Owners:
Jennifer White | Chris Schilling | Dakota Schilling
Originally a small town mid-western girl, I was raised among friendly, happy, and caring people. Back then my plate was often filled with meat, potatoes, Wisconsin’s finest cheese curds and beer brats. 1 always had an interest in food. loved going out to the local restaurants for steak and Friday fish fry, dreaming one day of owning my own. I began my journey in hospitality as soon as I was legally allowed to work at a hometown dinner theater where I remained through high school and college until relocating to Charleston, SC. Twelve years spent in the Holy City food and beverage community expanded my food and wine palate to heights l could never have imagined. Southern hospitality reminded me of home. I wanted nothing more than to share that same friendly, happy, caring experience with those at any establishment I was a part of. Professional growth through the industry carried me to Greenville and into upper level management where I realized that, in addition to the love of team service and guest interactions, I relish the behind the scenes bookkeeping. What I learned while working that last position made me feel as though I had the final tools necessary to venture out on my own. All things learned combined over the course of twenty-five years, befriending Chris and Dakota, the loving support of my husband Tim, our family, and the Greenville community have allowed my dream of Coral to come true!
Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, I discovered my enthusiasm for the restaurant industry during a life-changing backpacking trip through Europe after high school. While bartending at a vibrant hostel in Paris, I realized that hospitality was more than a job- it was a calling. Growing up in a family where food was always the main event, I started experimenting in the kitchen at a young age. Cooking became second nature, and my love for it only grew over time. Entrepreneurship also runs in my family, with my paternal grandparents being small family business owners, and my maternal grandparents being hotel and restaurant owners. Their influence planted the seed of ambition from a young age. Following my experience in Europe, I relocated to South Carolina, where I spent the next decade mastering the art of bartending at high-end restaurants. It was during this time that I refined my craft, developed a deep appreciation for food and fine dining, and grew my love for creating unforgettable and personalized experiences. Now, all of this has resulted in the creation of Coral, a restaurant where I can share my passion for engaging in genuine connection with guests and delivering great food and drinks with the world. It’s a bonus that I get to do it alongside my husband Chris, and our incredible friend and partner, Jen!
Originally from New York, my path to the restaurant world took some unexpected turns. Drafted out of high school by the Milwaukee Brewers to play baseball, I had the chance to pursue a professional sports career. Even then, however, my true passion was always in restaurants. From an early age, I was glued to the Food Network, spending countless hours soaking up culinary inspiration. I couldn’t get enough- every dish, every story, every technique fueled my passion for food. It became more than a hobby; it was a dream in the making of going to culinary school and opening a restaurant of my own. I have always had a strong work ethic, which I attribute to my mom, and the gift of gab, which comes straight from my dad. After several years working in resort real estate, I wound up back in the restaurant industry and I came to realize that my real expertise was in front-of-house restaurant management. This insight led me to Greenville, where I spent years honing my skills and deepening my love for hospitality. Now, that journey, along with meeting my wife Dakota, and our business partner, Jen, has culminated in the opening of Coral, where I get to share my passion for providing exceptional service and creating memorable dining experiences with each and every guest.
Executive Chef
I’m from Greer, South Carolina, and my passion for cooking began in my mother’s kitchen, where she made everything from scratch. Growing up surrounded by the warmth of homemade meals, I developed a deep appreciation for food. This passion has only grown as I’ve spent my life learning through professional kitchens, research, and personal experimentation. I believe that every dish should be a unique culinary experience, combining local ingredients with bold, inventive flavor profiles. My commitment is to create something beautiful on every plate. Outside the Coral kitchen, I enjoy spending time with my wife Brittany and our twin boys, Remy and Atlas. Together, we love to make music, art, and of course, cook.
Sous Chef
Born in Florida, I moved around before settling in Easley, South Carolina in 2008, and eventually made my way to Greenville. I began working in the service industry at just 15, starting at a local diner where I quickly found my passion for hard work and hospitality. Over the years, I’ve worked in nearly every restaurant position, from front to back of house (even here at Coral) before eventually finding my place in the kitchen as a sous chef, under my brother in law, Josh. I believe in giving 100% to everything I do and always leading with honesty. Outside of the restaurant, you’ll find me enjoying sports, spending time outdoors, or relaxing with friends and family.
Manager
Born and raised in the Upstate of South Carolina, I’ve lived in Spartanburg and Easley before eventually settling in Greenville, where I live with my husband and our many pets. My first service industry job was in high school, working the counter and drive-thru of a casual restaurant. Even in that relaxed setting, I loved connecting with guests and knew hospitality was something special. I briefly left the industry to explore other paths in car dealerships and service departments but quickly realized that hospitality and customer service are where my heart truly lies. I returned to the restaurant industry, starting as the lead hostess at Coral, working my way up through event planning, and now into management. I love the vibrancy of the bar at Coral and look forward to meeting and making new regulars out of each and every guest I meet.
Bar Manager
I was born and mostly raised in Michigan, but my journey has taken me to Brazil, Canada, and across the U.S. After college, I began working in restaurants in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I was immediately drawn to the fast-paced environment and the customer service aspect of the industry. Starting as a server assistant, I quickly worked my way through all front-of-house positions, eventually landing as a bartender. Over the years, I became a bar manager at several upscale restaurants, where I developed a passion for creating memorable dining experiences and honed my ability to multitask in the dynamic environment of a busy restaurant. Eventually I found myself in Greenville, South Carolina, where I met and worked with the Jen, Dakota, and Chris. After a brief hiatus in Kentucky, where I spent time with family, I returned to Greenville to help my friends pursue their dreams of opening their own restaurant, Coral. In my spare time, I enjoy exercising, spending time outdoors, reading, and hanging out with my dog, Maggie.