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Josiah McGaughey
James Beard Award winner
- Discipline
- Other
i. Biography
Coming Up
In Asheville, the early arc of Josiah McGaughey’s work moved quickly from collaborator to proprietor, with each role tightening the line between concept and execution. The kitchen pop-up chef/co-creator position at Vivian in Asheville, North Carolina in 2015–2016 marked an early test of his approach, one already grounded in place and in a direct read on ingredients. He then took on owner/chef duties at Salt & Smoke in Asheville, North Carolina from 2016–2018, a stretch that pushed that approach into a fuller operating kitchen. When McGaughey returned to Vivian in Asheville, North Carolina as Executive Chef in 2018, the move brought him back to a room that had already been part of his development. Since 2018, he has owned Vivian, keeping his work anchored in Asheville while the scope of the restaurant has continued to grow.
Where They Are Now
At Vivian in Asheville, North Carolina, McGaughey cooks to the rhythm of season and supply, with the menu built around fresh produce and provisions from local farmers and markets. The restraint in the plate is deliberate: ingredients are allowed to read clearly, while the composition underneath remains disciplined and considered. The result is food that presents as simple first, then reveals a more layered flavor structure and a clean finish on the plate. The seasonal menu at Vivian carries French overtones, which give the cooking a measured classic frame without displacing its local base. McGaughey’s style draws on both his grandmother’s European flair and his Southern heritage, and that mix gives the food its register: personal, composed, familiar, and exact. In practice, the restaurant’s pace is set less by trend than by what the season and the market make available, with craft and timing doing the rest.
Honors
Josiah's honors include James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef Southeast.
Profile updated July 2026
FAQ
Asked of Josiah
What is Josiah McGaughey's current role?
As of 2026, Josiah McGaughey is Executive Chef.
Where did Josiah McGaughey work before?
Josiah McGaughey's earlier career included Vivian, Salt & Smoke, and Vivian.
What recognition has Josiah McGaughey received?
James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef Southeast.
