Ashley Locklear moved to New Orleans in 2008 after living in the Pacific Northwest where she fell in love with the local farmers markets, seafood, and microbrews. As an Americorps VISTA member, Ashley was committed to sourcing, managing, and procuring seasonal products for New Orleans¹ first Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) market and restaurant wholesales. During her time as a VISTA member and Market Manager, Ashley forged personal
relationships with farmers and producers creating a link with chefs to provide locally grown niche market produce. In 2010, Ashley became the first full time Forager in New Orleans working with the Link Restaurant Group. Currently, primary responsibilities include sourcing produce specifically tailored to Link Restaurant Group’s needs while partnering with local ranchers to provide high quality pastured pork. Ashley has an innate understanding of the different needs of chef, farmer and restaurant customer.