A New Chapter in Eastern Shore Dining: Welcoming Executive Chef James to Sugar Water Restaurant
- Willie
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
There's something incredibly special about watching a story unfold right in your own backyard--especially when that story is rooted in hard work, local pride, and the unmistakable spirit of Maryland's Eastern Shore. Today, Sugar Water Restaurant is proud to share a milestone that celebrates all three: the appointment of James as our new Executive Chef.
Chef James is not just a talented culinarian--he is a Deal Island son, a natural leader, and someone whose journey embodies the heart of Sugar Water's mission. This tradition marks an exciting new chapter in our kitchen, one that honors our roots while opening the door to continued creativity, local flavor, and warm hospitality.
A Eastern Shore Chef with a Extraordinary Journey
What makes Chef James' story so compelling is that it begins right here, along the quiet waters and working stretches of Deal Island. From a long line of watermen, James grew up immersed in the rhythms of the Chesapeake Bay and Tangier Sound--learning to dredge, shuck, and prepare the famously large oysters that define the region's history and cuisine. This wasn't just a childhood pastime; it was the foundation of the deep respect and reverence he carries for local ingredients today.
Unlike many in his field, Chef James is self-taught. His culinary journey didn't start in a formal kitchen or culinary school--it started at home, inspired by family, community, and a genuine love for cooking. He still lights up when talking about the spaghetti his mother made when he was young, a dish that sparked his passion for sharing meals that bring people together. Pasta remains one of his favorite things to cook for others, not because it's elaborate, but because it's soulful. It's comfort. It's connection.
Seafood, of course, holds a special place in his heart as well. Whether it's crafting an Eastern Shore crab dish or honoring the flavors of the water he grew up on, Chef James approaches these recipes with reverence--knowing that every ingredient tells a story.
Rising Through the Ranks at Sugar Water
James joined the Sugar Water team in May 2024, right as the restaurant opened its doors. What began as a search for a cooking position quickly transformed into something larger. His work ethic, natural leadership, and unwavering commitment to the team made him indispensable.
He moved from Line cook to Chef de Cuisine to, finally, Executive Chef in just months--an extraordinary rise that speaks to both his capabilities and his heart. His team respects him, our guests adore the dishes he creates, and his contributions have helped shape the culinary identity of Sugar Water in meaningful ways.
And now, he steps into the Executive Chef role with pride, humility, and a deep understanding of what makes our restaurant so special.
Leading Sugar Water into the Future
As Executive Chef, James will guide Sugar Water's culinary direction with the same philosophy that has been present since day one: thoughtful creativity, intentional ingredients, and a deep celebration of the farm-and-water-to-table traditions of the Eastern Shore. And Team, James’s leadership, ability to communicate and build a strong team to provide delicious, consistent and creative food to the community is already shining.
Guests can expect to see continued emphasis on:
Fresh, local sourcing
Dishes that honor regional flavors
Inviting plates meant to be shared
Inventive twists rooted in tradition
"He brings passion, work ethic, and a deep connection to this community," said owner Dana Zucker. "We can't wait for guests to experience the continued evolution of Sugar Water's cuisine under his direction. “When we met James over six years ago, David and I knew the passion for food and the way he spoke about food, he was going places. Who knew six years later we would own Sugar Water and James would be our Executive Chef”.
It's not just about skill--it's about heart. And Chef James leads with plenty of it.
A Warm Welcome to What's Next
Change in a kitchen is always a significant moment--but at Sugar Water, it feels like the natural next step in a beautiful, unfolding journey. Chef James brings the talent, heritage, and heart that reflect everything we love about this region and everything we strive to bring to your table.
We hope you'll join us soon to experience this next era of Sugar Water dining--crafted with care, guided by local flavor, and inspired by home.
Here's to the meals ahead, the memories to come, and the continued story of Sugar Water Restaurant.