GATLINBURG, TN, September 24, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Olga Brankova has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Ms. Brankova has distinguished herself as the owner of and chef at Red Oak Bistro in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a position she has held since 2017. Her journey to this role is defined by remarkable perseverance and dedication, culminating in the transformation of an old, dilapidated house into a thriving dining establishment. Together with her husband, she undertook the formidable task of constructing the restaurant from the ground up, a process that spanned two and a half years. The couple faced significant challenges, including demolishing nearly the entire original structure and navigating the complexities of city permits and inspections. Despite having no prior experience operating a restaurant, they committed themselves fully to realizing their vision.

Having established Red Oak Bistro as a cornerstone of the Gatlinburg community, Ms. Brankova is responsible for every aspect of the business. She oversees all daily operations, prepares meals, manages reservations and seating, serves customers, brings out dishes and handles various other tasks to ensure a seamless and memorable dining experience. Her expertise in Mediterranean and Eastern European fusion cuisine is evident in every dish she creates, earning her recognition as an accomplished culinary professional in this specialty. The restaurant stands as her proudest achievement — a testament to her passion and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Prior to opening Red Oak Bistro, Ms. Brankova built her foundation in the restaurant industry over more than two decades. She began her career in South Florida as a waitress at a boutique French restaurant, where she gained invaluable experience by working in various kitchen roles. This hands-on training allowed her to develop a deep understanding of culinary arts, staff operations and restaurant management. From an early age, she aspired to own a small cafe or restaurant, and her years of hard work and continuous learning across different establishments ultimately enabled her to fulfill her dream.

Ms. Brankova's culinary style is influenced by her Bulgarian heritage and shaped by her experiences in diverse kitchens. She skillfully blends traditional Bulgarian recipes with Mediterranean flavors while adapting them to suit American tastes — a unique approach that has become a hallmark of Red Oak Bistro's menu and contributed significantly to its success.

In recognition of her accomplishments, Ms. Brankova received the Sign Design Excellence Award from the City of Gatlinburg, highlighting both her attention to detail and commitment to enhancing the local landscape. Reflecting on her storied journey thus far, she attributes her success to perseverance, patience and having clearly defined goals. She emphasizes that consistent effort and dedication are essential for achieving one's dreams — a philosophy that has guided her throughout her career.

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Ms. Brankova enjoys walking, sewing, painting and traveling outside of her professional and civic endeavors. In the coming years, she aims to further enhance Red Oak Bistro by introducing new dishes and continually refining her seasoned culinary offerings. Her focus remains on delivering exceptional experiences for guests and encouraging their return for years to come through creativity, dedication and passion in every aspect of her work.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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