A native of Rye, New York, Chef Bill Fogarty has spent 28 years in the food industry. He began the journey washing dishes at a small restaurant in his hometown, went on to attend Johnson and Wales culinary school in Rhode Island, and then worked in some of Boston’s best, fine dining restaurants.

In 2011, he opened Scratch Kitchen in downtown Salem, MA, a name that clearly expressed their mission- everything served was made from scratch, even the ketchup.

Fogarty believes in working with local farmers and vendors, maintaining the integrity of food, and become a steadfast part of the community.

“I envision a restaurant that becomes identifiable beyond the normal constraints of a typical restaurant. I want this to be a part of the fabric of the community, evolved not just from our in-house hospitality, but from our acts of charity throughout the community at large. I want to expand on the idea I had as a young person watching Cheers- that maybe one day I could own and establish a restaurant that was itself a community. A place that everyone could gather and celebrate the everyday.”

Meet Molly, our dynamic General Manager, whose journey back into the heart of hospitality was serendipitously sparked just months after welcoming her first baby. It was during a birthday celebration for long-loved regulars from her previous job that Molly crossed paths with Chef William Fogarty, setting the stage for an extraordinary opportunity.

Chef Bill extended an invitation to bring a vision to life, creating an in-house, hospitality-focused restaurant—a proposition that resonated deeply with Molly. The prospect of infusing a historic space with vitality and turning dreams into reality aligned perfectly with her passion for the industry.

Molly’s love affair with the fast-paced, electric restaurant environment began at the tender age of 17 when she embarked on her first hostess position. Now, with 17 years of diverse restaurant experience, ranging from corporate fine dining to neighborhood pub, Molly’s heart still beats for the connections forged daily with both staff and guests.

Though momentarily sidetracked by the pursuit of her degree, Molly’s focus has always remained on people and hospitality. She thrives amidst the unique intensity of restaurant life, effortlessly assuming the roles of peacekeeper and problem solver.

Eager to continue pursuing her passion for hospitality, Molly is thrilled about our local classic destination, “Kitchen Table.” For her, the kitchen table symbolizes more than just a physical space—it’s a place to break bread, share laughs, agree and disagree, and ultimately, make lasting memories. Molly and Chef Bill share the belief of keeping it simple yet significant, and she can’t wait to meet you!