26 min
EP 68: Dive Deep into Bar Harbor: A Seafood Odyssey with Owner Ben Hodgetts The Voice4Chefs Podcast
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- Food
**Introduction:**
In this episode of the Voice4Chefs Podcast, we sit down with Ben Hodgetts, the mastermind behind Bar Harbor, a seafood hotspot in downtown Seattle. Ben shares his journey from the East Coast to the West Coast, his love for seafood, and the story behind Bar Harbor's success.
**Background:**
- Ben Hodgetts opened Bar Harbor in downtown Seattle in 2016, drawing seafood lovers from around the world.
- Growing up on the East Coast, Ben developed a deep appreciation for the region's culinary traditions and sense of humor.
- Despite not coming from a restaurant family, Ben was drawn to the hospitality industry from a young age and has worked in every role imaginable in a restaurant.
**East Coast Roots:**
- Ben's upbringing on the East Coast instilled in him a love for seafood, particularly lobster and Dungeness crab.
- He recalls fond memories of clamming, crabbing, and lobstering with family and friends along the Jersey Shore and in Portland, Maine.
**Transition to the West Coast:**
- After culinary school and a stint in Europe, Ben found himself in Seattle, where his father lived.
- Inspired by the lack of Dungeness crab rolls on the West Coast, Ben set out to introduce this East Coast favorite to Seattle diners.
**The Birth of Bar Harbor:**
- Initially conceived as a wine shop with a focus on Dungeness crab rolls, Bar Harbor evolved into a full-fledged seafood restaurant.
- Ben's commitment to quality ingredients, including fresh Dungeness Crab and Maine Lobster, set Bar Harbor apart from the competition.
**Navigating the Pandemic:**
- Like many restaurants, Bar Harbor faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- With creativity and resilience, Ben and his team adapted to the changing landscape, offering takeout and utilizing their outdoor space to ensure guest safety.
**Memorable Moments and Lessons Learned:**
- Ben reflects on the highs and lows of restaurant ownership, from the excitement of opening day to the challenges of managing a business.
- He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and humility, acknowledging that success in the restaurant industry requires hard work and a willingness to learn from others.
**Looking Ahead:**
- As Bar Harbor prepares to reopen its deck for the season, Ben looks forward to welcoming guests back and creating memorable dining experiences.
- He invites listeners to visit Bar Harbor and experience the joy of high-end picnic food in the heart of Seattle.
**Connect with Bar Harbor:**
- Website: www.barharborbar.com
- Instagram: @barharborseattle
Season2
To subscribe to Litibu Collective visit:https://www.litibucollective.com/subscription
Support the Show.
Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.
Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US
Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/
Volunteer contact ChefMichael@voice4chefs.com
Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef
**Introduction:**
In this episode of the Voice4Chefs Podcast, we sit down with Ben Hodgetts, the mastermind behind Bar Harbor, a seafood hotspot in downtown Seattle. Ben shares his journey from the East Coast to the West Coast, his love for seafood, and the story behind Bar Harbor's success.
**Background:**
- Ben Hodgetts opened Bar Harbor in downtown Seattle in 2016, drawing seafood lovers from around the world.
- Growing up on the East Coast, Ben developed a deep appreciation for the region's culinary traditions and sense of humor.
- Despite not coming from a restaurant family, Ben was drawn to the hospitality industry from a young age and has worked in every role imaginable in a restaurant.
**East Coast Roots:**
- Ben's upbringing on the East Coast instilled in him a love for seafood, particularly lobster and Dungeness crab.
- He recalls fond memories of clamming, crabbing, and lobstering with family and friends along the Jersey Shore and in Portland, Maine.
**Transition to the West Coast:**
- After culinary school and a stint in Europe, Ben found himself in Seattle, where his father lived.
- Inspired by the lack of Dungeness crab rolls on the West Coast, Ben set out to introduce this East Coast favorite to Seattle diners.
**The Birth of Bar Harbor:**
- Initially conceived as a wine shop with a focus on Dungeness crab rolls, Bar Harbor evolved into a full-fledged seafood restaurant.
- Ben's commitment to quality ingredients, including fresh Dungeness Crab and Maine Lobster, set Bar Harbor apart from the competition.
**Navigating the Pandemic:**
- Like many restaurants, Bar Harbor faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- With creativity and resilience, Ben and his team adapted to the changing landscape, offering takeout and utilizing their outdoor space to ensure guest safety.
**Memorable Moments and Lessons Learned:**
- Ben reflects on the highs and lows of restaurant ownership, from the excitement of opening day to the challenges of managing a business.
- He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and humility, acknowledging that success in the restaurant industry requires hard work and a willingness to learn from others.
**Looking Ahead:**
- As Bar Harbor prepares to reopen its deck for the season, Ben looks forward to welcoming guests back and creating memorable dining experiences.
- He invites listeners to visit Bar Harbor and experience the joy of high-end picnic food in the heart of Seattle.
**Connect with Bar Harbor:**
- Website: www.barharborbar.com
- Instagram: @barharborseattle
Season2
To subscribe to Litibu Collective visit:https://www.litibucollective.com/subscription
Support the Show.
Your support and contributions are vital in sustaining and expanding The Voice4Chefs podcast.
Your donations aid in amplifying the voices of chefs globally.
https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/voice4chefs?locale.x=en_US
Share your thoughts! Leave a comment or 5 star review.
https://www.voice4chefs.com/reviews/new/
Volunteer contact ChefMichael@voice4chefs.com
Connect with our Culinary Stories:
https://linktr.ee/voice4chef
26 min