Meet Dom Ruggiero | Chef/ Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dom Ruggiero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dom, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I had been cooking professionally for over a decade for other people learning as much as I could about the business side of things. I always knew I wanted to open my own restaurant and once I felt I knew what I needed to, it was full speed ahead.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We opened Hush Public House in 2019 to rave reviews. We wanted to be an upscale neighborhood restaurant focusing on hospitality, intimate dining space and local products. We have won many awards and have been featured on Food Network. We opened our next restaurant Fire at Will in 2022 to similar fanfare and continued with an emphasis on local neighborhood dining. It hasn’t always been easy though. We had to deal with, like many restaurants, Covid, delivery surcharges, increased rent, increased pricing on goods as well as labor. We continue to pivot where we can without jeopardizing the quality of our product. The most important thing I’ve learned along the way is listening to guest feedback. We want our restaurants to be places that our guests are getting what they want out of their dining experience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
As a father to two very young children, I don’t get out very often. With that being said there are so many incredible chefs and restaurants in town that it would be easy to make a list of some of my favorite places. In no particular order Vecina, First & Last, Virtu, The Gladly, Glai Baan, Saint Pasta, Little Miss BBQ, Buck & Rider, Progress and Zinc Bistro.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people to shout out for my success it would take too long to name. I’ve had so many incredible mentors along the way as well as the support from family and friends. I wouldn’t be in the position I am without my amazing staff either. They are the true heroes in my business. But if I had to shout out one person, it would definitely be my wife, Holly. She is my biggest support system.

Website: www.hushpublichouse.com www.eatfireatwill.com

Instagram: @domlikefood @hushpublichouse @eatfireatwill

Image Credits
Carrilee Fox