Meet The Makers: Chuck

 
 

At The Old Mill, we believe tradition isn’t something you look at, it’s something you live. And for our makers, each day is a chance to carry forward the time-tested skills that define us. We call it Mill Made, a way of making things with heart, by hand, and with a deep respect for where we come from.

Whether it’s turning grains into grits, clay into dinnerware, or fresh-picked fruit into jam, our makers transform the ordinary into the unforgettable. We’re proud to introduce you to the people behind the craft, those who put soul into every scoop, slice, and sip.

Meet Chuck, Keeper of the Grind

In the hush of early morning, when the mist still clings to the river, you’ll find Chuck tending to the same gristmill that’s been turning since 1830. He’s one of a rare few to hold the title of Miller at The Old Mill, a role steeped in heritage and respect.

For Chuck, milling is more than a job, it’s a calling. He oversees the transformation of locally grown, non-GMO corn into the cornmeal, grits, and flours that feed our guests, whether at the table in our restaurants or at home from a pantry shelf. Alongside his teammate Delmar, Chuck grinds over 400,000 pounds of corn each year, tied together with knowledge passed down through generations, like the artful twist of the Miller’s Knot.

Ask him what he loves most, and he’ll tell you it’s the meaning behind the motion, the opportunity to feed people, preserve history, and connect with the land, one turn of the wheel at a time.

Chuck is one of many whose hands shape what we do and who we are. Each maker at The Old Mill brings with them not only skill, but also soul, a commitment to keeping traditions alive and well in our community.

Stay tuned for more stories in our Meet the Makers series. Because at The Old Mill, every bite, every brushstroke, and every batch starts with someone who cares deeply about getting it just right.

Mill Made. Right here in Pigeon Forge.

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