Today we’d like to introduce you to Skye Bonney.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up on the south coast of MA, in Mattapoisett. I am a UNH alumni with a degree in Psychology– that’s what brought me to NH. After graduating, I decided to follow my passion and attended the CIA at Hyde Park, NY. I returned to seacoast NH after graduating and worked at a number of restaurants in the area. The Seacoast NH and Southern ME restaurant scene is flourishing. When The Black Birch opened in Kittery, I took on the role of sous chef and later chef de cuisine.
I was with The Black Birch for six years. As the partners at Black Birch, we’re thinking about what a second location would entail, they included me in brainstorming and planning. I’m not sure we ever initially considered including a brewery — they are certainly a trend… but Black Birch had been a great gastropub with one of the better rotating tap lists in ME. We all loved food and beer, but the brewery was something that was outside of our consideration. Dave Yarrington, one of our partners at C+M was what cemented that and ultimately pushed the project forward. Dave was an old friend and the former head brewer at Smuttynose. He had left Smuttynose and was doing consulting… but several of us were Dover residents and the idea of bringing our brand of food, and being able to pair it with equally cared for beer all from under the same roof, well it was really all any of us had wanted.
Dave’s brewery is maybe 600 sq. ft., but it’s perfectly laid out. The space is fun, convivial. The bar and dining room are simple and clean. Like the menu. Like the beer. It’s been great watching it grow.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I can’t imagine that anyone’s road has been smooth. I’m certainly not claiming to have had a rough road– but one certainly full of turns and corners. I’ve been fortunate to have built some great friendships along the way, so I’ve had company on a lot of the road.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Chapel+Main Restaurant|Brewery – what should we know?
We are a small restaurant, about 100 seats, with a 5barrel brewery. We take a lot of pride and care in everything we make under our roof. We work hard to serve our community. Somethings always surprise me — we sell a lot of chicken pot pie. Doesn’t matter the time of year or the temperature. But I guess that may be our specialty, making food that feels like home.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Persistence. Our team works hard every day. We hold each other to high standards. And we have a lot of fun. Maybe it’s having fun and loving what you do.
Contact Info:
- Address: 83 Main St Dover NH 03820 (on the corner of Chapel St + Main St)
- Website: www.chapelandmain.com
- Phone: 603-842-5170
- Email: eat@chapelandmain.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chapelandmain/
Image Credit:
Amanda Kowalski Photography
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