About Us

 

 

 

The Appalachian Naturals Story

The story of Appalachian Naturals began long before the first bottle was ever filled.

In 1998, founders Kristin Barry and Shelly Risinger transformed a weathered desert tavern into a lively culinary haven in the rock-climbing town just outside Joshua Tree National Park. The once-forgotten outpost became The Crossroads, a vibrant gathering place where travelers and locals came together to enjoy bold, creative dishes rooted in freshness and flavor.

Signature plates like seared ahi tuna over baby greens (with fish flown in daily from the Sea of Cortez), Baja steak tacos on hand-pressed corn tortillas, and the legendary Harvest Salad—featuring ripe avocado, figs, heirloom tomatoes, and baby spinach—earned the restaurant a devoted following. But it was the most-requested item on the menu, a silky Ginger Miso dressing, that sparked an entirely new chapter.

Visitors from around the world marveled at the unexpected sophistication found in this small desert café—contemporary, urban-inspired cuisine served with warmth and zero pretense. After a long day of climbing or exploring, guests could wander in as they were and enjoy dishes rivaling those of coastal dining destinations. Word spread quickly, and soon The Crossroads became a destination in itself—where lines of eager diners wrapped around the block, all craving that same unforgettable flavor experience.

When the desert heat reached 115 degrees and rolling blackouts swept across Southern California, the restaurant would close each August to give the team time to rest and recharge. Loyal guests, unwilling to go without their favorite dressings, began bringing mason jars and gallon jugs to fill before the seasonal break. Their enthusiasm planted a seed: perhaps these dressings deserved a life beyond the restaurant kitchen.

In 2005, more than 3,000 miles away from the California desert where the idea was born, Appalachian Naturals bottled its very first batch of Ginger Miso Salad Dressing at Cornell University’s Food Venture Center in upstate New York. What began as one small-batch dressing quickly evolved into a full line of salad dressings, barbecue sauces, vinaigrettes, mustards, and cranberry sauces—each crafted with the same dedication to freshness, quality, and locally sourced ingredients.

Today, Appalachian Naturals has grown into a beloved regional brand, expanding throughout the Midwest and Southeast while staying true to its roots. Though space limitations eventually brought an end to its tomato-based line, the company’s commitment to sustainability, local agriculture, and honest food continues to guide everything it does.

With 22 retail products and 8 foodservice offerings, every bottle embodies the same care, integrity, and handcrafted quality that inspired the very first batch.

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Our Mission

At Appalachian Naturals, our mission is simple yet ambitious: to reshape the food chain for the better.

We believe good food should nourish not only people but also communities and the planet. That’s why we partner with local farms and producers who share our commitment to sustainability, transparency, and ethical business practices. From field to bottle, every ingredient tells a story of respect—for the land, for our farmers, and for the people who gather around the table.

Because at Appalachian Naturals, we believe local agriculture is everyone’s business—and great flavor begins with integrity.