Benjamin Roach
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.
Denise O’Leary
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.
