Our Story - The Forks Inn

Forks is first and foremost a FAMILY BUSINESS

Bringing together two generations, three family members, and a wealth of hospitality experience, Jon Eric Stalnaker, Trevor Stalnaker and Drew Stalnaker founded Forks in 2012.

Along with making the dining and overnight experiences unique and comfortable, the Stalnakers have set Forks’ culinary standards high. They grow most of their own herbs, smoke a variety of meats on site, and craft every dish from scratch, including desserts, soups, specialty mustards, and jams. Inherent to who they are and what Forks has become, the Stalnaker family savor the adventure found in food and the joy of sharing that experience with West Virginia and visitors to the region.

JON ERIC STALNAKER

Executive Chef, Owner

Chef Jon “Eric” Stalnaker brings more than 35 years of experience in culinary arts and restaurant management industries to his current role as the executive chef and owner of Forks.

Chef Eric studied hotel management, nutrition, and business at South Carolina State College and obtained a dual degree of Hospitality and Business. He also completed a two-year culinary apprenticeship through the Hilton Hotel Corporation. Chef Eric worked his way through the ranks at a variety of acclaimed hotels and restaurants in the U.S. and Europe, including The Lodge at Vail Hotel, Le Meurice Hotel in Paris, and The Greenbrier Hotel in West Virginia.

A native West Virginian, Chef Eric credits his passion for all things culinary to his late mother. She was an extraordinary woman and an exceptional cook, who taught Eric how to craft food that satisfies and excites. When Chef Eric is not creating a culinary experience at Forks, he finds solace in the outdoors, fly fishing, and art.

Culinary Background

The Lodge at Vail Hotel and Restaurant (5 Stars)

Vail, Colorado

Le Meurice Hotel and Restaurant (3 Michelin Stars)

Paris, France

Laurelhurst Market Restaurant and Butcher shop

Dijon, France

Sous Chef for Chef and Owner Louis Osteen, Pawley’s Island Inn

South Carolina

Chef at Charcuterie, The Greenbrier Hotel (5 Stars)

White Sulphur Springs, WV

Executive Chef, Snowshoe Ski Resort

Snowshoe, WV

Executive Chef through Hilton Hotels

5 different hotels around the country

Executive Chef at Pipestem Resort State Park

West Virginia

TREVOR STALNAKER

Managing Partner, Owner

Born and raised in Elkins, WV and a graduate of West Virginia University, Trevor knew he wanted to stay in his home state upon graduation. Trevor felt called to stay in West Virginia and co-founded Forks with his brother and uncle.

An avid fly fisherman, musician, music lover, and traveler, Trevor finds inspiration for Forks wherever he adventures, near and far. From napkin folds and table settings from the 18th Century to rum drinks with origins in the West Indies, Trevor continues to integrate what he learns about hospitality, food and beverages into the Forks experience. Trevor is currently completing a court of master sommeliers program and holds a level one sommelier certification.

DREW STALNAKER

Managing Partner, Owner

Drew Stalnaker attributes his love for food and hospitality to his parents. Tagging along with his parents while they worked at Snowshoe Resort in West Virginia, Drew unknowingly discovered his passion. The family jokes that Drew took some of his first steps on a bar. Destined for cocktail greatness, Drew creates new concoctions with ingredients from the Forks gardens. In fact, one of Drew’s favorite pastimes is foraging for wild food like mushrooms, ramps, and herbs while respecting the dos and don’ts of the forest. Drew‘s foraged ingredients can be tasted in many Forks’ dishes.

Like his brother and uncle, Drew enjoys the four seasons of West Virginia through fly fishing, mountain biking, hiking, rafting, snowboarding, and cross country skiing.

Forks is first and foremost a FAMILY BUSINESS

JON ERIC STALNAKER

TREVOR STALNAKER

DREW STALNAKER

Tuscan Seven Course Chef's Table