Question: Where are you from and when did you move to Mount Vernon?
Answer: I’m originally from Circleville, Ohio, home of the Pumpkin Show! I currently live in Westerville, Ohio, on the north side of Columbus. I make the beautiful countryside commute to Mount Vernon every morning.
Question: What is your background aside from The Alcove?
Answer: I moved to Columbus in 2008 to advance my career. I began to attend Columbus State for my culinary degree. I was doing my apprenticeship at Scioto Country Club as well as working full time with Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern. I ended up taking a sous-chef position with the Rusty Bucket. After spending several years there I moved on to a fine-dining setting in a sous-chef position, developing into the executive chef for 89 Fish and Grill in downtown Columbus. I moved on and did some menu development for a few different restaurants. Eventually, I found the beautiful gem in downtown Mount Vernon. I call The Alcove my home and I love being a part of such a great family and community.
Question: I know you changed the menu lately— can you tell me more about that? Do you think the customers are responding well to the menu change?
Answer: Menu development is many different things and there's a lot that goes into the thought of a new one. Change is not always an easy thing to accept. It’s been important to me to keep the things that people have loved over the years, but to mesh that with the idea of taking the guest on a new journey to create new favorites. It’s a process getting to know one another, much like in any relationship— finding out what the community likes, dislikes and may be willing to try. We try to cover all bases; we aim to please!
Question: What are your plans for the future of The Alcove?
Answer: With everything that is going on, it’s hard to predict what’s in the future or what obstacles lay ahead. But we will get through these difficult times and continue to provide great service and food for this wonderful community— that you can count on!
The Alcove
116 S. Main St.
Mount Vernon, OH 43050
(740) 392-3076
Monday-Friday: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; 5-10 p.m.
Saturday: 4:30-10 p.m.
Closed Sunday
