Taylor Shook: What it's like to be a food reporter in Fayetteville

I have been lucky enough to cover food, dining, culture and business in the Fayetteville area since the summer of 2022. 

I got my start in journalism with a high school internship at the former ThisWeek News in central Ohio, which was later absorbed into The Columbus Dispatch. I did some freelance assignments there and at Columbus Monthly magazine in my college years.  

I studied political science, economics and journalism at Denison University in Granville, Ohio, where I wrote for the school’s political data blog and occasionally the campus newspaper. Amid the pandemic shutdowns, I graduated in 2020 and got a job in marketing in Indianapolis.  

A year later, my college sweetheart was stationed at Fort Liberty. We got married by a magistrate at the Cumberland County jail (where civil ceremonies are performed), and I’ve been living in Fayetteville since. 

Here’s a little more about me, my job and the questions I get the most. 

What exactly do you do in the newsroom? 

I primarily cover news about food, dining and culture, but I have also written about business, health, real estate and LGBTQ+ life in Cumberland County. On a typical day, I might visit a restaurant, interview sources, meet with experts, attend an event, do research or write. I write about five stories a week.

I also spend some time each day looking for new story ideas and reading and responding to reader feedback and story suggestions. 

Occasionally, I write breaking or trending news and help with all-hands-on-deck scenarios in the newsroom, like election results or severe weather coverage. 

How do you decide what to write about? 

Story inspiration comes from everywhere. Community members often reach out with tips or questions that turn into stories. Walking or driving around town and paying attention to what locals are talking about on social media often leads to stories, too. Sometimes, I draw from my own curiosity.  

Above all, I endeavor to write stories that matter to our community and accurately reflect all those who we serve.

I'm humbled and honored to do this work. It connects me with so many hardworking people who strive to make Fayetteville a better place.

Where can I find your work? 

You can find my stories online at fayobserver.com and in our daily print paper, especially the Wednesday food section.  

Hungry for more? You can sign up for the Fayetteville Foodies newsletter to get food news delivered to your inbox every Thursday at 11 a.m.  

You can also tune into The Fayetteville Observers radio show on WIDU 99.7 FM at 9 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Alongside my colleagues and guests, I discuss my latest stories and what’s coming next. 

The Fayetteville Observer's Fayetteville Foodies Facebook group is a great place to discuss the restaurants and food trucks that you love and keep up with the latest food news. 

What are your favorite restaurants? 

We are incredibly lucky to have a huge and varied food scene in Fayetteville, and even after a year and a half, I still haven't managed to eat at every restaurant. I recently published a list of my favorite dishes last year, which I stand by. 

The restaurants that I eat at the most are Bombay Bistro, Brooklyn Pizzeria, Pollo & Papas, Gohan Bistro, SunFish and Don Ramon’s Taco Shop.  

How can I get in touch with you? 

Have a story idea, question, feedback or just want to chat about local food? Email me at tshook@gannett.com or message me on Facebook. I’d love to hear from you!