When Chef Ashley Flagg opened the doors to The Laurel, it was more than just another restaurant; it was a heartfelt homage to her roots and a lifelong passion for cooking. Inspired by Laurel Grove, the road where her grandmother lived, The Laurel is a tribute to the woman who instilled in Ashley a deep love for food.
“My grandmother was a really big food influence in my life, and I wanted to include her in the concept,” said Ashley.
With 15 years of industry experience, Ashley and her wife, Rebekah Flagg, are combining their expertise to create a dining experience that feels personal and innovative. While Ashley helms the kitchen, Rebecca manages the front of the house.
The Laurel’s menu features a globally inspired, shareable-plates concept, which will have no set cuisine but instead celebrate flavors from around the world.
Camshelving: Right from the Start
Running a scratch kitchen with an expansive menu comes with its challenges, including the need for efficient storage.
“We accumulate a lot of ingredients, so the ability to have everything laid out and properly organized at eye level is really important to us,” said Ashley.
That’s where Camshelving Elements® XTRA Series comes in. The Laurel’s dry storage, freezer and cooler are all outfitted with our durable and easy-to-maintain shelving solution.
One of the first things Ashley said when she reached out to her local Cambro rep, Bill Gilmore, was, “If I’m going to do this, I’m going to start right, and I need to have the right shelving.
“It’s just a basic element in the kitchen…but if it’s not right, you’re not setting yourself up for success,” said Ashley.
Walking into their restaurant’s previous space, which had operated for 25 years, Ashley was struck by the condition of the existing shelving.
“Even the enamel-coated ones were dented and in rough shape. We wanted something that was going to last us as long as possible and be easy to maintain to our standards,” said Ashley.
"It’s about functionality and longevity. We’ve learned lessons from those who came before us, and we’re committed to doing things right from the start."
The Importance of Cleanliness
For Ashley, cleanliness is paramount.
“Being able to deep clean the walk-in once a week means taking apart shelves, washing them thoroughly, and putting them back,” said Ashley.
The modular design of Camshelving makes this process seamless, allowing the team to maintain a pristine environment thanks to removable, dishwasher-safe shelf plates.
“It’s an investment in the beginning, but it’s the right investment for the long term,” said Ashley.
Setting the Standard for Excellence
Every decision at The Laurel is guided by a commitment to quality—from the ingredients in the dishes to the shelving in the kitchen.
“Using a product like Camshelving isn’t a fluke for us; we do that throughout. Everything we do, we use the best product to give our customers the best results,” said Ashley.
A Focus on Community and Quality
As Ashley and Rebekah begin welcoming guests to The Laurel, their dedication to excellence and community shines through in every detail.
“I just can’t wait to cook every day again. I’m really excited to start out on the right foot with my team and create a positive work environment for everyone,” said Ashley. “We’re in a really great community, and we just want to be the local spot where people can come and get a good meal.”
With a menu that celebrates global flavors and a space designed for efficiency and cleanliness, The Laurel promises to be a place where great food and great memories come together.
AUTHOR: ADRIANA COCHRAN IS THE DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER AT CAMBRO.
