Originally from Portsmouth, Virginia, and raised in Arkansas, Chef Ann Tussey’s culinary DNA is deeply rooted in Southern tradition. Her menus at Sweet T’s are a map of her life and family history, heavily shaped by frequent trips to visit relatives in North Carolina and New Orleans, alongside more than a decade spent living in Georgia. These regional influences culminate in a definitive, authentic Memphis-style BBQ experience, underscored by the genuine Southern hospitality for which her team is famous.
Ann’s ability to capture a true “sense of place” has made Sweet T’s a beloved staple of the Sonoma County dining community. Now, she is expanding her culinary horizons with her newest venture, Hapa’s Restaurant & Tiki Bar (doing business as “Hapa’s”). Slated to open towards the end of 2026, Hapa’s will transition her focus to Hawaiian comfort foods, blending island traditions with the same thoughtful execution and warmth she brings to her famous Southern fare. At the North Coast Wine & Food Festival, Chef Ann bridges coastlines and cultures, offering a delicious testament to the power of food memory.