In the heart of Ridgefield, The Ancient Mariner has long stood as a cherished gathering place—a spot where locals swap stories over hearty meals, and generations have celebrated milestones big and small. Now, this beloved institution is embarking on an exciting new journey under the stewardship of Shannon Sturz.
Sturz, a Culinary Institute of America graduate, is no stranger to the rhythms of Ridgefield life or the warm ambiance of the Mariner. Having spent formative years as a sous chef at the esteemed Inn at Pound Ridge under the guidance of world-renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, he brings a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for culinary excellence to his new role.
He takes the reins from longtime owner Jessica Wilmot, who first stepped behind the bar in 1978 and officially purchased the restaurant on April 7, 1992. “The restaurant opened in January 1974 and I came to work in the fall of '78,” Wilmot shared in a 2017 video. “In 1992, the owner wanted to move to Florida, so he put the restaurant up for sale—and that's when I bought it.”
The Ancient Mariner is located at 451 Main Street in the CVS Shopping Plaza. Visit them online here.
*Image courtesy Ancient Mariner Facebook Page