pre·serve
/priˈzərv/
a: to can, pickle and prepare for future use.
b: maintain relationships with the community.
c: to keep alive, intact and constant.
Preserve is a casual American restaurant using sustainable and local products. Pickling, Preserving and Fermenting is a passion and focus on the menu.
The concept for Preserve comes from the husband and wife team of Jeremy and Michelle Hoffman, two Culinary Institute of America grads. Michelle and Jeremy have had the opportunity to work at some of the best restaurants on the east coast which inspired them to want to open their own restaurant. Michelle has worked as a manager at Tribeca Grill and a maître d’ at Union Square Café. Jeremy worked for one year in the kitchen at Nobu 57, and then moved to Thomas Keller's famed Per Se for two years. In the fall of 2008, Jeremy and Michelle got married and moved to Alexandria, Virginia where they both worked for Eat Good Food Group for the 5 years. In 2013, Jeremy was named an “Eater.com Young Gun”. A few months later, Michelle and Jeremy were approached with the prospect of opening a new restaurant in Annapolis, Maryland. Their combined vision of blending great food and excellent service helped bring Preserve to life.
General Manager and Mixology Master Monnie Knight sets the bar truly high around here, no pun intended! She keeps Preserve operating smoothly as a tight ship. Behind the bar lately, she’s been taking more risks with new flavors and some exciting techniques. We’re truly excited about the libations she’s mixing up.
Chef De Cuisine Alex Flynn, Annapolis native, is a wildly passionate leader who keeps things running smoothly around here with aplomb. In addition to managing the kitchen, Alex curates the menu and daily seasonal specials for the restaurant. When he is not at the restaurant, you can probably find him at the farmer’s market.
Claire Doris, a Maryland native, is a Sous Chef at Preserve. Her drive and grace under pressure navigates the restaurant day from set up to service and clean up. In addition to keeping the kitchen line on track, Claire manages our kombucha program driven by inspiration from the season's bounty.
Lead Bartender Christina Jadra, a former professional dancer from the Ballet Theater of Maryland, has honed her skill at Preserve for the past three years and pretty much crushed every position she’s held here - now it’s her time to shine as Lead Bartender! #ProfessionalPinkDrinkMaker