10/13/2026
We have some bittersweet news to share. Our executive chef, Josiah McGaughey, is taking advantage of a once in a lifetime opportunity to move to the US Virgin Islands to continue his amazing culinary career. Josiah was an essential part of opening Joyful Noise, from kitchen design, menu creation, the overall concept, and even getting his hands dirty for several months with our construction build out. We can't thank him enough for all he has contributed to our new business, and we wish him all the success in the world in his move to the Caribbean.
Taking his place will be our current assistant chef, Jimmy Albee. Jimmy brings over two decades of professional kitchen leadership to Joyful Noise Listening Lounge and Kitchen, spanning prominent culinary capitals across both coasts. Best known locally as the founding chef of downtown Asheville icon Sovereign Remedies, Albee made a permanent mark on the city's scene by transforming upscale bar fare into a highly refined, destination-worthy experience. His extensive career background effortlessly merges the exact technical precision of a traditional pastry chef with a bold mastery over rustic, savory flavors. Before establishing his roots in Western North Carolina, Albee spent significant formative years in Portland, Oregon's highly competitive food scene, serving as head chef at the acclaimed Lovely’s Fifty-Fifty and honing his craft at the legendary Clyde Common. He also played an instrumental role in launching the celebrated Gialina Pizzeria in San Francisco.
Closer to home, Chef Albee further deepened his Asheville culinary roots during a standout four-year tenure as the pastry chef at the acclaimed River Arts District institution Vivian. Additionally, his mastery over wood-fired techniques was forged during his years serving as a line cook and pastry assistant at Asheville’s iconic Cucina 24, where he specialized in artisanal wood-fired pizza and seasonal preparations.
We're excited for what's to come.
