Nick Morse

Owner / Head Chef

Nick’s passion for food blossomed at an early age, with the influence of his Father Figure Chef JR Schoenfeld. Nick was holding down his own station in the Kitchen at Chives restaurant in Suamico by the age of 13. Since then, he has spent time Cooking at the Prestigious Harbor-View Hotel on Martha’s Vineyard, Kitchen Manager, in Door County, Sous Chef at Chives Restaurant, Head Chef at Bleu. In 2014 Nick and his wife Charlotte took over running RYE, a fine dining restaurant in the heart of downtown Appleton, WI. In 2019 Nick and Charlotte took over as the owners of RYE, after running the business for 4 years. You will notice, a heavy New England presence in his cooking, with the freshest seafood and highest quality cuts of meat. From flying in seafood and fresh oysters multiple times each week to growing his own herbs, edible flowers and produce.

Nick’s culinary philosophy and passion reflects the growing trend towards local sustainable food. Working with neighboring farmers to seek out the finest regional and local produce, is the essence of his cuisine. The Summer of 2018 we added the addition of Rye’s sustainable Urban Bee Farm, which was located on the Roof of the Copperleaf Hotel. In 2019 we relocated the bees to a local urban farm not far from the restaurant. We harvest the honey and feature the sustainable honey in our onsite bars and restaurant. In his free time, Nick likes to spend time outdoors with his kids, foraging, fishing and hunting. One of his favorite culinary moments was catching wild Salmon while fishing in Scotland and cooking a spectacular dinner for the family.

 
 

 Charlotte Morse

Co-Owner / Marketing Manager

Charlotte’s passion for hospitality began at an early age. She started working in a coffee shop at the age of 14 and loved working with people! She went on to study Hospitality Management, graduating from Edinburgh University in 2008. After spending 5 years working through luxury boutique hotels in Scotland, she got an internship at the Prestigious Harbor-View Hotel on Marthas Vineyard, as Front Desk Manager. She also spent time as the Inn Keeper, managing the Historic Kelley House in downtown Edgartown. While working in Martha’s Vineyard, she met Nick and they relocated to Wisconsin and got married in 2013. In 2019, Charlotte & Nick took over as owners of RYE. She enjoys spending time with Nick and their 3 young kids (Finley 8, Dylan 5 and Isabella 3). You can find her behind the scenes in the office at the restaurant or at the offsite caterings and weddings!

 
 

Mackenzie Vandenberg

General Manager / Event Manager

Mackenzie joined our team in 2021, as General Manager. She is a wonderful leader of our front of house team! Mackenzie boasts an extensive hospitality background, with over 15 years in the service industry. During her years in the industry, she has worked through every position from Server to bartender to event planner to her current role as General Manager. Mackenzie works closely with our Front of House team to ensure the highest levels of customer service are provided too all guests. Mackenzie enjoys planning weddings, offsite catering and onsite events. During her time away from the restaurant, Mackenzie enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter Emmeline