LGBTQ Chef Ashley Christensen Expands Her Culinary Legacy in Downtown Raleigh

Poole’s Diner, the Raleigh institution lovingly woven into the city’s culinary identity since 1945, is beginning a vibrant new chapter. On Wednesday, August 14th, the famed Double Horseshoe counter—instantly recognizable by its bright red barstools and signature twin semi-circle design—reopens to the public after an eight-month renovation and expansion. For generations of Raleigh diners, this counter has been more than a place to eat; it’s been the beating heart of the Poole’s experience.

For Chef Ashley Christensen, who took ownership of Poole’s in 2007, the reopening is a homecoming of sorts. “We know our guests have missed the experience of sitting at those red barstools—we’ve missed it too,” she says. “The Double Horseshoe isn’t just a bar; it’s where the spirit of Poole’s truly lives.”

A Chef Who Helped Shape Downtown Raleigh

Since making Raleigh her home, Christensen has dedicated her life not only to cooking but to nurturing the city’s sense of community. As the owner and chef of AC Restaurants—a hospitality group that includes three restaurants and a private dining loft, all located in Downtown Raleigh—she has intentionally contributed to the city’s cultural and economic revitalization.

Her journey began in college, cooking dinner for friends in intimate gatherings that revealed her passion for food and hospitality. That spark eventually led to her first professional kitchen job at 21. “Upon taking the position, she knew she had found her life’s work,” her team recalls.

After working in some of the Triangle’s top restaurants, Christensen opened Poole’s Diner—named after one of downtown’s first restaurants—in 2007. Poole’s soon became synonymous with its ever-changing chalkboard menu and its refined approach to comfort food, anchored by local, seasonal ingredients and French-influenced technique. In 2024, it was named the best diner in North Carolina by Southern Living’s “South’s Best” Awards and reached a major milestone by expanding into the adjoining building.

This expansion introduced a wood-fired oven and a thoughtful redesign that preserved the soul of the original diner while giving it space to evolve.

A Culinary Empire with Southern Soul

Christensen’s influence extends far beyond Poole’s. In 2011, she opened Beasley’s Chicken + Honey, housed in a former Piggly Wiggly and celebrating Southern comfort staples with a full bar and private dining.

In 2015, she expanded again with Death & Taxes—a restaurant devoted to wood-fire cooking—and Bridge Club, a private events loft and cooking classroom. Death & Taxes earned acclaim as a 2016 James Beard Award finalist for Best New Restaurant and was recognized by Food & Wine as one of the Best New Restaurants of the Year.

Her work has been celebrated nationally in Bon Appétit, Gourmet, The New York Times, Garden & Gun, Southern Living, and more. She has appeared on Food Network’s Iron Chef America and MSNBC’s Your Business. Christensen is also a two-time James Beard Award winner: Best Chef: Southeast (2014) and Outstanding Chef (2019), one of the industry’s highest honors.

B

eyond the kitchen, Christensen dedicates her time to philanthropy, supporting organizations such as the Frankie Lemmon Foundation, Dix Park Conservancy, Shepherd’s Table Soup Kitchen, Southern Foodways Alliance, and the Southern Smoke Foundation. In 2021, she received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from North Carolina State University. She is also the author of two cookbooks: Poole’s: Recipes and Stories from a Modern Diner (2016) and It’s Always Freezer Season (2021).

A Thoughtful Renovation for an Evolving Landmark

The latest renovation marks one of the most significant transformations in Poole’s history. After 18 years of continuous service—and more than 70 years in operation—the diner needed what Christensen lovingly refers to as “some much-needed love.”

“For eight months, we carefully took Poole’s apart, polished its parts, and thoughtfully put her back together again,” she explains. Enhancements include a sound-softening ceiling, a warm-toned sound system, and subtle visual updates that enrich the atmosphere while preserving the diner’s classic charm.

The expanded footprint now features several distinct spaces:

• The Lounge – A casual area for drinks and bar snacks

• Main Dining Room & Bar – Spacious seating with the full dinner menu

• Double Horseshoe Counter – The iconic centerpiece returning with reserved and walk-in seating

• Private Dining Room – Intimate space for celebrations and corporate events

Returning to the Red Barstools

With the reopening of the Double Horseshoe, guests can once again enjoy the experience so many have missed:

• Reservations available for half the seats (up to 30 days in advance)

• Walk-in seating kept open for spontaneous visits

• Full dinner menu served at the counter, main dining room, and bar

• Cozy accommodations for parties up to four at the counter

A Raleigh Classic, Renewed

Poole’s Diner has always been more than a restaurant—it’s a gathering place woven into the cultural fabric of Raleigh. With its renovated layout, expanded vision, and restored Double Horseshoe counter, Poole’s continues to honor its past while embracing its future.

The Double Horseshoe counter officially reopens Thursday, August 14th. Reservations and walk-ins are welcome, with all guests entering through the main entrance at 428 S. McDowell Street.

For longtime fans and first-time visitors alike, this moment marks the return of a beloved Raleigh tradition—revitalized by one of the South’s most influential chefs.