Chef Missy, The French Magnolia

Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Missy is a true Southern gal with a whole lotta French blood running through her veins. Missy was a deeply creative young person with a love for both fine and performing arts. After 10 years of competitive swimming and 15 years with the Atlanta Ballet, she graduated from the prestigious magna Northside School of Performing Arts in Buckhead Atlanta. She was accepted to Mount Vernon College, a prestigious all – women’s college in Georgetown, Washington DC where she obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design which included additional architectural studies in Cortona Italy. 

After her undergraduate degree Missy underwent a rigorous and fiercely competitive audition process and was accepted to the American Musical and Dramatic Academy and at the age of 23, she moved to New York City without her parents financial support.  At the beckoning of friends, she called on her gifts and passion for cooking to support herself. She scored a prep job in a prestigious kitchen and within a short time rose to executive sous chef and later executive chef developing menus and recipes for Manhattans elite.

Once again with the encouragement of friends, Missy started a small catering company, Consummate Caterers, which she ran successfully in New York and eventually Atlanta. Due to her second love of architecture and design, Missy decided to take a break from the pressure and the intensely long hours of the professional kitchen. She founded an interior design studio and business, MC interiors and for 10 years worked with clients in Atlanta, Charleston and NYC. In addition to her design work, Missy planned an executed many weddings, social soirees and culinary for her wealthy clients.

During the economic crash of 2007-08 Missy returned to school for a degree in Integrative Nutrition and soon after, began cheffing again. Once again, Chef Missy quickly rose through the ranks in several fine dining restaurants in Charleston before accepting an Executive Chef position at a 5-star Relais & chateaux restaurant in Blowing Rock, N.C.

Over the course of her career Chef Missy has had an obvious emphasis on French cuisine, her passion for French history, design and culture is captured on her beautiful plates and in her uniquely creative culinary & wine experiences. While mostly self-taught, Chef Missy spent decades of ‘learning by doing’ in both professional kitchens and at home. Her intense work ethic and fervor for studying, embracing and executing French techniques and recipes spilled out into her southern roots.

In 2016, her passion for both the South and her French DNA led her to create her present-day culinary brand, The French Magnolia.  Originally a food blog, Chef Missy and her husband (long-time restaurant & hospitality veteran) Thomas Fraley, decided to turn French Magnolia into a luxury in-home fine dining company with a focus on all-inclusive culinary & wine experiences.  As of 2024, they have planned and executed over 1,000 elevated culinary & wine experiences and served almost 10,000 people from around the world.

In January of 2022, the television network PBS and Emmy Award winning producer/director Jacob Dellinger approached Missy & Thomas about doing a television culinary show. With a passion for writing and a love of the south and all things farm, Chef Missy developed the now Emmy Award winning FRENCH MAGNOLIA COOKS, a television show that honors the farms & food of the magnificently beautiful region of Southwest Virginia.

Join Chef Missy (and team) on PBS as they take you from farm, field and stream to the table – all in one day.  With warmth & humor discover the inspirational, savory and educational epicurean journey through Southwest Virginia. 

In 2023 Missy earned an Emmy Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences. In 2024, Missy earned two more Emmy Award nominations – for Best Show and Best Writer.  

In her personal time, Chef Missy enjoys spending time with her husband and dogs. She also loves gardening and watching French films. A self-proclaimed Francophile, Chef Missy loves all things French and continues to tell that story both in her personal life and on the plate.  But at the end of the day, you can take a girl out the South, but you can never take the South out a girl. 

Thomas Fraley, General Manager

Thomas Edward Fraley was born in Pasadena, Texas but his family quickly moved to Arkansas and then Tennessee.  The son of a pastor, Thomas embarked on a journey that led him from electronic engineering studies to seven years of service in the United States Army Reserves. After the military, his heart gravitated towards the hospitality industry, where he thrived as a fine dining service expert in Atlanta and Charleston, SC for 26 years.

Through many years of work, Thomas discovered the art of fine dining, cultivating an appreciation for award-winning food, old-world wine, thoughtful service, and ambiance – all woven together to create cherished guest memories through hospitality. 

After gaining valuable experience, Thomas was recruited by The Four Seasons in Atlanta to oversee the service and wine program at the intimate Chef’s Table, working closely with the Executive Chef. 

With a impressive career spanning 30 years, he has successfully managed and served in renowned fine dining establishments & hotels in Atlanta, Charleston, and High Country, North Carolina. Throughout his career, Thomas has had the privilege of serving global leaders and Presidents, solidifying his reputation for excellence within the restaurant and hospitality industry.

Throughout his career, Thomas has dedicated himself to continually expanding his knowledge and expertise old world wines, especially French and a new fresh take on training, management and guest experiences.  His experience includes training and managing staff in fine dining establishments, including several affiliated with Relais & Chateau. 

In addition, Thomas has played an integral role in developing extensive wine programs & lists for multiple restaurants and hotel bars including  consulting on the design, concepts and operations. 

Thomas embraced the single life until, at the age of 45, he found his heart captured by Chef Missy, bidding adieu to his single days. Together, he and Chef Missy have consulted on several large restaurant projects from layouts and architectural plans to wine & bar list development to comprehensive food concepts & menus.  Thomas’ excellent reputation as a leader and teacher precedes him wherever he goes. 

As General Manager & Wine Steward for the French Magnolia, Thomas oversees the development of an extensive wine program, where he delights in pouring world-class wines and sharing captivating chateaux tales alongside his chef-wife.  Additionally Thomas showcases his wine knowledge on the Emmy Award-winning PBS television series, French Magnolia Cooks where is also is a co-Executive Producer.

United by their shared passions, Thomas and Chef Missy formed an extraordinary bond. Their love story unfolds at the French Magnolia, where they joyfully celebrate life with a spirit of hospitality and hearts of a servant.  Their tale beautifully illustrates the power of love in curating lasting and heartwarming connections