Team & Producers — Café DeWitt

OWNER & PASTRY CHEF

Benjamin Roach (he/him) has an Associate's Degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from the Culinary Institute of America. Starting at the age of 15, Ben has worked in a variety of restaurants and service venues, predominantly in Ithaca and its surrounding areas. Ben has called Ithaca his home for over 20 years and feels a deep sense of duty to this town and it's food culture. Through working with farmers in a variety of restaurants and teaching as a member of the Farm to Bistro program at Tompkins Cortland Community College, Ben has gained a knowledge and a passion for the vast bounty that the Finger Lakes, its Farmers and food system have to offer.

OWNER & CHEF

Denise O’Leary (she/her) has a Bachelor’s Degree from Ithaca College in Environmental Sciences. With a passion for sustainable food systems, she has worked in restaurants ranging in specialty. Her roots in the Bronx inspire her palette and push her to experiment with flavors of NYC nostalgia. Following graduation, Denise has become a Cornell University Master Beekeeper and is an active member of local groups such as the Finger Lakes Beekeepers’ club and the Ithaca Generator Makerspace. Denise believes that collaboration with community members is an important element to creating unique products and experiences.

Béla Stearns

SERVER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Béla Stearns (pronouns unknown) grew up in Mecklenburg, NY & earned a diploma at LACS before traveling to Washington, DC to study Audio Technology & Film at American University. Béla has spent the last 16 years working at local restaurants, record stores, food co-ops, performance venues, & catering companies. She loves reading, gardening, cooking, film, & music. He also volunteers at WRFI Community Radio where they host a bi-weekly music program under the alias Driftglass. Béla has been a lifelong patron & fan of the Café Dewitt & has long dreamt of being the one to brew the coffee & draw upon the chalkboards.

Adelaida Castillo

KITCHEN WITCH

Adelaida Castillo (she/they) is a Dominican born & NYC bred culinary explorer who walked away from their career in finance in exchange for an apron and clogs. Working in a wide array of restaurants, bakeries, and catering halls throughout NY state over the last 15 years they’ve called Ithaca home for the last 10. As a master composter, amateur farmer, and avid fermentor - eliminating food waste in our food systems is always at the forefront of what they do. She is very excited to join the Dewitt team and be part of an Ithaca treasure.