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When you ask Curt and Angela Smith why they’re bringing an old kitchen to life at the 1913 Badin Inn, they say, “Because we love creating good food and making people happy.”
That’s Chef Curt’s short answer.
The long answer for Chef Ang begins a long way from Badin. She spent 23 years in Brazil with her missionary parents where her mother hosted and served other missionary families who visited or lived at the mission center.
Angela remembers as a 5-year-old helping prepare made-from-scratch meals, including bread, and day-long shopping trips for basic ingredients at open-air markets. It only took one class at culinary school to confirm what she already knew — she loved the culinary arts.
Chef Curt had to be convinced.
“My mother tricked me,” he said.
As a 7-year-old he gained a reputation for his fried hamburgers at home in Harnett County but took a circuitous path into the food service industry. He first had to sidestep the effects of an on-the-job injury, then say good-bye to his goal of studying for a career as a stockbroker.
Why?
His persuasive mother made him a deal he couldn’t refuse.
“She said she would put me through culinary school if I would partner with her in starting a food truck business,” said Chef Curt. “I wanted to make my mom happy.”
His mom’s redirection proved providential, according to his wife, who says it was meant to be.
The couple met at the National Golf Club in Pinehurst while Chef Ang was in the Culinary Arts program at Sandhills Community College. Chef Curt had graduated several years earlier.
That shared experience in the fine art of food preparation led them into the fine art of sharing life together, including seven years of owning their own restaurant — 7 Central Bistro in Seven Lakes.
Then, COVID-19 happened.
Around the same time, despite the shutdown, Vanessa Mullinix and her daughter Jennifer Owens bought the historic 1913 Badin Inn so they could preserve it for future generations. For five years they’ve been re-imagining a place for families, friends and newcomers to make new memories.
Mullinix sees the 1913 Bistro as a timely extension of the Inn.
When the Smiths sold their restaurant, they took catering jobs in the Seven Lakes area. Two years ago, they moved to Badin with their two children.
The innkeepers noticed the newcomers and the quality of their work. The foursome began to talk about the possibility of opening the Inn’s former golf club grill.
“Things don’t usually happen when we expect,” said Mullinix, “but Jennifer and I believe this is God’s timing.”
Because of the Smiths’ extensive managerial experience, Mullinix and Owens have left the operation of the bistro in their hands. Mullinix doesn’t want the stress of managing a restaurant.
“I just want to come here to eat,” she said.
Planning for two grand-opening weekends, to include a Stanly County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon-Cutting on Sept. 12, was compressed into a month of intense activity.
The chefs hired eight staff members, though they’re still looking for a kitchen assistant. They’ve restocked linens, dishware and glassware, and modified the kitchen.
Mullinix gave the dining chairs a fresh coat of paint and Owens found vintage movie posters for the bar area to replace wall-mounted televisions.
The 1913 Bistro’s menu will change with the seasons, and sometime week-by-week because the Smiths use fresh local ingredients.
“And that’s fun,” said Chef Ang.
Guests will note surprise touches like edible marigold petals accenting crisp green salads, and Chef Curt hopes everyone will try his dessert specialty — Bananas Foster.
During these early autumn evenings, an outdoor dining choice adds to the experience.
“I want to give people the experience of good food even if they don’t belong to a country club,” said Chef Curt.
A mix of American and French dishes along with Chef Ang’s fresh-made bread assures something for every palate.
“We’re also golfers,” said Chef Curt.
As Chef Ang looks out from the porch to the former golf course, she shares a memory.
“In 2010, I shot my first hole-in-one, right out there at number 17.”
The 1913 Badin Inn and Bistro seems like home.

Jo Grey is a freelance writer for The Stanly News & Press.