Join the team at HIGH HAMPTON.

In our “meet the team” series, we sit down with a member of the High Hampton team to find out a little
more about what brought them to High Hampton and get a little behind the scenes peek into their lives
outside of work.

April Franqueza joined the High Hampton team as the Pastry Chef. She’s excited to share food she loves
with guests and to play a role in helping them connect with and enjoy their dining experience at High
Hampton. And when she’s not in the kitchen, Cashiers is the perfect spot for getting outside!

What was most exciting to you about joining the High Hampton team?
The most exciting part of joining the High Hampton team is the opportunity to take a place that was
already so adored by generations and ensure that I could put my own spin on it, connecting the guests
to the food. I love that each item I have put on the menu uses fresh flavors, or timeless ideas, and our
guests feel like they’re experiencing it for the first time. A great example is my Southern Coconut Cake
with buttermilk frosting. Coconut cake has always been my favorite, and to now share it with the guests
here, who also love it, has been so special to me!

If you were staying at High Hampton as a guest for the day, what would you do?
I would, of course, start my day with breakfast and a latte! Then I’d head out for a hike – I have done
Chimney Tops on property, and wow, it’s a stunner! So, I am excited to eventually hike Rock Mountain. I
would head to The Tavern for a light lunch after my hike then spend my afternoon lounging by the pool,
having a cocktail and maybe taking a quick paddle around the lake. After an afternoon in the sun, I
would go back to my room, take a soak in one of the gorgeous bathtubs and get gussied up for dinner in
the Dining Room!

What is one interesting thing team members and guests might not know about you?
I played the drums for seven years. I took private lessons, played a drum set and did drumline in
marching band – both base and snare.

What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I love spending time outside – hiking, gardening, swimming or spending time with my dog, Pepper!

If a cocktail/mocktail was inspired by you, what ingredients would it have in it?
I think I would say a simple flute of speaking rosé! I always love some bubbly, and sparkling rosé just
feels like it fits my personality. Something simple and clean is what my palate is all about.