My lifelong love of great food and entertaining is part of my experience growing up in the South. Eating and socializing were a big part of our tradition, and I had the good fortune to be surrounded by great cooks and lots of natural, locally grown food. To this day I recall picking pecans and figs in my grandmother’s yard and helping her transform them into delicious pies, preserves and rich, flavorful snacks.

Even as a child, I loved to explore the kitchen and all its wonders. Just as many other aspiring cooks at the time, I learned from Julia Child on television and would then experiment with different foods and recipes, including the Crunchy Adirondack Granola offered today. As soon as I was on my own, I expanded my culinary skills and continued to surround myself with people who were passionate about food and entertaining.

While living in Atlanta, my circle of friends hosted dinners nearly every night of the week. We tested new recipes on each other and had great fun in the process. Several friends worked for an Atlanta-based cooking show host and another owned a catering business. Helping out wherever possible, I realized how much I loved working with food and helping people have a good time.

And so after twenty years in the corporate world, mostly in real estate, I decided it was time for a change. It’s only natural I chose to follow my dream of working with food and entertaining.

Russ has an attachment to the Adirondacks that goes back three generations, when his family settled in Tupper Lake.

A rich family history of culinary service in the region (he learned much of this from his mother and grandmother) forms the basis for his love of food and entertaining.

Russ spent 35 years in Banking and Corporate Finance before returning to Tupper Lake in 2014. He handles the finances for our growing business, and on many nights and weekends you’ll find him ensuring our guests have an enjoyable dining experience.

Mitch leads our kitchen team as Culinary Director. He was our first hire when we opened the market 5 years ago.

Mitch is from Tupper Lake and has always worked in the food service field. Before joining us, Mitch honed his skills at The Waterside Café at The Wild center.

When not working, Mitch enjoys golfing and anything sports related.

Mary joined our team in 2016. Her love for cooking goes back to her childhood days. She comes from a family who is very passionate about food & entertaining.

She followed in her family’s footsteps and became a professional chef after attending Paul Smith’s College Culinary program with a degree in Culinary Arts.

Ever since she has been spreading her love through cooking.

When not working, Mary enjoys spending time with her husband and son, playing hockey and traveling.

Devin was born & raised in Tupper Lake, and has been with us for two years. He started as a delivery driver and moved up to become a Guest Services Associate at the market.

Our guests appreciate Devin’s great personality and attention to detail.

When not at work, Devin enjoys playing hockey and snowmobiling.

Joe, born & raised in Tupper Lake, has been with us for two years. He started as a dishwasher and learned that he had an interest in cooking. He moved up to sous chef and is part of our daily kitchen production.

If you are enjoying any of the items from our kitchen, chances are Joe had a hand in creating them!

When not working, Joe enjoys hanging out with his family, snowmobiling and playing his guitar.