Our Story
From New York, Szymanski headed for culinary work in California, working and honing his kitchen craft in authentic Mexican and Asian restaurants for the better part of 20 years.
In December 2018, Szymanski and his family decided to relocate to Western North Carolina. This then led to the vision of The Rivers & Rails Tavern that has now come to fruition.
"We want to fill those holes in our culinary scene with these great dishes that are all influenced by my travels in working in the food industry for most of my life. I've taken my career in New York and California restaurants, and my travels around Italy and Europe, and applied it to what we want to do in Dillsboro. There's so much room for growth in the food scene here, this opportunity you really can't find anywhere else — we love it here." -Craig Szymanski, Owner & Chef
"Speedy's Pizza and Pub is a combination of the original Speedy's on Main Street and the Pub atmosphere we maintained from our previous endeavor, The Junction Pub. Receiving the call from Caroline and her family, who have owned Speedy's Pizza for over 20 years, was an absolute blessing. Sometimes timing is all you need." - Natalie Szymanski, Owner