People & Hospitality

The Hands Behind The Flame

Orbit & Ember was born from a shared passion for live oak-fire cooking and genuine South End hospitality.

Mara Ellison

Founder & Managing Partner

With over fifteen years in Charlotte's culinary community, Mara envisioned a warm evening gathering place centered on wood-fired hospitality and craft mixology.

Julian Reyes

Executive Chef

Chef Julian brings a passion for open-hearth charcoal cooking, pairing wood-fire char with fresh Carolina seasonal harvests.

Owner Mara Ellison and Chef Julian Reyes reviewing a finished dish at the kitchen pass

Collaboration

Crafting The Vision

Every dish, cocktail, and table setting is designed collaboratively to ensure guests experience warm attention to detail from the moment they arrive.

Hospitality Team

Built Around the Guest

From the open kitchen to the bar and dining room, the Orbit & Ember team works as one service crew focused on a warm, polished evening experience.