Our Story

Treat began with a simple idea: to create a place where guests could slow down and savor life's little pleasures.

In 2014, Sabrina Hurt opened Treat as a charming gift shop in the heart of downtown Morganton. Soon after, Treat expanded its offerings with the addition of a wine bar and artisan cheeses, creating a gathering place for the community. In 2016, Treat began its transformation into a restaurant, evolving over the years from a cozy wine bar to a bistro, and ultimately into the intimate dining experience it is today. In 2020 Treat embraced its identity as a full-service restaurant. As the world adapted to new ways of gathering, we reimagined our dining room-removing the gift shop to create additional seating, including intimate, semi-private dining originally designed with social distancing in mind. What began as a practical solution quickly became one of Treat's most beloved features.

Like any restaurant with a long history, Treat has been shaped by many talented cooks, chefs, and team members who have each left their mark. In 2018, Starla Ivey joined the kitchen, bringing with her a passion for cooking and a determination to grow. Through years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance, she advanced to Executive Chef. Determined to understand every aspect of the restaurant, Starla immersed herself in every role, gaining a deeper appreciation for the many moving parts behind a successful dining experience. This hands-on experience prepared her for the next chapter of Treat's story: ownership.

In January 2026, Starla proudly became the owner of Treat, carrying forward the strong foundation Sabrina had built over more than a decade while bringing her own vision to the next chapter of Treat's story.

Today, Treat is more than a restaurant-it's a team of people who genuinely enjoy what they do. We've worked intentionally to build a positive, supportive workplace where every team member is valued, encouraged to grow, and given the opportunity to learn new skills. That culture has allowed many of our employees to stay with us for years, creating a familiar, welcoming atmosphere that our guests have come to know and love.

We believe hospitality is about more than great food. It's about building meaningful relationships-with our team, with our guests, and with our community. Those relationships are the heart of Treat, and they're what continue to make this restaurant feel like home.