Our Mission
To enhance and educate the palate with the freshest ingredients and flavors. We strive to surprise and excite each guest with personal care and service.
Our Mission
To enhance and educate the palate with the freshest ingredients and flavors. We strive to surprise and excite each guest with personal care and service.
Ellen Gracyalny
Proprietor
Ellen grew up cooking in her family kitchen, where she developed a passion for feeding people. She carried this passion from her home kitchen, through a four-year psychology degree, then to culinary school at Johnson & Wales University. She opened Gracie’s on New Year’s Eve in 1998. At Gracie’s, she is known for building a team that is excited about culinary artistry, wowing guests, and championing locally sourced food. Most nights, she can be found working the line, chatting with guests, or encouraging her staff to “wish it, dream it, do it.”
In 2012, she opened Ellie’s as an extension of the bread program at Gracie’s. With Ellie’s, Ellen and her team strive each day to stand out in the community as a loyal, soulful, nourishing neighborhood eatery.
Chef Matthew Varga
Executive Chef
Chef Matthew VargaChef Varga is from Connecticut, where he would spend his childhood days crabbing, fishing, and soaking in the aromas of his family’s busy kitchen. He began his culinary training by taking food and baking classes in high school, and started his first job in a restaurant at the age of 16. Chef Varga attended Johnson & Wales University, where he received his associate degree in culinary arts in 2003, and his bachelor’s degree in food service management in 2005.
Chef Varga began working at Gracie’s in 2007 and was promoted to Executive Chef in 2010. Since then, Gracie’s has won the AAA four-diamond award eight years straight and received three Diner’s Choice awards from Open Table. Chef Varga has been featured in Art Culinaire and as a guest chef for the Democratic Governors Association Taste of America gala.
Justin Bothur
Hospitality & Wine Leader
Justin BothurJustin discovered his love for food and wine while studying Philosophy and Art History in Boston, working in some of the city’s finest restaurants. Excelling in service and leadership, Justin traveled to the resort areas of Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, and coastal Maine before arriving in New York City to further hone his craft. In New York, Justin found his mentors with various Sommeliers and wine professionals, and he achieved certification himself with the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2013. A growing family saw him leave the city and settle in coastal Rhode Island, where he resides with his family and seven chickens. He hopes to lead Gracie’s hospitality team into the next decade, constantly innovating and bringing a fresh perspective to wine and fine dining.
Giulianna Galiano
Communications and Development Leader
Giulianna is a Jersey girl at heart, growing up amongst a large Italian American family of which celebrated food, wine and good company any chance they could throughout her childhood. She was taught how to cook by her grandmother and father. Both of her parents were artists and gardeners so Giulianna immersed herself in “the arts” and the concept of sustainability at a very young age. When she wanted to pursue writing in college, she was also encouraged to explore culinary school to create more of a direct career path which would encompass her love for hospitality and food. After frequenting The Culinary Institute of America and majoring with a B.A. in culinary arts management, she spent some time traveling to Italy on a few trips where she got to network with farmers, Chefs and study Italian wine as well as their ingredients. Giulianna has experience in front of house management, cooking, event planning, human resources and running her own account from private golf clubs and restaurants to corporate settings.
Giulianna serves as the ventures’ Human Resources representative, as well as structuring behind the scenes systems that help the operations run more efficiently. She can help Teammates resolve any personnel issues as well as aid in providing resources and support for both leadership and Teammates to enhance the development and growth of the organization.
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Courtney Lampman
Venture Marketing and Community Relations
Courtney Lampman grew up in Vermont where she developed a passion for customer service, spreadsheets, and all things organization. She moved to Rhode Island to attend the University of Rhode Island in 2003 and her love for the ocean has kept her in the area ever since. Courtney earned a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Rhode Island and an M.B.A. in Event Leadership from Johnson & Wales University.
For over a decade, Courtney dedicated herself to corporate event planning and event marketing before taking a break from the workforce to start a family. She joined the team at Gracie’s in 2019 as a Server and was immediately captivated by the team’s passion, drive, and dedication to professional service and exceptional cuisine. Since then, she has developed a deep understanding of the culture and values that fuel Gracie’s and Ellie’s. As the Venture Marketing and Community Relations Leader, she plans to create innovative ways to convey these sentiments to the public while maintaining strong relationships with local businesses to help support the community.
Michael Bartley
Gracie’s Sous Chef
Michael is a versatile and passionate cook hailing from Spanish Town, Jamaica. Growing up surrounded by his grandparents’ farm, Michael developed a deep love and appreciation for food from an early age. His journey in the culinary world began in Nantucket, where he attended high school and discovered his passion for cooking through culinary classes. Starting his professional career at a small bakery/cafe, Micheal quickly realized his true calling. He moved on to work at The Proprietors restaurant under the guidance of Chef Mike Lascoles. Starting at a young age, he practiced his skills on the hotline, working the fry and sauté stations. Currently a senior at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Michael will receive his Bachelor of Science this May. He started his journey at Gracie’s by securing an internship. His talent and commitment impressed Chef Matt Varga and offered him a permanent position. Michael’s hard work and dedication led to a promotion to Sous Chef within a year. As he celebrates his first anniversary at Gracie’s, Michael couldn’t be happier with his position and the opportunities that lie ahead for him to continue growing and learning in the culinary world.
