Our Story
Kari grew up in nearby Front Royal, Virginia. She earned her culinary training from L’Academie de Cuisine, afterward cooking under James Beard and Michelin awarded chefs, she settled back in her hometown with her husband and two small children, and opened Vault & Cellar in a 120 year old bank. She is also a Stave & Thief Society certified bourbon steward, curating the restaurant’s collection of over 300 bourbons, and earning it a spot on Bourbon Review’s Best Bourbon Bars in America in 2022.
Kari Rushing
Owner, Executive Chef
Tiffany Landes
Prep Ninja & Sfoglina
Small but mighty, Tiffany is our pasta-slinging queen who can out-roll, out-chop, and out-prep just about anyone. She lives in West Virginia with her husband and her German Shepherd — who’s bigger than she is. When she’s not hand-making pasta like a pro, she’s probably snacking on fruit, browsing the aisles of Food Maxx, or sipping her beloved Lambrusco.
Tarah Fuhrken
Sous Chef
Tarah is our adventurous sous chef, equally at home foraging for fresh ingredients, wandering Renaissance Faires, or sampling a perfectly crafted gin cocktail. Her favorite pastime? Introducing her daughter to new music and delighting in her eye-rolls. With creativity in the kitchen and a sense of humor to match, Tarah keeps both the food and the vibes lively.
Erica Brown
Bar Manager & Resident Fashionista
Don’t let the RBF fool you — Erica’s got a heart of gold (and a killer collection of accessories to match). Our resident fashionista can mix a martini as effortlessly as she pairs her outfits, and she’s got an accessory for every mood, moment, and menu. When she’s not behind the bar shaking up your favorite cocktails, she’s probably snacking on pistachios or loving on an animal somewhere. Stylish, sassy, and secretly the sweetest — that’s our Erica.
Dan Kurzenknabe
Bourbon Steward & Lead Server
Dan is a certified Bourbon Steward and self-proclaimed whiskey nerd. You may find him in the cellar guiding a tasting, behind the bar experimenting with new ingredients, in the kitchen annoying the poor souls behind the line, or when he's not at work, fronting the Dan James Band. He loves to learn, taste new things and share his passion for flavor with the community.
From THE PRESS
1
Happy Diner
“The food at Vault & Cellar is absolutely delightful. Every dish tells a story of the region, and the flavors are simply amazing. Can’t wait to visit again!”
2
Local Foodie
“Vault & Cellar is a hidden gem! The ambiance, the food, and the bourbon selection are all top-notch. A must-visit for anyone who appreciates Appalachian cuisine.”
3
Food Critic
“I had the pleasure of dining at Vault & Cellar and I must say, it exceeded all expectations. The attention to detail in every dish is remarkable, and the service is impeccable.”