state and this part of the world?
AW: The people. We are hard-working and friendly, and we look out for each other. The natural beauty is also something to admire and long to be around.
What would you say to someone who is curious about what West Virginia has to offer?
AW: West Virginia has nature’s splendor on full display and offers the best variety of outdoor recreation opportunities in the Eastern United States.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
AW: Family is very important to me. I’m married to a wonderful man, Dr. Scott Keffer, and I’m a very proud mother to the sweetest 6-year-old girl. I have a great team at Sip Downtown Brasserie, and I’m passionate about what I get to share.
READ MORE ARTICLES FROM WV LIVING’S FALL 2023 ISSUE
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