About Parcel 191
Our Story
Sometimes the best journeys begin with a completely unexpected detour.
In June 2024, Jon and Alexis were in Rutherfordton to finalize the purchase of a piece of land they had recently bought in nearby Bostic, North Carolina. With some time to spare before their appointment, they wandered down Main Street, taking in the charm of downtown. That's when they noticed a corner building with a "For Lease" sign in the window.
Curious, they peeked inside—but most of the windows were covered, making it nearly impossible to see what was beyond the glass. They walked away intrigued, but life moved on.
About a month later, they couldn't shake the feeling that they should take another look. One phone call turned into a tour, and by September 2024 they had purchased 191 North Main Street along with their family members & business partners Ricky & Jaclyn Peters.
The original vision wasn't a restaurant.
Instead, the plan was to create The Parcel Exchange—a modern community hub featuring private offices, coworking space, pack-and-ship services, private mailboxes, and a comfortable beer and wine bar offering light appetizers and snacks. It was designed to be a place where remote workers, entrepreneurs, and neighbors could gather, work, meet clients, or simply unwind over a drink after the workday.
Renovations began almost immediately. The former office filled with cubicles and small workspaces was transformed into an open, inviting environment that reflected the welcoming community they hoped to build.
As construction progressed through January and February of 2025, the pack-and-ship center and bar were beginning to take shape. But something unexpected kept happening.
The community spoke.
Again and again, locals stopped by to share what they felt Rutherfordton was missing.
"We need another restaurant in town."
"We need a place to get a great steak."
"You can't just serve beer and wine—we need martinis!"
The more conversations Jon and Alexis had, the clearer it became that the building—and the community—were asking for something different.
So they made the decision to pivot.
What started as a coworking space with food and beverages evolved into a full-service restaurant concept. To bring that vision to life, they began searching for the right culinary partner.
Enter Chef Kris Pickering.
Together, they reimagined the space once again, designing and building a brand-new commercial kitchen within the building's existing footprint. With Chef Kris leading the culinary vision, the concept truly came to life.
Today, The Parcel Exchange has evolved into Parcel 191—an upscale casual restaurant where great food, handcrafted cocktails, and genuine hospitality come together.
Our menu celebrates American classics with a Cajun flair, featuring hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, chef-inspired specialties, and a thoughtfully crafted bar program. While the business has evolved, the heart of the original vision remains the same: creating a place where people come together.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, enjoying dinner with family, catching up with friends over cocktails, or simply stopping in for an exceptional meal, we're honored to be part of Rutherfordton's growing story.
Thank you for letting us be a part of yours!
Meet Executive Chef Kris Pickering!
With more than 25 years of culinary and hospitality experience, Chef Kris Pickering brings a unique combination of executive leadership, culinary creativity, and genuine Southern hospitality to every guest experience. A graduate of the The University of Southern Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, Kris also studied international hospitality and culinary arts at the prestigious César Ritz Hospitality Institute in Le Bouveret, Switzerland.
Chef Kris began his career in Chicago, where he spent five years with the Dunlay's Group and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, refining his expertise in high-volume operations, team leadership, and guest service. He then spent 15 years in New Orleans, immersing himself in one of the country's most celebrated food cultures while working at acclaimed establishments including Muriel's Jackson Square, Napoleon House, and La Thai Uptown. After relocating to Western North Carolina in 2019, he served as Executive Chef and General Manager for Burntshirt Vineyards, overseeing both the Chimney Rock and Hendersonville locations.
In the spring of 2025, Kris left Burntshirt Vineyards to focus on the opening of Parcel 191, where he has been instrumental in shaping the restaurant's culinary vision and guest experience. Known for elevated American cuisine with global influences, he developed the Parcel 191 menu with a focus on providing exceptional gluten-free options without sacrificing the quality, creativity, or presentation expected from an elevated dining experience. His menus showcase locally sourced ingredients, premium meats, fresh seafood, and thoughtful flavors designed to appeal to a wide range of guests while reflecting the highest standards of culinary excellence.
Whether designing new menus, improving kitchen operations, or mentoring staff, Kris is driven by a commitment to exceptional hospitality and continuous improvement. His leadership style combines Southern warmth with fine-dining standards, creating an environment where both guests and team members feel valued.
When he's not in the kitchen, Kris enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, all residents of Polk County. His favorite dish to cook as a Chef is New Orleans-style BBQ shrimp, his favorite thing to eat as a treat is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich topped with Cheetos, and he's never far from a glass of sweet iced tea.
For Chef Kris, great dining is about more than food—it's about creating memorable experiences through exceptional hospitality, quality ingredients, and a genuine passion for serving others.
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Also at 191 N Main St --
Southend Financial, LLC
Located in Suite #2 of The Parcel, Southend Financial, LLC is your online resource for personalized mortgage solutions, fast customized quotes, great rates, & service with integrity.
Ph: 980-999-2220
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