Jesse Vergen has officially taken the helm of the Ale House group of companies. (Photo: Submitted)
Celebrity chef and Quispamsis native Jesse Vergen, who is also a Food Network Canada regular, has officially taken the helm of the Ale House group of companies.
Vergen amicably bought out his long-time business partner, Pete Stoddart, which he said was something they had discussed way back when they first partnered in 2004.
“It came up this summer, between Pete and I, in our chats and planning sessions with the whole craziness that was going on with the COVID and it came to fruition,” he said. “It invigorated me to be able to rise to that executive level of managing multiple operations and tons of employees by myself.”
The Ale House group of companies now includes the Saint John Ale House, Toro Taco, Barred Rock, The Smokin’ Pig, The Junction Driving Range, and a thriving catering business.
His plans include vertically integrating companies such as Axil Gardens, operated by his wife Kim Osepchook, which has been a big supplier to the Ale House group over the years, and other companies he owns.
“Now we’ll have the ability to sort of combine those companies together and be able to move forward with some innovative flavours,” said Vergen.
Vergen is proud of the businesses he’s helped build and is ready to take it to the next level.
“It’s kind of neat to get that point where you’re like, ‘Wow, this is where I got to from blood, sweat, tears and hard work,’” he said.
In a social media post, Stoddart reflects on his 25 years in the business but says there will be another chapter in his business career.
“I am moving on from this adventure and my friend, business partner and incredible Chef Jesse Vergen has taken over full operations of the SJAH Group of Restaurants,” wrote Stoddart. “Not to worry, I’m not going anywhere. I love #SaintAwesome and will continue to be around. I’ll be helping my wonderful wife Michelle [at] Port City Delicious expand her business wherever she needs me to be and keeping an eye out for my next Business adventure.”
“For now, you can find me having a beer at my favourite restaurant with my pal Jesse and seeing what life’s like on the other side of the bar.”
This story was originally published by Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
