About Us

Our Story

In the summer of 2014 in Chicago, IL, Evan Sumrell and Lisa Kuznicki met and bonded over their shared passions of design, hospitality, and quality, flavorful cuisine. Sumrell, a chef with years of kitchen experience, and Kuznicki, a beauty industry veteran, dreamed of one day opening their own restaurant and creating a community around a culture of sustainable cooking.  

Five years and thousands of shared meals later, the couple and their son Stanley have moved back to Kuznicki’s hometown of Midland, and are preparing to open Aster, an exciting new farm to table concept that looks to bring a gourmet, homegrown experience to downtown. With a local, seasonal menu inspired by Sumrell’s years working in Michelin star kitchens, Aster offers intimate, delicately crafted dining for lunch and dinner.