A Voice, a Band, and a Vision
Westminster Living magazine
I am happy to finally share the heart behind the February cover of Westminster Living! I had the best time hanging out with Tony and Ashley Gerald, the masterminds behind Collision Course. If you haven’t met them yet, prepare to fall in love with their energy (and their food).
Their story is basically a movie plot, and I am here for it. They actually met way back in 2006, working at Applebee’s, but life has a way of taking you on a detour before bringing you back around. They reconnected in 2013 after Tony saw a video of Ashley singing on Facebook—which led to her joining his band and a whirlwind trip to New York to audition for The Voice. Talk about a high-note beginning!
From Monday Night R&D to Main Street
The road to their own restaurant was a fun and exciting journey. Back in 2021, they started "Collision Course Mondays" at their house, inviting friends and family over for some "R&D" food and fun. Talk about the best kind of homework! Between those home tests and some amazing mentorship from Susan Nardyz over at RockSalt Grille, they really honed their craft. They even took their story to the Carroll Biz Challenge and spent the summer hitting up festivals to see exactly what Carroll Countians were craving.
Now, they’ve found the perfect brick-and-mortar home at 61 E. Main Street. It’s a gorgeous mid-1800s building with those dreamy high ceilings and original wood floors. Ashley says they wanted it to feel like walking into Grandma’s house—warm and welcoming. The name "Collision Course" is so perfect because it’s the collision of all their work and life experiences finally coming together into courses for us to enjoy!
A Love Language Named Hospitality
Ashley calls hospitality a "love language," and you can really feel that when you talk to them. They are so incredibly humble about their success, too.
When they aren't busy being local culinary icons, they’re hanging out with their three kids—Ahmya, Alexander, and Adelina. As "urban transplants," they’ve totally embraced the Westminster vibe. Ashley even joked that living here is like being in the town from Gilmore Girls, which is just about the most charming description I’ve ever heard.
I’m so honored I got to capture this family for the magazine. They are authentic, inclusive, and just plain fun to be around.
