Gather55 harnesses the power of delicious food to connect diverse communities through a restaurant with an inclusive vibe where all can gather regardless of ability to pay. Gather55 is a Hands On Hartford initiative and part of Hands On Hartford’s commitment to serve neighbors, engage volunteers and connect communities in the Hartford area.
More about Hands on Hartford.
Chef Joel is a Connecticut native and son of Italian bakers, who began learning the trade in his parents’ bakery at a young age with his father.
It didn’t take long for him to discover the gratification from cooking. A graduate of Johnson and Wales, finishing with a Masters Degree in Culinary Education, the aspiring chef always connected teaching and cooking. While holding positions as an educator, Joel has been cooking professionally for over 20 years. He has worked in several top kitchens in New England such as Chez Pascal in Providence, RI, Union League Cafe in New Haven, CT, and Bar Bouchée in Madison, CT. More recently Chef Joel has worked at LINCOLN Ristorante in New York City under Chef Jonathan Benno and spent time at Millwright’s Restaurant and Tavern in Simsbury, CT with Tyler Anderson. He also designed and ran a successful food program for a student financial services company based in New Haven, CT.
Joel has garnered national attention by appearing on a variety of television shows including Beat Bobby Flay, Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen and Rocco’s Dinner Party.
“As chefs, we’re often consumed by the daily grind and focused on serving our guests. But when the opportunity arises to step out and give back to the community, it brings me a deep sense of joy. Hands On Hartford and Gather55 are shining examples of compassion in action, and I’m proud to answer the call.”
Hands on Hartford's
Center for Community
55 Bartholomew Avenue
in the
Parkville
neighborhood
of Hartford, Connecticut.