An 8th generation Charlotte native, Conrad Hunter spent the better part of the 80s and 90s as a professional touring musician and recording studio owner. His serious love of wine began in 1988 as a byproduct when helping a friend open Charlotte’s first open kitchen brasserie, The Artist’s Cafe. Growing disillusioned with the collapse of the music industry in the late 90s Hunter sold his studio and launched a new career in the wine business. His first Foxcroft Wine Co. opened in 2004 in the heart of Charlotte’s Foxcroft neighborhood. After 20 years, he’s still at it, leading the expansion of Foxcroft Wine Co. into multiple locations as well as it's sister business, the award-winning Dot Dot Dot, Charlotte’s classic cocktail lounge.

Dan was born and raised in Philadelphia and is a proud father of three children. He also shares his home with a dog and a bearded dragon. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management from Johnson & Wales University and is a Level 2 Sommelier certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers. Dan’s career in the hospitality industry has taken him across the Southeast, with professional stops in Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami, Nashville, and Virginia Beach. He has held senior leadership positions with several restaurant groups, including Tupelo Honey, City Winery, and Topgolf, as well as with a few local restaurant ventures. In addition to his leadership roles, Dan has also been a part owner of multiple restaurants. Outside of work, he enjoys exercising, cooking, spending quality time with his kids, and cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles. Dan brings passion and dedication to everything he does!

Shawn Paul is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and holds certification in Advanced Blind Tasting from the American Sommelier Society. A native of central Maine, Shawn studied Classics, Philosophy and French at Clark University in Worcester, MA and spent an academic year in Dijon, France. Shawn has more than 15 years of experience in Food & Beverage management, with nearly 10 as a professional sommelier and beverage director in New York City at Michelin starred restaurants. Prior to leaving New York for North Carolina, Shawn worked as an Associate Specialist in the wine department of the international auction house Christie's.

In North Carolina Shawn has worked as the Wine Buyer and Wine Room Manager for Dean & Deluca and later General Manager and Beverage Director at Corkbuzz by Master Sommelier Laura Maniec. With Foxcroft Wine Co. Shawn works as Wine Operations Director where he oversees purchasing, education and professional development. Shawn lives in Matthews, NC with his wife Heather and sons Oliver and Emmett.

Stephanie relocated to the Raleigh area in 2023 after a career as a chef in Florida for 25 years. Stephanie brought her talent and energy to Landry's Restaurants for 18 years, and Hyde Park Steakhouse for 3 years. She also has experience in catering and as a private chef. 

While working at Landry's, she became a recipe development Chef, and had the opportunity to participate in their annual Iron Chef competitions for 4 years. She was also part of the Chart Hose Tampa opening and worked on yachts for Chart House during Daytona race week.

Stephanie loves living in North Carolina, and tries to spend her free time exploring the state and spoiling her family's dogs as well!

Amanda began her career in the restaurant industry as a pastry chef. After earning an Associate's degree in Baking and Pastry Arts and a B.S. in Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales University, she gained kitchen experience but soon realized it wasn't the right path for her. She then spent the next 10 years managing restaurants and retail shops, where she discovered her passion for wine and earned the CSW and WSET 3 certifications. In her free time, she enjoys photography and attending hockey and football games.

Keely has been in the hospitality industry for her entire working life. Her experience ranges from working in local restaurants, to corporate and boutique hotels and private country clubs. After graduating from Johnson & Wales University with a B.S. Degree in Hotel Management, Keely continued on to complete her certification with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET). Keely’s personal passions include activities such as hiking, biking, riding horses, and reading at eccentric coffee shops. She is originally from Washington State.

Kristy Strasswimmer, Executive Pastry Chef at Foxcroft Wine Co., graduated from Johnson & Wales University with a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. After gaining experience in specialty bakeries across Charlotte, she decided to focus on bread baking at Foxcroft Wine Co. in 2018. Kristy now oversees a team of bakers and the daily production of house-made breads, pastas, and desserts. Her love for cooking stems from her upbringing in New York, where food played a central role in celebrations, and she strives to bring people joy and memorable experiences through delicious food. In her free time, she enjoys being with her fiancé Matt and their two cats, Tiki and Carrot, crafting macramé and woven art, and exploring North Carolina's natural beauty.

Charlotte native, Taylor Chambers, is our Pastry Sous Chef with over 7 years of experience in baking and pastry. She has been in the food service industry since she was 16 and began baking and decorating cakes while pursuing her Associate's Degree in Pastry Arts at Central Piedmont Community College. Outside of work, you can find her at the gym, hosting a bible study or enjoying time with family.

Pastry Assistant, Holly Goad, graduated early from high school and began working as a prep cook at The Smoke Pit where she discovered her passion for the food service industry. She particularly enjoyed the rush of catering season and the camaraderie found within the kitchen. Holly turned her sights to baking and pastry to expand her work experience and soon joined the Foxcroft Wine Co. team. She spends her free time immersing herself in books, baking, and spending quality time with family and her black cat, Salem.