Ryan & Danyalle
A Family Affair
Every dream has a backstory and ours is an epic love story, a love of food, cocktails, family, people, and each other. When Ryan and Danyalle met at a Montgomery Chamber of Commerce Expo, owning restaurants was not on their radar. Danyalle worked in the medical field and Ryan was the general manager at a local restaurant. Growing up in the area, Danyalle and Ryan have deep, organic Southern roots. They both graduated from local high high schools. Ryan earned a teaching degree from AUM and taught school for 5 years before he was called back to the restaurant field and took a job as manager of a local Panera Bread and Danyalle attainted her real estate license. Real estate allowed Danyalle to serve her new young family, as well as make connections to local families, governments, and businesses, which helped her fulfill her vocation of supporting families in her community. Selling homes and connecting families to communities that fit them best was a passion. The week they got married, Ryan left his corporate job to open his first business as contractor. He has always been mechanically inclined and able to fix and build things so creating a business based on these talents was inevitable.
Danyalle and Ryan enjoyed working together on real estate and construction projects, so after 10 years of marriage, what started as a dream and a huge leap of faith, turned into a family business plan. Ryan felt called back to the restaurant industry yet again. The desire to create something from the ground up led to the opening of a gastropub. Featuring a high-end approach to Southern favorites, Cork & Cleaver serves everyone searching for something delicious and unique with a casual atmosphere where everyone can feel welcome. This was the beginning of the dream.
Less than 2 years later, the couple was approached by the Wetumpka Downtown Redevelopment Authority to revitalize a building in downtown. The area was in dire need of a restaurant with a local Southern flare to be a catalyst for the changes on the brink of happening to downtown. With high top tables, a rotating cocktail and whiskey menu, and a southern vibe, it has become a welcome gathering place for visitors and residents alike. With a menu that ties in local history and Southern classics, Coosa Cleaver can't be ignored. The Friday’s desire to support local communities and create unique experiences has driven them to work closely with local government and community leaders to promote local events and bring visitors to the Downtown Wetumpka area. They are avid supporters of the Community Market, Art Shows, and various other city events as well as Wetumpka schools and nonprofits. You will always find festive cocktails and event inspired menus at the Coosa Cleaver.
With the opening of Bubbly Hen in 2022, Danyalle and Ryan wanted to create an environment that was reminiscent of an open-air market, featuring high ceilings, and an abundance of living greenery. What began as a girl in her garden with her chickens, children, and a few crazy friends turned into a WILD obsession called brunch. Her love of friendships, chickens, and beautiful cocktails along with his love for a true southern breakfast laid the foundation for the space they wanted to create. Love, obsession, soulful connections; these were the perfect storylines to describe brunch. Years of gathering their people around an assortment of tables throughout the south started a true fire within them. The couple's desire to share their passion for fresh, organic, locally sourced foods led them to create a beautiful menu where there was something for everyone - allowing friends and families to gather for all-day brunch or for someone to come grab a quick bite. Wanting to bring people together around a fabulous table has allowed them to create a unique approach to a classic Southern Brunch. The drive to support their community keeps them working with as many local farmers, distilleries, roasters, and artisans as they can find. Their cocktail menu boasts gorgeous, flavor-forward drinks inspired by life experiences and friendships.
Danyalle spends her time divided between their adult children, real estate, gardening, restaurants, raising chickens, and finding her next investment property project. Ryan is usually found in one of the restaurants working as needed or using his construction background to repair or make something better. She serves on as many boards as possible and works with local nonprofit organizations when she can. They are usually caught laughing together or reaching for hugs from customers and employees alike.